For years, heavy rain events have caused the Olean Wastewater Treatment Plant to overflow hundreds of thousands of gallons of untreated sewage into the Ohi:yo’. Discussions at yesterday’s meeting included a commitment to ensuring Olean adopts industry standards and best practices to minimize the environmental and health impacts of wastewater discharges into the river.

The Seneca Nation and the City of Olean remain committed to regular Task Force meetings to keep remediation efforts on schedule and protect the health of the river and all who depend on it.

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Congratulations, Councillor Abrams!

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Pictured above: Senator Borrello and Tina Abrams at the Women of Distinction ceremony in the
Legislative Office Building in Albany, New York.  

May 6, 2026 – ALBANY, N.Y. — Senator George Borrello joined colleagues from across the state at the New York State Legislative Office Building to honor Tina Abrams, Seneca, Wolf Clan, a member of the Seneca Nation Council, as the 57th District’s 2026 New York State Senate Woman of Distinction.

Abrams is the first Indigenous woman to be selected as a New York State Senate Woman of Distinction, a historic first for the program.

The annual ceremony featured remarks by Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Senate Minority Leader Robert Ortt, musical performances, and award presentations to Women of Distinction honorees from Senate districts across New York State. 

Abrams has dedicated more than two decades to public service, having first been elected to the Seneca Nation Council in 2001 and making history in 2012 as the first woman appointed Co-Chair of that legislative body. A tireless advocate for Native American rights, cultural preservation, and community service, she has served on the Cattaraugus County Planning Board since 2003, on the Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center Board of Directors since 2021, and as Northeast Region Vice President of the National Congress of American Indians. In 2025, she was honored as one of Erie County’s “Living Trailblazing Women of Western New York.”

Joining Councilor Abrams in Albany to celebrate the occasion were colleagues and family members, including her husband, John M. Abrams Sr.; Seneca Gaming Corporation CEO Kevin Nephew and his wife Tracie; and Natalie Hemlock and Annette Mohawk Smith.

“Tina Abrams exemplifies what this recognition is meant to honor: a leader who has spent a lifetime in service to her community, her Nation, and Indigenous people across this country,” said Borrello. “It was a privilege to stand with her in Albany and celebrate the remarkable career she has built and the doors she has opened for others.”

“This recognition is a reflection of the community that shaped me, the resilience Seneca women have shown throughout history, and the people who have stood beside me throughout this journey,” said Abrams. “I am deeply grateful to Senator Borrello and to my family and colleagues who made the trip to Albany. Having them here speaks louder than anything I could say, because they represent the family and community that has lifted and carried me to this moment.”

Abrams and her husband reside on the Allegany Territory and have three children and ten grandchildren.

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The 3rd Annual Tribal Leadership Conference, bringing together tribal leaders, executives, and professionals from across Indian Country for four days of connection, collaboration, and growth will take place June 1-4, 2026 at Gila River Wild Horse Pass in Chandler, AZ.

The event kicks off Monday, June 1 with the Conference Golf Tournament, offering an exciting networking opportunity in a relaxed and scenic setting. From June 2-4, attendees will participate in conference sessions, workshops, and professional certification programs designed to strengthen leadership, governance, and innovation within tribal organizations.

At Tribal Leadership Conference 2026, the panel From Candidate to Councilor: Navigating the First 100 Days brings together leaders at different stages of their first terms for an honest, no-filter conversation about what that transition really looks like.

Moderator:
• David Sullivan – Chairman, KIOWA TRIBE
Speakers:
• Dustin Klatush — Chairman, Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation
• Christian Reiller — Tribal Councilor, Seneca Nation of Indians
• Caleb Grimmett-Smith — Secretary, United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians

They’ll cover:
• Surviving (and thriving in) your first 100 days
• Governance challenges no one prepares you for
• Navigating generational divides on the council floor
• Balancing modern governance with traditional values
• Improving transition protocols for the leaders who come after you

Councillor Reiller shared “I am humbled and honored to be attending the 2026 Tribal Leadership Conference and representing the Seneca Nation of Indians to the best of my ability. I’ve been invited to speak on a panel about my journey into leadership and navigating those early days alongside other distinguished leaders. I am excited for this opportunity!”

Whether you’re a sitting council member, a first-time candidate, or someone who simply cares about the future of tribal governance — this session was built for you. Experience impactful discussions, valuable resources, and meaningful connections that empower the next generation of tribal leadership – all set against the beautiful backdrop of Gila River’s Wild Horse Pass.

Interested in attending? Register here: https://lnkd.in/d5bupcTR.

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Allegany Territory, Salamanca, N.Y. – Seneca Nation Councilor Tina Abrams has been selected by New York State Senator George Borrello as the 2026 Woman of Distinction honoree in New York’s 57th Senate District.

Councilor Abrams was selected by Senator Borrello in recognition of her decades of leadership, advocacy and service to the Seneca Nation and the broader Western New York community. She will be honored with the other 2026 Woman of Distinction honorees from across New York at a ceremony in Albany on May 5. A separate recognition ceremony in Western New York will be held at a future date.

“I am humbled to be chosen as a Woman of Distinction, and grateful to Senator Borrello for this incredible honor,” Abrams said. “This community is our shared home and serving the needs of the community is not an individual path. We all have a voice and an interest in seeing our community – and all of its residents – succeed, advance and grow.”

