OUR LAND, OUR ROOTS
Save the Date: Saturday, September 27, 2025
With the official proclamation declaring September as Remember the Removal (RTR) Month, the RTR Committee is proud to present a series of events to commemorate the removal of our people from our ancestral lands.
This year’s theme is a proud declaration that though we were meant to be removed, we are still here, and will maintain stewardship of our lands for the next Seven Generations and beyond. We especially encourage the youth of our community to participate in this year’s RTR activities and learn from our educators, elders, & more. (Schedule of events posted below)
Remember the Removal Commemorative 5k
Despite the chilly weather, there was a great turnout for the Remember the Removal Commemorative 5k (pictured above) at the Allegany Community Center last Saturday, September 6th. Nya:wëh to the ACC and their staff for being great hosts, and thank you to all who came out to participate! Make sure to check out the flyer below for additional upcoming RTR events.
Film Premier – The Burning of My Coldspring Home
A film by Caleb G. Abrams
Join us for the long-anticipated premier of the film by Caleb Abrams (Seneca Nation), at the Ray Evans Seneca Theater in Salamanca, NY on Friday, September 19th, doors open at 5:30pm.
The film is based on the short story by the late Stephen A. Gordon
Onöndowa’ga:’ elder Stephen Gordon was twelve years old when his family was forcibly relocated from their home in Jonegano:h (Coldspring) as a result of the construction of the Kinzua Dam. Unlike his neighbors however, his family’s home wasn’t destroyed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers — instead, Gordon’s father set fire to it himself to prevent the Corps from doing the same. The Burning of My Coldspring Home, an adaptation of Gordon’s 2005 short story of the same name, is a meditation on grief, trauma, family, healing, and the places we call home.
The event is sponsored by the Seneca Nation Onöhsagwë: de’ Cultural Center, and is in collaboration with the Remember the Removal Committee.
SYD Sign-up Social
Salamanca School District Seneca Youth Dancers – Theme: Remember the Removal (RTR)
Students interested in joining the Seneca Youth Dancers may do so at the Remember the Removal Social & Potluck held at the Salamanca City Central School District High School cafeteria on Thursday, September 18, 2025. Dinner from 5-6pm in the HS cafeteria, RTR speeches & social dancing from 6-7:30pm. Come sign-up for this years SYD student group! We hope to see you there.
For more information, call 716-945-2400, ext. 4947 or email amiller@salamancany.org.
Remember the Removal 2025 Schedule of Events posted below.
