State Senator George Borrello honored Seneca Nation Councilor Tina Abrams as the 57th District’s 2026 New York State Senate Woman of Distinction during Friday’s opening ceremony of the Marvin “Joe” Curry Veterans Powwow at the Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino. The tribute featured remarks by dignitaries as well as a celebratory Honor Dance to recognize Abrams’s leadership, service and historic selection for this statewide distinction.
Senator Borrello shared “It was a privilege to join the Seneca Nation at the Veterans Powwow on Friday evening to honor Councilor Tina Abrams as the New York State Senate’s 2026 Woman of Distinction for the 57th Senate District.
Tina has dedicated her life to serving the Seneca Nation and Western (Continued on next page) New York with integrity, compassion and a deep commitment to preserving the traditions and values of her people. As the first Indigenous woman to be recognized as a Senate Woman of Distinction, she has not only broken barriers but also helped create opportunities for future generations through her steadfast leadership and advocacy. It was especially meaningful to celebrate this honor in her own community, at an event she has helped lead for many years.
I was honored to join Tina and President Seneca in leading the Honor Dance, followed by her family, friends and members of the community. It was a powerful and deeply meaningful tribute to her service and leadership.
I was also deeply honored to receive a beautiful wampum belt from the Seneca Nation, presented by retired U.S. Army commander Sgt. Ronald L. Cook Jr. in recognition of my support for the Nation and our veterans. It is a gift I will always treasure and a symbol of the friendship and mutual respect we have built together.
Congratulations again, Tina, on this incredibly well-deserved recognition, and thank you to President Seneca, Sgt. Cook, the Powwow organizers, veterans, dancers, volunteers and everyone who made this year’s celebration so special. It was an evening I will not soon forget.”
The Honor Dance was led by Alan Dowdy on Friday, July 17th after Grand Entry at 6:00 p.m.
The New York State Senate Women of Distinction program is an annual award established in 1998 to honor local women who have made significant contributions to their communities through leadership, volunteerism, and service. Each state senator selects one exemplary woman from their district. Councillor Tina Abrams is the first Indigenous woman to be selected as a New York State Senate Woman of Distinction, a historic first for the program.
Watch Councillor Abrams’ honoring below:
