She is excited to teach the community how to sew garments including longhouse outfits for all ages, alterations and quilts. Lone will hold “UFO Nights,” many crafters have unfinished projects lingering around that they will be able to bring for assistance to finish. Quilting classes will start with beginner techniques before advancing to star quilt designs. Classes will start in September.

Lone is known for her ribbon weaving and free motion quilting with a large sewing machine that allows her to free hand custom designs and art on fabric in one continuous thread. She has won various art awards for free motion quilting and featured in six museums. She just received an honorable mention at the Eiteljorg Indian Art Market this June.

Ms. Lone began sewing as a child, her grandmother owned a vintage Singer machine. Back then, women’s magazines including the Blair catalog sent fabric swatches. She would make doll clothes from the swatches. She was inspired by her aunt that made all her own clothes. Her great grandmother taught her crocheting, embroidery, stitches, and French knot. These early influences pushed Ms. Lone to take her career as an artist seriously despite raising a family of six. Her determination led her to enter art shows while receiving coaching and training towards her professional career.

Educating through art is important to Ms. Lone. “I use my art to educate about social issues. I have a piece called Replacement Theory History. It’s about Americans panicking that immigrants will take over their jobs, homes, etc… which is ironic to me. This piece explains how colonizers and Euro Americans have erased Indigenous history, facts, and people over the last 500 years. It’s a conversation piece,” shares Lone.

Longhaus of Lone will feature award winning art in the gallery section. Local artists can sell their work with a commission for the gallery.

Custom Indigenous style fabrics are available per yard. Daniel Ramirez, a watercolor artist, has a collection of cotton fabrics with his signature style in 5-6 colors in store along with custom beadwork style fabric from a Menominee artist. Lone will stock beading supplies, batting, specialty fabrics, lace, and velvet. All materials will be high quality for crafters to make their best art.

Stop at 75 Main Street in Salamanca to check out everything Longhaus of Lone has to offer! Lone also takes orders for garments and quilts. She has items for sale including ribbon bags, skirts, and aprons. Find Longhaus of Lone Facebook.

The post Longhaus of Lone Opens Gallery in Salamanca appeared first on SNI Official Newsletter.

Niagara Falls, NY: (July 9, 2026) – The Western Doo r, the signature steakhouse inside Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino, has been honored for its outstanding wine program in Wine Spectator’s 2026 Restaurant Awards, which celebrate the world’s best restaurants for wine.

Launched in 1981, the Restaurant Awards recognize excellence in restaurant wine service across three levels – the Award of Excellence, the Best of Award of Excellence and the Grand Award. There were 2,083; 1,830; and 99 winners this year in each respective category.

“An exquisite meal, exceptional wine, remarkable service and good company are the ingredients of the unmatched dining experience that has made The Western Door a premium destination,” said Linda Hitchcock, Senior Vice President of Food & Beverage, Seneca Resorts & Casinos. “We are incredibly proud to be continually recognized by Wine Spectator alongside many of the world’s best restaurants.”

“The restaurant industry is rapidly transforming as diners become more selective about when, how and what they drink. As wine drinkers grow more mindful, restaurants are adapting with creative wine programs,” said Marvin R. Shanken, Chairman and CEO, Wine Spectator. “Congratulations to the 4,012 restaurants that earned a Restaurant Award and continue to elevate the wine experience for guests around the world. We raise a glass to your success.”

The Western Door received the Award of Excellence, an honor it has earned since 2023. The Award of Excellence recognizes restaurants whose wine lists offer at least 75 selections and feature a well-chosen assortment of quality producers along with a thematic match to the menu in both price and style.

The Western Door features a deliciously expansive selection of wines to complement every meal and fit to celebrate every occasion and savor every special evening. The restaurant’s wine list includes wines from Italy, France, Australia, Spain, New Zealand, Argentina, California, and New York, among others.

In addition to its award-winning wine list, the Western Door offers the finest steaks, perfectly wet-aged a minimum of 28 days to guarantee the highest level of quality, tenderness, succulence, and flavor, along with chops, poultry, seafood, and more. With high-quality ingredients from hand-picked farms, ranches and sustainable fisheries, meals at The Western Door are elevated to a truly elegant and memorable dining experience.

The Western Door is open seven days a week, Sunday-Thursday from 5-9 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 5-10 p.m.

In addition to the main dining room, the steakhouse also features a bistro at the front of the restaurant, where a signature Bistro Happy Hour menu of special entrees and drink specials can be enjoyed Sunday-Thursday from 5-7 p.m.

For reservations and other information, visit SenecaNiagaraCasino.com or call (877) 873-6322.

The post The Western Door Earns 2026 Wine Spectator Restaurant Award appeared first on SNI Official Newsletter.

For more information, please call 716-945-8414.

The post 2026 Elders Retro Beach Party appeared first on SNI Official Newsletter.

August 4, 2026

VICTOR, N.Y. – Elected leaders from the Seneca Nation welcomed federal, state and local elected officials and staff representatives to a portion of the Nation’s ancestral homelands for an afternoon of relationship building and conversation.

Seneca Nation President J. Conrad Seneca and several members of the Seneca Nation Council met with officials from throughout the Rochester-area at the Ganondagan State Historic Site in Victor. A National Historic Landmark, Ganondagan is the original site of a 17^th century Seneca town that existed there more than 350 years ago. Throughout the day, Seneca Nation leaders and the Rochester-area officials in attendance discussed a wide range of issues, including Seneca Nation history and its economic leadership in western New York, as well as matters of mutual interest.

“The Rochester region and the Genesee Valley are part of our ancestral home. We believe the Seneca Nation can be a strong part of the region’s future and vice versa,” President Seneca said. “Any path forward has to be built on knowing and understanding one another. That’s what today’s meeting was focused on. We hope to have more conversations like this in the future.”

Last year, the Seneca Nation made a significant investment in Rochester with the purchase of the Rochester Knighthawks National Lacrosse League franchise. Over the past year, President Seneca has worked to develop the Nation’s business and government relationships in the region.

“In many ways, acquiring the Knighthawks was a reintroduction for the Seneca Nation to this part of our ancestral home. The reception we have received has been fantastic, and we think we can do more,” he said. “As a sovereign government, we always try to build strong relationships with our neighbors. We also have matters that are important to our Nation and our people that outside governments need to understand. In addition, as an economic leader, we are always interested in exploring ways to further the impact we can have in Rochester.”

The Seneca people have lived on the lands in what is today the western part of New York State for time immemorial, and have made countless contributions to the region’s history, culture, and economy. Between its government operations and business enterprises, the Seneca Nation provides an economic impact to the Western New York region of nearly $2 billion, making it one of the region’s most significant economic engines and largest employers. The Nation and its businesses provide thousands of direct jobs and support thousands of others through partnerships with a large network of vendors, suppliers, and contractors throughout New York.

The post Seneca Nation Leaders Meet with Delegation of Rochester-area Elected Officials appeared first on SNI Official Newsletter.

Birthday: 5 yr. old
Pet Honesty Fave: 120-pound Professional Couch Potato!
Fun Facts:

• She loves belly rubs and “basking” in the sun.
• She likes to venture in the woods from time to time but has a big appetite so she always makes sure to be home by dinner time
• Lily is the bestest girl who often gets misconstrued as a “Big Mean Rottweiler”, but she is the most loving dog, and I wouldn’t trade her for the world!
• Lily Mohawk, Cattaraugus Territory

Meet Luna: Allegany Territory

Birthday: 7 yr. old
Pet Honesty Fave: Luna is an Australian Shepherd/ Terrier mix, has been a resident of Jimersontown since January 2019!
Fun Facts:

• She was adopted from EARS when she was 2 1/2 months old by Rodney and Shirley Valandra.
• Her favorite things to do are chasing wildlife in the backyard and sunbathing. She loves meeting new people, eating treats and sleeping.
• Her super power is the ability to destroy any toy presented to her in minutes.
  *Luna Valandra, Allegany Territory

The post Rez Pets of the Month! appeared first on SNI Official Newsletter.

We are so proud of each and every one of you and all the hard work, growth, and memories that brought you to this milestone. Watching you learn, grow, and shine has been an honor.

Congratulations, Class of 2026! Your SALC family is cheering you on as you take your next big step into Kindergarten.

• Rose Elizabeth Aquino
• Dalya Danielle Beattie
• Mason William Benjamin
• Jaylynn Marie Booker
• Rinoa Ayah Chapman
• Reign Serenity Chase-Dowdy
• Archor Turtle Colton Ha’no:Wa:H
• Naveya Kay Galante
• Osirus Ray George-Shongo Hanöhsowita’
• Clyde Richard Hill Iii Dahaweñnoñ-Dye’
• Vanessa Madeline Jimerson
• Wren Calla Kinney
• Delilah Corinne-Anne L-Blacksnake
• John Patrick O’rourke
• Pamela Estelle Waslin
• Kaison William Weaver
• Asher Hutchinson
• Baron William Wilder

Check out the SALC Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/reel/27206036639090889

The post SALC celebrates our amazing Pre-K and Head Start graduates! appeared first on SNI Official Newsletter.

The post June 2026 Seneca Nation Employees of the Month appeared first on SNI Official Newsletter.

Help us plan housing that meets the needs of every generation. By taking a few minutes to complete the survey, you’re helping identify current housing needs and guide future planning. From future first time home owners, to elders looking for supportive housing. Every voice matters, and we encourage everyone to participate. If you have any questions about this survey, please contact SenecaHousingSurvey@sni.org, or the Housing Consultant at donald@tribalconsultants.com. The questionnaire is intended for Seneca Nation citizens 18 years and older and their relations.

Take the survey HERE!

The post Community Housing Survey appeared first on SNI Official Newsletter.

Summer is really flying by! As the summer has gone on, we have been very busy on the advocacy front locally, statewide and at the federal level.

A few weeks ago, the Town of Grand Island initiated a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Interior seeking to block DOI’s approval of our efforts to enforce our sovereignty over 207 acres of land that was donated to the Nation late last year. While the Nation is not a direct party to the lawsuit, we have been in communication with Interior officials regarding the lawsuit. I have also been in communication with Grand Island representatives to hopefully build a path toward a diplomatic relationship between our governments. Regardless, the Nation is committed to doing everything we can to ensure that the 207 acres of restored homelands are part of our Nation’s future.

We also recently traveled to Washington, D.C., where we spent two days in meetings and discussions with several elected members of Congress, staff members, and federal agency officials advocating for Nation priorities, including the Seneca Nation law Enforcement Efficiency Act, our efforts to reclaim and redevelop our lands in the Kinzua Take Area, and other important matters. Councillors Odie Porter, Kevin Seneca and Todd Gates also participated in the trip and helped make sure our message was heard throughout our two full days on Capitol Hill.

Meanwhile, we have also had important discussions with the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports regarding our Red Cedar Lodge reintegration housing facility on the Allegany Territory. Red Cedar Lodge will provide supportive services for enrolled Senecas, as well as parental figures to Seneca children, who are in recovery as they transition back into their local community.

It was just about a year ago when the Nation announced that we had acquired the National Lacrosse League’s Rochester Knighthawks franchise. Over the past year, we have been actively working to expand our Nation’s physical and economic presence in the region. In the coming days, we plan to meet with a delegation of elected officials from throughout the greater Rochester area to further that effort and to build greater familiarity with the Nation, our history, our priorities, and all that we bring to the region. We look forward to that discussion and to continuing to build important, mutually beneficial relationships with our neighbors in Rochester.

Speaking of the world of professional sports, congratulations to Alex Petrovic, Onöndowa’ga, Hota:yö:nih, who was recently drafted by the New York Mets in the 6th round of the Major League Baseball draft. Alex is the son of Rachelle (Tarbell) and Zeljko Petrovic, the Grandson of Agnes Williams, and the Great Grandson of Basil & Myra Rita (Snow) Williams, Seneca Cattaraugus Territory. Ja:göh, Alex!

As July comes to an end, it’s time to start thinking about the start of a new school year. Applications are being accepted for Seneca Nation Head Start program for 2026-2027 school year. This free federally funded program promotes school readiness, family engagement and culture and language awareness and skills development for children ages 3 and 4 years old. Applications are available at the ECLC and SALC front desk or on the Education page of the Seneca Nation website at sni.org. For more information, contact the ECLC at (716) 532-0505 or the SALC at (716) 945-5035.

Enjoy these next few weeks of summer and remember to watch out for yourself and others, especially elderly neighbors and family members, when the days get hot.

Until next time,
J.C.

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

We have been working in conjunction with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife and the Great Lakes Fishery Commission trapping for sea lamprey for the past 12 years, at the Scoby Dam in Springville N Y. Our objective is to trap lamprey, identify the gender and then mark and release them farther downstream to see if they make it back to Scoby Dam.

The post Seneca Nation Fish and Wildlife and Great Lakes fishery Commission Partner For Lamprey Trapping appeared first on SNI Official Newsletter.