Since my last message, the United States has engaged in military activity in Iran and the Middle East. I want to start this newsletter by sending our community’s thoughts and well wishes to all of the brave warriors who answer the call to serve and put themselves in harm’s way. The Seneca Nation has a pronounced and distinguished record of military service throughout our history. I hope that the Creator continues to watch over all of our active duty warriors – at home and abroad – and keeps them safe.

In early March, I traveled to Washington, where I testified on Capitol Hill before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Natural Resources, Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs. I also submitted written testimony to the House of Representatives Appropriations Committee Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Subcommittee as part of their scheduled American Indian and Alaska Native hearings. From advocating for legislation to pushing for important funding resources, I am determined to use every opportunity to ensure that the Seneca Nation’s voice and priorities are clearly heard in Washington and beyond.

In Albany, the New York State Legislature and the Governor are now in the process of negotiating and finalizing this year’s State budget, which is due by April 1. We have been monitoring this process closely and have had some positive discussions with various New York State agencies regarding possible funding avenues for priority projects on our territories. We are also working to finalize plans for another Seneca Impact Day in Albany later this Spring. We will provide more information once details have been finalized.

Here at home, we are getting ready for many upcoming events. The 1365 Resettlement Committee will host a community meeting tomorrow – Saturday, March 28 – from 9:00 a.m. – Noon in the Seneca Allegany Administration Building, Council Chambers. Community members are invited to attend and hear an update on the Committee’s activities and progress.

Our annual Cattaraugus Community Fair will take place April 6-10. There will be a full schedule of fun activities for the entire family to enjoy throughout the week. A full schedule of events is available on the Nation’s website sni.org.

In Allegany, the Seneca Nation Education Department will hold a community meeting on April 9 at the Allegany Community Center. Community members are invited to enjoy a light dinner and share your ideas to help shape the best future for our children.

Information on these and other events taking place in our community can be found on the Nation’s website – sni.org.

I also want to share a special congratulations to the members of the Lake Shore High School Girls Varsity Basketball team, who won the Section VI Class A championship! Ja:göh on a tremendous season, ladies!

Looking ahead, don’t forget to put Saturday, April 11 on your calendars! That is when our Rochester Knighthawks travel to Buffalo to take on the Bandits at KeyBank Center. Let’s cheer our team on for a season sweep of the hometown rivals. Go ‘Hawks!

Finally, I hope everyone enjoys time over the Easter holiday with family and loved ones, and hopefully some sunshine. Safe travels to all who are taking some time away while the kids are off from school.

Until next time,
J.C.

The post A Message from President J.C. Seneca appeared first on SNI Official Newsletter.

I want to start my message for this newsletter by recognizing a beloved community member. Shortly before our last newsletter was published in late February, our Nation mourned the passing of Rosie Patterson. Rosie was a former Councillor, a longtime community advocate, a respected colleague, and a trusted friend to many within our Nation. Throughout her life, Rosie worked passionately to strengthen our Nation and to support our people. She will be missed.

There has been a lot of discussion in our community lately regarding public safety. This is an important topic that we continue to make a priority. I want to thank everyone who has been productively engaged in advancing this conversation with our community. Let me make one thing clear – I will continue to focus every day on finding effective ways to make sure that our people, our territories, and our community are safe and protected.

In other matters, the Seneca Nation recently received exciting and important news from Washington, when the United States Department of Interior approved our application to place 207 acres of our ancestral homeland on Grand Island into Restricted Fee status. In December, William and Michael Huntress of Acquest Development transferred title to the land to the Nation in exchange for $1, using the Seneca Nation Settlement Act. In making the transfer, the Huntresses acknowledged the Nation as “the rightful owners of Grand Island.”

With the federal government’s approval of our application, this land is now and forever recognized as sovereign Seneca territory. We think there are significant opportunities for how the site can be developed to benefit the long-term future of the Seneca Nation and our people, as well as the surrounding community and region. We look forward to having that discussion with Nation leadership and our people in the future. We’re excited to take this next step in making this piece of our ancestral homelands a vital part of the Seneca Nation’s future. Nya:wëh, again, to Bill and Michael Huntress for helping the Seneca Nation restore this land to Nation ownership for the benefit of our people and our future generations.

Earlier this month, I traveled to Washington to testify before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Natural Resources, Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs regarding the Seneca Nation Law Enforcement Efficiency Act (H.R. 7065), introduced earlier this year by Congressman Nick Langworthy. This important legislation protects our sovereignty by recognizing and strengthening the Nation’s jurisdiction over our own territories. We are encouraging Congress to support and pass this bill and provide the Seneca Nation with another important tool to help protect our people and our community.

The Nation will be very active on the advocacy front throughout this month. I will be back in Washington in the coming days to testify before the House Appropriations Interior, Environment and Related Agencies Subcommittee to advocate for priority issues for our Nation. In addition, Nation officials and representatives will be taking our voice and our messages to important conferences and gatherings, including the Reservation Economic Summit, USET Impact Week, the Indian Gaming Tradeshow & Convention.

Here at home, I want to make everyone aware of our Spring Healing Conference, which will be held April 23-25 at Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino. Like the Healing Conference we held in December, this important gathering will feature three days of healing, unity and cultural connection. The conference will include community-grounded healing sessions, community connection and support, and tools for resilience and wellness. Thanks to the sponsorship of the Seneca Nation Council, the registration fee for the Healing Conference has been fully waived for enrolled Seneca Nation members.

True healing is a shared journey. If you or someone you care about is struggling and searching for support and a path forward, I encourage you to attend the Healing Conference. When we heal together, we grow stronger together. For questions regarding registration and other information, please send an email to HealingConference@sni.org.

Until next time,
J.C.

The post A Message from President J.C. Seneca appeared first on SNI Official Newsletter.

Pursuant of Section 12 of the Constitution of the Seneca Nation of Indians, notice is hereby given to you that the Council of said Nation will convene in Regular Session:

When: Saturday, March 14, 2026

Time: Starting at 9:30 a.m.

Where: Seneca Allegany Administration Building (SAAB), Allegany Territory

To attend virtually, register by NOON Friday, March 13, 2026.

The Seneca Nation is utilizing the virtual online platform “GoToMeeting” for the Council Sessions for enrolled members to have access to each Council meeting. To participate, enrolled members will need access to a computer, tablet, or smartphone as well as a valid email address to sign-up.

March Regular Council-Cattaraugus: Please register for the March 14, 2026, 9:30 AM EST Regular Council Meeting by noon on Friday, March 13th at:

https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/6930737914266512472

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

Upon enrollment verification, a reply e-mail will be sent to you that includes a registration link for the meeting. Please follow the instructions and fill in all requested information when requesting online. Once registered, another email will be sent with a link to the online Council Session, which will go live at the scheduled meeting date and time. Please note that you must register for each month.

A record 170 members registered for the February 14th Regular Council Meeting, 136 attended virtually.

The post Notice of Regular Session of Council appeared first on SNI Official Newsletter.

I hope everyone is doing well.

We started February with a very important development, when we welcomed officials from the United States Army Corps of Engineers Pittsburgh District to the Allegany Territory, where we signed a Memorandum of Understanding. The MOU establishes consultation procedures for a meaningful, timely and collaborative process when the Army Corps is planning and implementing civil works projects and programs that implicate or have a direct effect on the Nation and our people.

As we know, this commitment from the Army Corps has been lacking for decades. The consultation practices that had been followed previously were nominal and nothing that the Nation could reliably count on. The MOU comes as the Army Corps is preparing for an upcoming dam safety modification study to plan for the future of the Kinzua Dam. It has s been more than 60 years since the devastating removal of our people and the loss and destruction of our lands to facilitate the government’s construction of the dam, in blatant violation of the Treaty of Canandaigua. We were never justly compensated for that destruction.

Our people still suffer the pain and trauma associated with our forced removal from our own home. Any talk of rebuilding the dam reopens those wounds. If the Corps finds any concerns about the safety and condition of the dam, then in our opinion, it should be removed with a new dam built downstream. Under the framework of the MOU we signed with the Army Corps, the Nation will have meaningful input on what ultimately happens. This MOU does not mean that we will always agree, but I hope it leads to a better relationship with the Army Corps and better results for the Seneca Nation and our people.

