Our very own Andrea Cooke is the 2026 RBERN West Legacy Award recipient. Andrea is a Native American Instructional Coach in the Salamanca City School District and serves on the Native American Curriculum Team. Andrea has more than 30 years of experience teaching Seneca language and culture. She is known for her dedication to her students and for supporting fellow educators in teaching Indigenous language and culture. Her work helps sustain and honor the traditions and identities of Indigenous communities.

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Zayda Thompson, second grade, was the only participant from the Cattaraugus Territory community to participate. Her science experiment, “How To Make a Lava Lamp,” demonstrated two key science concepts. One is density (it shows how the weight between water and oil interact as separate weights). The second concept is the chemical reaction between two substances, water and gas, how they interact.

Zayda said she wanted to do an experiment for the fair because she loves science. “It’s my favorite part of school,” she said. “I want to be a scientist when I grow up.”

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Miles, of New Berlin, Wisconsin, passed away on March 30, 2026, at the age of 75, surrounded by his wife, Kathryn, and their children, Meredith, Lauren, Blair, and Dallas, as well as his sons-in-law, Sam, Mike, and Evan. He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, uncle, and friend, and he will be greatly missed by all.

Miles was born on February 19, 1951, in Syracuse, New York, to Miles and Veronica Thompson. He spent his childhood years between Syracuse and Salamanca, New York, with his siblings Mitch, Marlene “Molly,” Marilyn, Marsha, Michelle, Monica “Yuk,” and Melody. He was a proud member of the Seneca Nation of Indians, Wolf Clan. He was proud to share his Indigenous heritage and culture and to share fond memories of growing up on the Allegany Indian Reservation with others.

In 1970, Miles moved to Milwaukee to attend the Milwaukee School of Engineering. He spent his career designing manufacturing equipment in a variety of fields, including sawmills, mobile aerial cranes, and other industrial equipment. He enjoyed his time living at the “Bicentennial Blue House” on Brady Street in Milwaukee.

While his children were in school, Miles loved coaching their volleyball, basketball, and track teams. Additionally, he served as the Holy Apostles Track Coordinator for 15 years. He was especially proud of hosting the annual Holy Apostles Track Meet and growing it to the highest attendance in its history. He continued to volunteer with the track program as a shot put coach years after his children graduated from grade school.

He also enjoyed going to the movies weekly, hosting an annual Super Bowl party and Lakefront Fourth of July fireworks. His hobbies included building Legos, assembling model cars and aircraft, photography, and planting and caring for a tomato patch in his backyard.

In the past few years, Miles fell in love with ballroom dancing, initially preparing for his daughters’ weddings, but he continued as a way to build community, stay active, and share a hobby with Kathryn. He was proud to say, “I am a ballroom dancer.”

Miles was always willing to help family and friends however he could. His kindness, dry humor, quick wit, and love of conversation touched many lives. Miles is survived by his wife of 46 years, Kathryn; their children Meredith Thompson Schleis (Sam Schleis), Lauren Thompson Eddy (Mike Eddy), Blair Thompson (Evan Schroeder), and Dallas; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Miles and Veronica, as well as his mother- and father-in-law, George and Geraldine.

Visitation was held on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at Holy Apostles Catholic Church, 16000 W. National Ave., New Berlin, WI, and the Mass of Christian Burial.

In lieu of flowers, please remember Miles by enjoying a movie at the theater with loved ones, bringing home a houseplant, or cracking open an ice-cold Diet Coke.

Simple Cremation of Wisconsin is proudly serving the Thompson family.

The family is planning a memorial at a later date – stay tuned.  If you have any questions, please contact Marsha Thompson at 716-801-1610.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Miles, please visit our floral store.

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Repost from Seneca Ed | May 11, 2026

Five Seneca 5 students are the first at Lake Shore Central School to receive the Seal of Biliteracy. We are very proud to honor:

• Layla Jimerson-Snyder (Wënitši:yoh) Beaver Clan
• Kyrie Buffalo (Gasge:ha’) Turtle Clan
• Kate Kennedy (Yewaseta’) Hawk Clan
• Payton Stevens (Owë’gegëön) Turtle Clan
• Caias John (O’tadeswi:ya’k) Turtle Clan

Each of these recipients are active members in our community, as well as in school; From Student Government, Homecoming Court, Business Academy, and three season athletes.

Each of them has committed to secondary education in the Fall. On behalf of the SN Education Dept. Congratulations to each and every one of them, wishing them the best of luck in their future endeavors and keep making a difference in our Onöndowa’ga:’ Gawë:no’

The NYS Seal of Biliteracy recognizes students who demonstrate proficiency in English and at least one additional language. Awarded by teachers of World Languages in their respective high schools, this honor highlights the value of multilingualism in today’s world.

Let’s give a huge round of applause to the person that brought these amazing kids to that finish line, our very own Jacky Snyder. As a Language and Culture Coordinator for our dept she stepped in to fill the teacher vacancy at LSHS. Her own passion to learn and preserve the language inspired these students to reach for the stars.

Weso’ Nya:wëh Jacky!

