Heyhey Nya:wëh Sgë:nö’,
I want to start this message by congratulating the women of the Haudenosaunee Nationals, who recently completed a historic run in the World Lacrosse Women’s Championship in Tokyo, Japan! The Nationals beat teams from Chinese Taipei, Ireland and England to make it to the tournament’s semi-finals and then to the Bronze Medal game for the first time in history! Every member of the team honored the Creator and made our community very proud with their outstanding play on the world stage. We all certainly hope our teams will have their rightful place in the Summer Olympics when the games are held in Los Angeles in 2028. Ja:göh, Nationals!
I also want to congratulate Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino, which has been nominated for “Best Casino Outside of Las Vegas” in the 2026 USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. This is the fourth consecutive year the resort has been nominated. Online public voting for the awards will continue until August 24. Anyone over 18 can vote once each day by visiting https://10best.usatoday.com/awards/seneca-niagara-resort-casino-niagara-falls-new-york/. Let’s help push Seneca Niagara to the top this year!
As we slide into the middle of August, there will be a lot of fun end-of-summer activities taking place over the next few weeks.
The Erie County Fair started this week. The Fair is a popular summer tradition, and I am sure many people in our community will be heading to the Fair to enjoy the rides, games, and, of course, the food! If you are heading to the Fair, make sure to stop by the Nya:wëh Village, where there will be many traditional dance shows, demonstrations and competitions, storytelling, and more. This is a great way to connect with fellow Senecas and friends from other Native Nations while spending a day at the Fair.
Here at home, the Seneca Arts and Learning Center will host the annual Gathering of the Seasons Powwow and Smoke Dance competition next Saturday, August 22. Doors will open at 9am with Grand Entry scheduled for Noon. The weekend will also include a Mother Earth’s Daughters Showcase on Friday, August 21. For more information, please call the SALC at 716-945-5035.
Our Elders will have a fun summer celebration when we host our Elders Retro Beach Parties at the Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino in a few weeks. I look forward to seeing many of our Elders at the event and spending time with you. If any Elders still need information on the party, please contact the AOA at 716-945-8414.
If any golfers are looking to get in another round or two this summer, our Seneca Hickory Stick Golf Course in Lewiston has a special deal for Nation members. The course will hold Seneca Nation Days on August 29 and 30. Enrolled Senecas with Nation ID will receive 50% off their golf fees, as well as free lunch at the turn. Seneca Hickory Stick is one of the best courses in the region and presents a fun and challenging test of golf for players of every age and skill level. For more information on the Seneca Nation Days special, visit the course website at senecahickorystick.com.
Over the next few weeks, many of our college students will be returning to campus. I want to wish all of our students good luck for a successful semester, especially those who are heading to college for the first time. Work hard, study hard, have fun and may the Creator watch over you as you follow your educational path.
I hope everyone enjoys these next few weeks and that you continue to make Summer 2026 one to remember!
Until next time,
J.C.
