Last month, the Office of Tribal Relations Director, Patrick A. Penn, met with President J.C. Seneca and Council members of the Seneca Nation to discuss the Nation’s interest in their important ancestral homelands and opportunities for partnership and collaboration. Open communication and dialogue are an important part of honoring the government-to-government relationship between Tribal Nations and the United States.

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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:

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The Captain David Bentley Memorial Award, chosen by the Bentley family and academy instructors, honors those who demonstrate unwavering determination, true passion for policing as a calling, and a commitment to leaving a positive legacy in their community and law enforcement family.

After seven months of intensive classroom training and two months of fieldwork, Cheyne’s dedication, leadership, and commitment to serving her community shine brightly. Her accomplishments are a source of pride for the Nation and an inspiration to all.

Selected by her classmates to speak at graduation, Cheyne shared powerful words: “Treat every individual with fairness, dignity, and respect regardless of circumstances. Our communities deserve professionalism and impartiality from those who are to protect them. Hold strong to your integrity, especially when no one is watching. Integrity is the foundation of this profession and once lost, it is nearly impossible to regain. Remember the fundamentals. In high-pressure moments, it will always come back to the basics: communication, officer safety, sound decision making, and teamwork. And as a favorite movie quote reminds us, ‘Endeavor to persevere.’ There will be difficult days ahead, but perseverance, resilience, and dedication to service will carry us through.”

Officer Cheyne Jimerson now serves with the City of Salamanca Police Department. We honor her hard work, perseverance, and the positive impact she brings to our community. Nya:wëh, Cheyne, for your service and leadership!

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Three hundred years ago in June, French soldiers and tradesmen landed at the mouth of the Niagara River to establish Fort Niagara. Their mission was to construct a massive stone fortification disguised as a house. This building, known today as the French Castle, is the oldest structure in the Great Lakes Basin.

To celebrate this historical milestone, Old Fort Niagara presented a unique public program, June 5-7. On Friday, regional school students experienced the Niagara Frontier of three centuries ago, learning about historical building trades that went into the French Castle and reliving the early 18th century, when Lake Ontario was a contested frontier.

Saturday was rededication day, as officials from the Seneca Nation, France, the U.S. and Canada gathered to mark the French Castle’s tricentennial. The day began with a recreation of the arrival of French engineer Gaspard-Joseph Chaussegros de Léry and his military escort at 11 a.m. The party arrived aboard the U.S.S. Trippe, an early 19th century sailing vessel built by the Buffalo Maritime Center. After marching into the fort, the party will begin laying out the fortifications in a hands-on military engineering demonstration.

At noon, The Haudenosaunee Dancers presented a demonstration of Indigenous dance and stories. This program brings to life the rich cultural traditions that predated the arrival of the French and the establishment of Fort Niagara. This was followed by the recreation of a council between Seneca diplomats and the French commander, Capt. Charles LeMoyne de Longueuil. Women’s fashion of the 1720s will take center stage at 1:30 p.m. as the Dames of Vintage Experiences present French women’s fashions 1720-60.

Officials from the Seneca Nation, France, the U.S. and Canada gathered at 2 p.m. for a rededication ceremony in front of the French Castle. This will be followed by an artillery salute, marking 300 years of history at the mouth of the Niagara River. The program ended with a recital of early 18th century harpsichord music in the Sir William Johnson Room of the French Castle.

Read more HERE!

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Councillor Porter spoke about the cultural significance of women’s roles within Seneca society, highlighting how clan lineage, leadership, and financial life have always centered around women. She shared that the balance between men and women has long been the foundation of Haudenosaunee society.

The Seneca Nation is proud to see these perspectives shared on a broader stage, contributing to a fuller and more accurate telling of women’s history in the United States of America.

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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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