In other government business, Nation representatives traveled to both Washington, D.C. and Albany this month to advocate for priority issues with both federal and New York State officials.

In Washington, our representatives met with Congressman Nick Langworthy to discuss both the Seneca Nation Law Enforcement Efficiency Act (H.R. 7065), as well as our MOU with the Army Corps of Engineers and the future of our lands within the Kinzua Take Area.

In Albany, we met with several New York State officials and government agencies to discuss priority issues that we hope to address in this year’s legislative session, including environmental concerns and other matters. We will continue to advocate for advancing our priorities in Washington and Albany throughout the year.

Here at home, I want to thank everyone who supported the Seneca nation Human Service Division’s 3rd Annual Teen Social. Your generous donations new and gently used ribbon skirts and shirts will help our young people celebrate our culture, our identity, and our community. Nya:wëh for everyone who helps make important programs and events like this possible.

Also, there are two exciting internship opportunities available for college students. There is still time to apply for the 2026 Internship Program at Seneca Resorts & Casinos. The 8-10-week paid internship program offers participating students the chance to gain hands-on experience, build their professional network and develop important job skills with our Class III gaming company. Applications are due by March 1. More information is available at the company’s careers site TheBest8Hours.com.

The Department of Indigenous Cancer Health is also seeking candidates for the 2026 Haudenosaunee Summer College Internship at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center in Buffalo. This program for rising college juniors and seniors offers an exceptional opportunity to work with experts in cancer research and outreach, meet mentors and leaders in Indigenous cancer health, and to support projects that respect Haudenosaunee traditions. Applications are due by March 31. More information is available by calling 716-845-5814 or sending an email to indigenouscancerhealth@roswellpark.org.

Finally, our Rochester Knighthawks continue their recent homestand with games February 28 against the Saskatchewan Rush and on March 8 against the Calgary Roughnecks. Head on out to Blue Cross Arena to cheer them on. Go Hawks!

Until next time,
J.C.

The post A message from President J.C. Seneca appeared first on SNI Official Newsletter.

I hope everyone has been staying safe and warm during this recent stretch of cold weather.

Despite the cold temperatures and snow, the Seneca Nation recently welcomed someone who is completing an incredible journey. Noah Coughlan passed through the Cattaraugus Territory as part of “The Run for America – A Tribute to the American People.” We welcomed Noah on day 96 of his long trek across the United States, seeking to become just the third person ever to cross all 50 states on foot. After a brief visit with Nation members and officials, Noah continued down Routes 5 & 20 and toward our neighbors in Chautauqua County. Noah’s goal is to complete his journey on July 4. Good luck, Noah!

In government business, we recently announced that a key piece of federal law enforcement legislation was introduced on behalf of the Seneca Nation in the U.S. House of Representatives by Congressman Nick Langworthy.

The Seneca Nation Law Enforcement Efficiency Act (H.R. 7065) is designed to address long-standing jurisdictional confusion that has compromised law enforcement activities on Seneca lands for decades. In particular, the legislation will nullify federal law 25 U.S.C. 232, an outdated, ineffective Termination Era law, passed by Congress in 1948, giving New York State criminal jurisdiction on our lands.

With this legislation, the Nation is exercising and strengthening our sovereignty over our lands. The legislation will open potential funding avenues for equipment and other law enforcement needs, and create a pathway for the development of our own law enforcement capabilities so we can address drug trafficking and other threats to our people.

Many nya:wëhs to Congressman Langworthy for introducing this legislation and working with us to help advance the Seneca Nation’s priorities in Congress.

Public safety has been a priority issue of ours from the day I was sworn in. Just like we did with the new state law amending Section 8 and adding a new Section 79 of New York Indian Law, we are going to advocate for Congress to pass the Seneca Nation Law Enforcement Efficiency Act and provide the Seneca Nation another long-needed tool for improving law enforcement on our lands. We will continue to take every possible measure to exercise our sovereignty, and to protect our people and our territories.

