Nya:wëh sgë:nö’,
I hope this message finds you well!
As we step into the summer season, I want to take a moment to reflect on a few events and celebrations that have brought our Nation together in recent weeks.
This month, we raised the Pride flag on both our Allegany and Cattaraugus Territories, continuing what has become a meaningful annual tradition. I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to Olivia Maybee for her vision, advocacy, and creativity in making these important moments possible. Your dedication has carved out a space where love, identity, and belonging are openly celebrated throughout our territories and beyond.
A special thank you as well to our First Lady, Nicole Seneca, and to Maria Maybee for sharing their heartfelt words at the Cattaraugus flag-raising event. And to all of you who helped or attended in support — your presence matters. The Pride Flags send a clear message that the Seneca Nation stands in solidarity with our LGBTQS2+ community. Visibility and acceptance are vital, and it’s up to each of us to ensure our people are uplifted, protected, and honored for who they are.
I was thrilled to learn that multiple lacrosse teams have been wildly successful this season! Congratulations to all! Lacrosse is more than a game to us; it is a gift from the Creator, a medicine that connects us to our ancestors and each other.
We also had the honor of hosting the Haudenosaunee National Lacrosse Weekend U20 in Allegany — an incredible event that showcased the talent and passion of our young athletes from across the Confederacy. The team will journey to South Korea in August to represent all of us at the World Lacrosse Championships.
As part of the weekend, we hosted a dinner with leadership, coaches, players and former lacrosse players to break bread and honor several Legends of the Game — individuals whose contributions to the sport and to our communities. All who deserve being acknowledged and celebrated.
I had the privilege of stepping back into the box myself, participating in the Masters Game alongside our 45+ community members. Playing alongside my brother, Kevin Seneca and other friends was especially meaningful. It brought back memories of our youth — the competition, the laughter, the bruises, (the soreness) and most of all, the sense of belonging.
I have learned that our community has four sisters, Allie, Jayln, Addison and Laelle Jimerson, (daughters of Claudia and Ryan Jimerson) who are on the roster of the Haudenosaunee Nationals Women’s Team- that is quite the ”Fierce Lacrosse” family! The team is competing at the Pan-American Lacrosse Association Championship later this month in Orlando, Florida. It’s great to see so many Seneca Nation representatives on both teams, and I wish them safe travels and success on their journeys.
Lastly, I want to congratulate all of our graduates, once more — from high school, college, trade schools, and those who are moving up to the next chapter of their education journey. Your hard work and perseverance, especially during these challenging years, is inspiring. Your future is bright, and I encourage each of you to carry our values, language, and pride into all you do.
Until next time!
~JC
