And that’s a wrap…this year, the Six Nations Agricultural Society (SNAS) – Ohi:yo’ was the host nation for the NYSF Indian Village from August 24th – September 5th. Members of Ohi:yo’ group selected Gahsëni’de’ Hubbell as the Ambassador/Princess and Kelvin George as the dancer to represent their community.
Gahsëni’de’ Hubbell, NYSF Ambassador/Princess was chosen based on her knowledge of Seneca Language and Culture, her passion for agriculture and her extra-curricular activities as a senior at Salamanca High School. Each day Gahsëni’de’ introduced herself in our language, gave background information on Seneca history and shared specific messages from Ganonyok about respecting Mother Earth. She also participated in each dance show, posed for photos, answered questions and shared insights on being Hodinoshoni’ for all fair goers. Gahsëni’de’ was honored with a dinner of her choice and a plaque to commemorate her role.
Kelvin George represented Ohi:yo’ territory as a dancer. Kelvin helped lead social dances every day and was requested to aid in song as well. Kelvin, a senior at Salamanca High School, has been dancing and singing with family since birth and was a natural fit as his grandfather the late Kyle Dowdy, Sr. was a staple in the Indian Village years ago.
Members from the SNAS – Cattaraugus group selected Nicole Hill as their dancer. Aryien Stevens, Frank Wesaw and Mashaun Jimerson from Cattaraugus were selected by neighboring Nations and joined the dance troupe to perform three shows each day on the Turtle Mound as well.
Various Seneca community members from the Allegany and Cattaraugus Territories also participated in the art show, smoke dance contest, Seneca Day, demonstrated their craft and/or sold hand-made items.
SNAS – Ohiyo’ collected art work from William Crouse, Sr., Randee Spruce and Lezley McComber and agricultural items from Candace Miller, Emily Cooper and Hunter Abrams. All submissions won first prize ribbons in their respective categories. SNAS – Ohi:yo’ partnered with Agwadeyesta’ Dogeh/Native New to sell hand-made items from William Crouse Sr., Breann Crouse, Tami Watt and Emily Cooper in the Allegany Seneca vendor booth.
Nicole and Heath Hill and Michele Jimerson set up as vendors and sold beadwork, bows, tomahawks and jewelry from the Cattaraugus Seneca booth. Mary and Sam Jacobs worked in the Women’s Building as beadwork demonstrators with beautiful ornate items for sale.
On Six Nations Day, a t-shirt giveaway was held to raise awareness for the Stand with Seneca campaign. Seneca Media and Communications Center Office Manager Barbara Hill handed out 288 t-shirts and information cards to fair goers that stopped by to say “Hi!”
SNAS – Ohi:yo’ would like to say “Weso nya:wëh” to all whom supported their fundraisers, representatives and organization. Seneca Holdings, the Seneca Nation Council Office, and Seneca Nation Treasurer Rickey Armstrong each donated $1,000 to make this journey possible for our youth and members. Together, SNAS – Ohi:yo’, Gahsëni’de’, Kelvin and family members hosted a Native Auction, and 50/50 drawing and social/cake walk at the Onohsahgwede’ Cultural Center to raise funds for regalia, travel and food.
If you would like to join or participate in the Ohi:yo’ group, please come to the October 11th meeting at the Allegany Community Center at 6pm.