In addition to the proposed federal legislation, we took another major step forward in the area of law enforcement by naming Brian Mohr as the Nation’s first ever Law Enforcement Commissioner. Brian has long been a leader in coordinating with our law enforcement partners at every level to keep our community safe. He is a longtime member of the Erie County Sheriff’s Department, where he led the Domestic Violence Unit, and the Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Department. Brian recently represented the Nation at a Crime Victims Roundtable event hosted by New York State Senators Patrick Gallivan and Dean Murray. This inter-agency event included leaders from several law enforcement agencies and was designed to give crime victims a voice in important law enforcement discussions. Brian’s office is located on the first floor of the William Seneca Building. If you see him, please say hello and welcome him to his new role. Nya:wëh, Brian for stepping forward to serve our Nation in this incredibly important position.

There are some activities and programs taking place throughout our community that I want everyone to be aware of. Seneca Nation Emergency Management is participating in the Johns Hopkins Smoke Alarm Project, in partnership with the Johns Hopkins Center for Indigenous Health. This program provides free installation of smoke/carbon monoxide detectors for all residents on Territory. To register, contact Dawn Stevens at Seneca Nation Emergency Management at 716-532-8178 or dawn.stevens@sni.org.

Also, the Clerk’s Office is conducting its annual Registration Incentive Drawing throughout this year. Each Adult registration received in-person or by mail will be entered to win a $100 gift card. Drawings will be held each quarter – on March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 11. Don’t forget to register and earn your chance to win!

Also, the Seneca Transit System is exploring the feasibility of additional services in Cattaraugus to help improve access to key destinations, support mobility for Senecas of all ages, and enhance important economic and community connections. A QR code and link to the Transit System survey can be found on the Nation’s website and on the Seneca Media & Communications Center Facebook page.

Finally, the weather may be cold, but the Rochester Knighthawks are still red hot! The team has a home game tomorrow night against the Ottawa Black Bears. Come out and watch our team get their next victory! Go Hawks!

Until next time,
J.C.

The post A message from President J.C. Seneca appeared first on SNI Official Newsletter.

Recent events and ongoing news reports of interactions between individual citizens and federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents have caused increased anxiety and confusion in communities across the country, including within the Seneca Nation and other Native Nations. Many of our people have expressed concern over potential ICE actions within our community and on our territories.

The Seneca Nation has established protocols for any foreign government whose officers and officials are seeking to enter our territories for non-criminal law enforcement and non-emergency activities. In November, I personally reached out to U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to ensure that she and all Department of Homeland Security (DHS) personnel were aware of our protocols and the sovereignty reflected in our treaty agreements with the United States. We have also been in contact with the Senior Tribal Advisor on Indian Affairs at DHS, as well as our federal representatives, and have requested a face-to-face meeting with leaders in the Buffalo office of ICE.

We are doing everything we can to safeguard our people, our territories, and our sovereignty.
In the meantime, we are also encouraging all Nation members to make sure you have your Seneca Nation ID. In the event that you have an interaction with ICE personnel, on our territories or elsewhere, it is important to remember that Tribal IDs are valid forms of identification. Part of our outreach is to make sure that federal agencies and officials are familiar with our Seneca Nation ID and aware of what our IDs look like. If you do not have a Nation ID or need assistance in obtaining your Nation ID, please contact the Clerk’s office so they can assist you.

Also, please be aware that there are individuals – on social media, in our community, and elsewhere – who will unfortunately try to use current events as a way to spread fear and anxiety. We cannot and will not let that happen here. We will continue to work every angle and take every precaution to ensure that our people and our territories are safe. Please do everything you can to keep yourself out of harm’s way.

Nya:wëh,
President J. Conrad Seneca

The post Special Announcement from President Seneca appeared first on SNI Official Newsletter.

Pursuant of Section 12 of the Constitution of the Seneca Nation of Indians, notice is hereby given to you that the Council of said Nation will convene in Regular Session:

When: Saturday, February 14, 2026

Time: Starting at 9:30 a.m.

Where: William Seneca Building, Cattaraugus Territory

To attend virtually, register by NOON Friday, February 13, 2026.

The Seneca Nation is utilizing the virtual online platform “GoToMeeting” for the Council Sessions for enrolled members to have access to each Council meeting. To participate, enrolled members will need access to a computer, tablet, or smartphone as well as a valid email address to sign-up.