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Recently he covered the Hodinöhsö:ni’ Juried Art Show (Wednesday – Saturday | April 8 – 11, 2026) This year’s juried art show at Ganondagan featured 28 Haudenosaunee artists with artwork centered around the subject of Peace. Sharing quick artist Spotlights with a few of the artists in the show. Seneca Artists featured in the Spotlight were Penny Minner (Seneca Nation, Turtle Clan) and Kristin Witbeck Lee (Seneca Nation, Beaver Clan).

The Podcast is available on:
Spotify | Apple Podcast | YouTube: (Original Peoples Podcast Ongwehonwe)
Follow the Instagram (@originalpeoples_podcast) and Facebook (Original Peoples Podcast) page for more information.

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Lake Shore Student-Athletes Heading to the Next Level! It was an incredible day in Angola as we celebrate our dedicated student-athletes officially committing to their college programs. The gym was packed with family and friends today to watch these seniors sign their letters of intent and take this major step forward. We are so proud of the work they have put in both in the classroom and on the field to earn these opportunities. This group is headed all over the map:

• Jairon Nephew (Wolf Clan) at D’Youville Lacrosse.
• Caias John (Turtle Clan) at D’Youville Lacrosse.
• Kalen Bennett (Turtle Clan) at D’Youville Lacrosse.
• Kaleb Johnson (Turtle Clan) at D’Youville Lacrosse.
  They will be joined in the college ranks by
• Brody Himelein (Bear Clan) at Rochester Institute of Technology (R.I.T.) Lacrosse.
• Koltin Huff (Hawk Clan) at Lees-McRae Lacrosse.
• Payton Stevens (Turtle Clan) at Warner University Lacrosse.

Swa:ja:göh

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These are photographs from the Seneca-Iroquois National Museum collection that have unknown members of the community. We are looking to identify them. Please reach out to Elissa Parker of the Seneca Nation Onöhsagwë:de’ Cultural Center at (716) 682-0021 or email e.parker@sni.org with any information.

The post A Flash From The Past appeared first on SNI Official Newsletter.

Pictured above: A Seneca Nation of Indians local grassroots group, the Cattaraugus Creek Water Walkerz, marked Earth Day at the West Valley Demonstration Project and raised awareness about protecting the creek watershed.

WEST VALLEY, N.Y. — A Seneca Nation of Indians local grassroots group, the Cattaraugus Creek Water Walkerz, marked Earth Day at the West Valley Demonstration Project (WVDP) and raised awareness about protecting the creek watershed.

Kicking off the day’s events at the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Environmental Management site is fitting given West Valley’s mission to reduce environmental risks and its close connection to the Seneca Nation territory, according to Joseph Pillittere, Communication and External Affairs manager for cleanup contractor West Valley Cleanup Alliance (WVCA).

“This event is a reminder that we must work together to protect the environment, for it provides everything we need in life,” Pillittere said. “I was honored to have been asked to participate in the sunrise ceremony and other Earth Day activities with the Seneca Nation.”

He added that West Valley’s priorities remain unchanged: accelerate cleanup, eliminate potential environmental threats and reduce the cleanup footprint and lifecycle costs.

The Cattaraugus Creek Water Walkerz began a 4.4-mile walk following a sunrise ceremony near the West Valley Demonstration Project on Earth Day. They traveled to a public meeting on the West Valley cleanup.
The Earth Day gathering brought attention to the importance of caring for the land, waterways and air so future generations can thrive, according to participants.

For the sunrise ceremony, they formed a circle symbolizing unity and the understanding that everyone is connected. They lit tobacco as part of a cleansing ritual for the body, mind and heart, and offered prayers to the spirits. They also prayed for the safety of West Valley employees as they continue their mission to reduce legacy risks at the site.

Later, the Cattaraugus Creek Water Walkerz payed tribute to the earth as they trekked more than 4 miles to attend a public meeting on the West Valley cleanup.

“The walk is a spiritual journey and a good platform for advocacy and education,” said Maria Maybee, a Seneca Nation member and a walk organizer. “Every step is a prayer. We pray for ourselves, we pray that the workers and decision-makers at West Valley continue to be safe and perform work in a manner that protects the community and the environment.”

Maybee added: “We enjoy the many offerings Mother Earth provides, from water to drink to vegetables to eat. But it’s important that we protect these natural resources for future generations so they can benefit from these offerings.”

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Cashis Montour of Gowanda was recently inducted into the CAM P-TECH chapter of the National Honor Society. Montour is in the Electrical Construction & Maintenance Electrician pathway.

The induction ceremony featured a traditional candle lighting led by student representatives:

• Scholarship: Jeramie Klahn
• Service: Rachael Fix
• Leadership: Declan Ahrens
• Character: Cashis Montour

Principal Heather Banks provided opening and closing remarks, noting that NHS members exemplify outstanding academic achievement while also demonstrating a strong commitment to their school and community.

The National Honor Society recognizes high school students in grades 10–12 for excellence in scholarship, service, leadership, and character.

Congratulations, Cashis, on this great achievement!

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On May 1, 2026, we celebrated some of our amazing senior members as they take the next big step in their journeys! From college campuses to career pathways, each decision reflects hard work, growth, and exciting futures ahead.

Charli Ross announced her decision to attend West Virginia University!

We loved seeing everyone proudly repping their college apparel and sharing their post-secondary plans—your dedication and ambition inspire us all!

No matter the path you’ve chosen, we are so proud of you and can’t wait to see all that you accomplish. The future is bright!

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