“Tina’s selection as a Woman of Distinction honoree is well-earned through her leadership and passionate service to our Nation and the greater community,” Seneca Nation President J. Conrad Seneca added. “Senator Borrello knows well the importance of the Seneca Nation to the entire region, and I thank him for recognizing Tina in this way and for consistently being a partner and advocate for the Nation’s people and priorities in Albany, here at home, and within New York State government.”

The New York State Senate’s Woman of Distinction program was created to honor women whose achievements, leadership, and dedication have enriched the quality of life in their communities and across the state.

“The Woman of Distinction honor exists to shine a light on leaders whose contributions often go far beyond what headlines capture. Tina Abrams has spent more than two decades fighting for her community, her Nation, and Indigenous peoples across this country. Tina’s life and work are a testament to what it means to lead with purpose and principle. I am proud to recognize her as the 2026 Woman of Distinction for the 57th Senate District,” said Senator Borrello.

A voice of leadership within the Seneca Nation for decades, Councilor Abrams has been a member of the Seneca Nation Council since 2001 and was the first woman appointed as the Council’s Co-Chair in 2012. Throughout her career, she has played a leadership role in the oversight of Nation enterprises and has actively monitored and advocated on federal and state legislation and policy that impacts the Seneca Nation and all Indian Country. She formerly served as Northeast Region Vice President of the National Congress of American Indians and served on the organization’s COVID Task Force.

Within the Seneca community, Councilor Abrams also serves as chairperson of the annual Marvin “Joe” Curry Veterans PowWow, is a member of the Remember the Removal Committee and is chairwoman of the Seneca Nation Athletic Commission.

Beyond Seneca Nation Territory, Councilor Abrams has held roles on the Cattaraugus County Planning Board since 2002, and on the Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center Board of Directors since 2021.

In 2025, Councilor Abrams was honored as one of the “Living Trailblazing Women” by the Erie County Commission on the Status of Women as part of the Trailblazing Women of Western New York Monument Project, further recognition of a lifetime spent opening doors and creating lasting change. She also received the Brooks Patterson Community Leadership Award from the Cattaraugus County Planning Board, the first Seneca Nation member to receive the honor.

A member of the Seneca Nation’s Wolf Clan, Councilor Abrams was raised on the Cattaraugus Territory and has lived on the Allegany Territory for more than 40 years. She and her husband, John, have three children and ten grandchildren.

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In retirement, Gloria enjoys spending time with her three children and their spouses, 10 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren, proudly attending the “Grands’” sporting events and celebrating their many achievements. She also enjoys golf outings with her crew—fondly called “the old bitties.” Her favorites include beach vacations, concerts and drum corps shows, card class, casino buffets, chicken curry, spaghetti and meatballs, a good Diet Coke, and time with her mischievous cat, Mr. Wheat.

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At the March 2026 Regular Session of Council, Chad Hill Jr., Grady Decker, and the Olean Eagles were celebrated for their championship victory in the 42nd Annual High School Hockey Championship that took place on February 26, 2026.

Both students attend Salamanca City Central School District, Chad and Grady are the only Seneca athletes on the team, proudly (Continued on next page)
representing their community and bringing home the “W.”

Chad Hill, Jr., Hotá:yö:nih (He is Wolf Clan), is the son of Barbara Lynn Hill and Chad Hill, Sr., and the grandson of Councillor Tina Abrams and John Abrams. Grady Decker is the son of Justin Decker, Honyáhdë:h (He is Turtle Clan) and Sinthea Milks.

Ja:göh gentlemen!

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At a press conference the morning of Tuesday, March 24th, 2026, Roswell Park and Seneca Nation members announced a new 3-year initiative—supported by a grant from Eli Lilly and Company—to expand lung health resources in Indigenous workplaces across North America!

In partnership with Tribal Nations and Indigenous communities in the U.S. and Canada, the program will provide lung cancer screening resources, education and patient navigation services to thousands.
“Our program is all about education for the people, and it’s a way to help both urban and rural communities to build on their existing resources and strengths,” says Rodney Haring, PhD, MSW, Chair of the Department of Indigenous Cancer Health at Roswell Park and a citizen of the Seneca Nation (Beaver Clan).

“We focus a lot on the importance of screening and early detection of lung cancer or lung disease, but this is a holistic program that brings in many aspects of self-health and health for future generations.”

This work reflects our continued commitment to advancing health equity and supporting healthier futures for Indigenous communities.

Watch the full press conference below:

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Pictured above from L to R: Councillors Jonathan Williams, and Kevin Seneca, Congressman Nick Langworthy, Councillors Odie Porter, and Todd Gates.

It was wonderful to welcome the leaders of the Seneca Nation to my office in Washington where we discussed my legislation, the Seneca Nation Law Enforcement Efficiency Act (H.R. 7065), and other pressing issues they are facing. I am grateful for our strong partnership and all our work to improve lives both on and off the reservation.

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At the December 13, 2025 Regular Session of Council, we were fortunate enough to have received a donation of 7 acres of land for future housing.

Tribal member Marilyn Anderson’s donation shows her true love of our people and community. This picture is so appropriate as it shows the love of the room from our Tribal Executives, Council, and Legal Team.

What an early holiday gift to the Seneca Nation of Indians!

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