February Regular Council-Cattaraugus: Please register for the February 14, 2026, 9:30 AM EST Regular Council Meeting by noon on Friday, February 13th at:

https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/1600221979172941141

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

Upon enrollment verification, a reply e-mail will be sent to you that includes a registration link for the meeting. Please follow the instructions and fill in all requested information when requesting online. Once registered, another email will be sent with a link to the online Council Session, which will go live at the scheduled meeting date and time. Please note that you must register for each month.

49 members registered for the January 10th Regular Council Meeting, 33 attended virtually.

The post Notice of Regular Session of Council appeared first on SNI Official Newsletter.

Welcome to our first newsletter of 2026! I hope everyone had a nice New Year celebration and is ready for a great year ahead.

For our Seneca Nation government, advocacy will continue to be a key focus this year. For me, that starts here at home. I want to thank everyone who came out for my Cocoa & Conversation discussion in Cattaraugus last night. As President, it is important for me to hear from our people about your concerns, ideas and suggestions. It is just as important for you to hear directly from me on the priorities of my administration and everything I hope to accomplish in my remaining months in office.

On the legislative advocacy front, we had some strong accomplishments last year, including a historic visit and apology from New York State for the atrocities that occurred at the Thomas Indian School, and the passage of important new law enforcement legislation that will help in our ongoing battle against illegal drug activity and drug dealers on our territories.

We have many state legislative priorities for 2026, including: continuing to strengthen law enforcement on our territories; addressing environmental concerns; making sure Governor Hochul follows through on her commitment to direct educational resources toward including Haudenosaunee culture and history in New York’s public education curriculum, as well as advocating for funding to strengthen our Language and Immersion programs on territory; and, of course, securing a new Compact agreement.

We’ve already hit the ground running. A traveling team of Nation officials and representatives were in Albany earlier this week for the Governor’s annual State of the State Address. We will be making our presence felt and our voice heard in Albany throughout this year’s Legislative session and, just as important, in New York’s electoral process. Anyone who wants to be Governor should be prepared to work fairly and honestly with the Seneca Nation and to prioritize our issues and the needs of our people.

Likewise, we have many key issues we are going to work on at the federal level. Law enforcement measures and the future of the Kinzua Dam and its lasting impacts on our Nation are just a few matters on which we are already working. We will be traveling to Washington later this month to continue taking our message to federal officials on Capitol Hill.

In addition to our advocacy efforts, Nation members are being asked to provide input on two important community matters. Our Community Planning & Development Department is conducting a survey for a study on potential Urgent Care and Medication-Assisted Treatment services in Salamanca. The survey can be accessed online at https://tinyurl.com/SNUrgentCareSurvey. There is also a QR code available on the Seneca Media & Communications Center Facebook page. For more information, contact Community Planning & Development at 716-945-1790, ext. 3018 or cpdd@sni.org.

Also, the Seneca Nation Environmental Protection Department is asking for public comment on its Draft Water Quality Standards. The proposed standards establish clear and enforceable criteria to protect all waters within the Nation’s exterior boundaries. We have all seen and experienced how our waterways have been abused by external forces over the years, impacting our free use and enjoyment of our lands and our quality of life. We will always stand in defense of the waters and work to protect Mother Earth from these abuses. The EPD will be holding public hearings to discuss the Draft Water Quality Standards on January 28 on the Allegany Territory, and February 11 in Cattaraugus. The comment period runs until February 26. Please make your voice heard. For more information, contact EPD at 716-532-2536, ext. 5474 or email Jordan Buffalo at jordan.buffalo@sni.org.

Finally, I hope everyone has a case of Knighthawks fever! Our Rochester Knighthawks beat the Buffalo Bandits 12-9 at Blue Cross Arena last weekend, and our own Zed Williams had a natural hat trick in the victory! A record crowd of 8,546 – the largest in franchise history – was in the building for the first meeting of what we hope turns into an energetic rivalry between our teams. There has been great energy and Seneca representation at the Knighthawks’ home games this season, including the Haudenosaunee anthem being played before the game and our Color Guard from Iroquois Post 1587 presenting the colors. Let’s go ‘Hawks!

