It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Rovena Watt Abrams, 100, of the Seneca Nation Allegany Territory. Rovena passed on January 6, 2025 surrounded by her loved ones, after a long and fulfilling life.
Born October 31, 1924 in Salamanca, NY, she was the daughter of the late Clarence and Nettie Huff Watt and grew up in Coldspring on the Allegany Territory.
She was an enrolled member of the Seneca Nation of Indians and the Turtle Clan.
Rovena was a graduate of Salamanca High School, Class of 1942.
Rovena was dedicated to serving the Seneca Nation community throughout her life and career. In 1961, Rovena was hired as one of the first employees of the Seneca Nation as the SNI Deputy Clerk. In 1994, she began her decades-long tenure as editor of the Seneca Nation Official Newsletter, where she worked to share the Seneca Nation members’ stories and achievements. Rovena retired in 2020, after six decades of service to the Seneca Nation.
Rovena was appointed then elected as a Tribal Councilor, serving for six years from 2002-2008. She was then elected as a Peacemaker’s Court Judge from 2008-2010.Rovena was instrumental in Seneca women’s suffrage, advocating for women to gain the right to vote and hold elected office in SNI government.
Her service extended to numerous Boards and Committees, including, but not limited to, the Kinzua Planning Committee, Seneca Nation Salamanca Lease Negotiation Committee, the Seneca Nation-Salamanca Joint Leasing Commission, and the Seneca Nation of Indians Economic Development Committee. She was also a founding member of the Seneca-Iroquois National Museum Board of Trustees, helping to preserve and celebrate Seneca arts, culture, and history.
Not only was Rovena a pillar in the Seneca community, Rovena was also a staunch advocate of Indian Country as a whole. In 1984, Rovena was appointed the Northeast Area Vice President of the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) for two terms. Rovena also served as an alternate delegate to the National Congress of Americans Indians and the United South and Eastern Tribes representing the Seneca Nation.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Rovena was also a master corn husk doll maker. After learning the skill from her mother Nettie, her artistry was featured in the “Iroquois and Native American Art of Today”, a traveling exhibit in 1973, and is proudly displayed at the Smithsonian Institution’s Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C.
A fluent first-language Seneca speaker, Rovena also contributed to revitalizing and growing the Seneca language. Before her retirement, Rovena worked with the Allegany Seneca Language Department.
Surviving are: three sons, Bruce (Renee) Abrams, Brian (Linda) Abrams, Stephen (Julie) Abrams; five grandchildren, Zak Abrams, Katy Abrams, Caleb (Jodi Lynn Maracle) Abrams, Reesa Abrams, Nathan Abrams; three great-grandchildren, Yehwatsironnyons Maracle Hill, Rorhen’s Abrams, Iotsi’tsakéhte Abrams; a sister, Carolyn (Randy) Brant; many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and cousins.
Rovena was predeceased by six siblings, Ruth Watt Piscitelli, Maribel Watt Printup, Merle Watt Sr., Milburn “Bud” Watt, Harold Watt, and Elwin “Sparky” Watt.
In her own words…..Rovena’s Extensive Career with the Seneca Nation
I first began working for the Seneca Nation in 1964 as Deputy Clerk. I was the second person to be hired. The Executives and Councillors rented office space in Salamanca. This was their first office. At that time, they were trying very hard to stop the Federal Government from taking Seneca lands on the Allegany Territory for the Kinzua Dam. They lost.
This was the beginning of relocation for the Allegany residents who lived in the area to be occupied by the Kinzua Dam. It was a tragic time for the elderly Senecas. There were new homes built for the displaced Senecas.
There was also a new Haley Building where the Seneca Nation office became located. I continued working for the Seneca Nation until 1967. I then worked for the Corps of Engineers in Warren, Pa. The lengthy drive, especially in the wintertime, became difficult. I resigned and found employment in Ellicottville with Cooperative Extension under Cattaraugus County Civil Service. My employment lasted 12 years.
I did not lose contact with the Seneca Nation, however, because I attended Council sessions. I renewed my employment with the Seneca Nation. Lionel John at that time was the President of the Seneca Nation. He appointed me as editor of the newly formed Seneca Nation newsletter. I wrote articles about different events and people. I enjoyed writing.
I worked alone. I produced 10-page newsletters with photos in the beginning. One day, I looked up a newsletter dated May 3, 1990 in our files. This was the period of signing new leases when the Salamanca leases expired. The newsletter contained a photo of then President Calvin John, Clerk Maribel Printup, Celand Printup as Notary Public, during the lease signing. There was also an article with the heading, “United States Supreme Court denies SCOUT’s request to extend the status quo.” “The United States Supreme Court in a unanimous decision on Monday, April 29, denied the Salamanca Coalition of the United Taxpayers (SCOUT) second application for an extension of the expired 99- Year lease. The newsletter contained other interesting articles.