I look forward to working with our Council, Nation Executives, and all of you to make 2026 a year of great accomplishments for the Seneca Nation.

Until next time,
J.C.

The post A Message from President J.C. Seneca appeared first on SNI Official Newsletter.

Allegany Tipline: (716) 385-1562

Cattaraugus Tipline: (716) 385-1564

Hear what the President has to say in the full PSA: HERE

The post PSA from President Seneca appeared first on SNI Official Newsletter.

I hope everyone in the Seneca Nation enjoyed a great Christmas! The spirit and togetherness of our community, and the entire region, really shines bright during the holiday season, so I hope you are enjoying this special time creating special memories with family and friends.

Shortly before Christmas, the Nation received great news on two different fronts. Late in the evening of December 19, the law enforcement legislation that we presented to New York State leaders and strongly advocated for throughout the past several months, was signed into law by Governor Hochul. This is a long-awaited and hard-fought victory for the Seneca people. The new law amends Section 8 and adds a new Section 79 of New York Indian Law, enabling the Seneca Nation to better work in coordinated partnership with New York State Police, County Sheriffs and City of Salamanca police in removing non-Native intruders engaged in drug trafficking and other illicit activities from our territories.

There are many people to thank in this effort, especially our Seneca Mothers Against Drug Dealers, whose tireless and selfless efforts in highlighting and demanding action to address the illegal drug problems in our community have inspired our administration to take every possible step to protect our people. I also want to thank the legislative leaders who worked with us to pass this bill in the New York State Senate and Assembly, and the County Sheriffs who supported us throughout this effort.

Around the same time, the Nation received a significant donation of 207 acres of land in Grand Island. The land was transferred to the Nation by developers Bill and Michael Huntress for $1, and the acquisition was approved by our Council at the December meeting. Any time we return a portion of our homelands to Nation ownership for the benefit of our people, it is a reason to celebrate. We will take a strategic look at how we can best utilize the site to provide for the long-term needs of our Nation. Many nya:wëhs to Bill and Michael Huntress for their generosity in restoring this land to Seneca Nation ownership. We hope others in Western New York will follow their example.

Speaking of celebrations, our very own Rochester Knighthawks had their home opener against Philadelphia last Saturday, and, let me tell you, we brought the noise! Many Nation members traveled to the game and we let everyone know that the Knighthawks are OUR team! The arena was rocking throughout the night, and Councillor Jonathan Williams represented the Nation during a ceremonial ball drop before the game. It was a great night capped off by a Knighthawks victory!

Mark your calendars because the Knighthawks’ next home game is Saturday, January 10th against the Buffalo Bandits! Let’s all get ready to make some noise and enjoy a great game – and another Knighthawks win! Go ‘Hawks!

As we count down to 2026, I want to remind residents of the Cattaraugus Territory that Seneca Energy is offering a free program to connect to the Gas Distribution System. The deadline to apply is December 30, so please don’t wait! Residents can also apply to convert their appliances to the Gas Distribution System. For more information on these programs, contact Seneca Energy at 716-532-9221 or email Wes Jackson at wes.jackson@sni.org.

Looking ahead to the New Year, the Seneca Nation is getting ready to ramp up our advocacy efforts in Albany and Washington to build on the progress we have made over the past year. We are planning an active schedule to make sure we have a visible and vocal presence, including attendance at Governor Hochul’s annual State of the State Address, additional Seneca Impact Day advocacy events, and face-to-face meetings with legislative leaders and representatives in both the federal and state governments.

We are also making moves to ensure that our voice and our issues are heard loud and clear in 2026, especially as New York State prepares for elections for Governor and every member of the State Legislature. Stay tuned!

As we finish 2025, I am energized and encouraged for the year ahead, ready to take on every challenge in front of us to continue to move our great Nation forward and to prepare the way for the Seventh Generation. From our family to yours, the First Lady and I extend our wishes for a New Year filled with health, happiness, and prosperity for all Senecas everywhere.

Until next time,
J.C.

The post A message from President J.C. Seneca appeared first on SNI Official Newsletter.