Pictured: President Seneca speaks at the 300th Anniversary event at Old Fort Niagara.

Welcome to summer! The months are really flying by, and we all know how quickly summer can pass. It is hard for me to believe that we only have a few months left in my two-year term as President.

Since taking office on November 12, 2024, I have worked with Council and my team to move forward with many initiatives to serve the Seneca people and strengthen our Seneca Nation. My focus every day has been to promote economic security for our people by focusing on securing a new Class III gaming compact, recovering millions of dollars stolen from us by New York State, and engaging with the Trump Administration to ensure federal funding for our vital programs.

Throughout the past 20 months, we have promoted political engagement and restored respect by re-building political alliances with federal, state, and local officials in Washington, Albany, and Western New York, including an historic apology from the State of New York for atrocities committed against Seneca people.

And we have protected our sovereign integrity and lands by fighting to restore our use of our Kinzua lands, our Thruway lands, and identifying new lands for development and housing. This newsletter contains a report to our people on some of the key activities and accomplishments of my administration to date. If you have any questions regarding that information, please contact me or my office.

In other news, there were some exciting activities taking place on our territories and across the region these last few weeks. More than 300 members of the Miwok tribe in California traveled to visit the Seneca Nation recently. They toured our territories, enjoyed a day of culture at the Sully Huff building and enjoyed lunch at Seneca Fire. The visit concluded with a shared meal and community social. Our staff did an outstanding job welcoming our visitors and making sure their needs were met throughout their visit. Many nya:wëhs to everyone who assisted in this effort, and to First Lady Nicole Seneca for officially representing the President’s Office at the dinner and social gathering.

I also had the opportunity to welcome former U.S. Congressman Joseph Kennedy III to the Cattaraugus Territory for a discussion on energy matters. Today, Mr. Kennedy serves as President of Citizens Energy, a non-profit energy company, where he focuses on renewable power initiatives. It was a very interesting discussion.

I was also honored to serve as a guest speaker at the 300th anniversary event for the French Castle at Old Fort Niagara, along with representatives from the United States, Canada and France. The Haudenosaunee people are forever linked to the Fort’s history. Our ancestors’ views were ignored when the Fort was built by the French, and Haudenosaunee warriors later helped secure the Fort for the British. Today, 300 years later, our views are still too often ignored by other governments. Participating in this event was an opportunity to remind elected leaders of their treaty obligations when dealing with us as a sovereign government, and to remind everyone that the Seneca people have always been in this region, will always be in this region, and must always be respected.

Next weekend is July 4, when the United States will celebrate Independence Day and the country’s 250th birthday. Our relationship with the United States, which is located on our lands, is a complicated one. On one hand, our ancestors influenced the country’s founders and provided a framework for its democratic government and pledged perpetual peace between our people. Yet, broken treaties, broken promises and the attempted destruction of Native people are a very real and dark part of the last 250 years.

Meanwhile, throughout the past 250 years, Native warriors have bravely served in the United States military, fighting in defense of freedom, at a higher rate than any other population. No matter how, or if, you plan to recognize July 4th, please be safe and share a thought of gratitude for our Veterans and warriors who are still serving in defense of freedom around the world today.

Finally, I again want to congratulate all of our graduates across the Seneca Nation. We have enjoyed celebrating with you at the many banquets and awards events these past several weeks. If you and your family are celebrating or traveling this summer, be safe and enjoy this time of year. I hope your Summer 2026 is filled with many happy memories!

Until next time,
J.C.

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

VIRTUAL COUNCIL SESSIONS

The Seneca Nation will be utilizing the virtual online platform “Microsoft Teams” 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. Please follow the instructions and fill in all requested information when requesting online. Once registered, an email will be sent confirming your request. Another email with a link to join the online Council Session will go live at the scheduled meeting date and time. Please note that you must register by 9am on the day of the Council session. Once the session has begun individuals will not be permitted to enter. Members must register for each month.

54 members registered for the May 9th Virtual Regular Council Meeting.

IN-PERSON REGISTRATION REQUIREMENT

REFERENCING COUNCIL CERT CN: R-02-11-17-06: Nation Members are to satisfy the annual registration either in person or by mail each calendar year (January 1 – December 31) and must provide evidence of Nation enrollment upon request; however, they must appear in person at least once every two calendar years (January 1 – December 31); Mail in registrations must be notarized. All mail in registrations must be postmarked no later than December 31st of each year.

Enrolled members have all year to register; it is ultimately your responsibility to be sure you are registered. No exceptions will be made after the deadline dates.

MAKE SURE YOUR INFORMATION IS UP TO DATE!!

The Clerk’s office cannot reach you if your phone number is disconnected or your voicemail is full, and we don’t have an updated mailing address on file. Don’t let that be you!!

• Remember all members 18 and over must appear in-person at least once every two calendar years.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR! THE CLERK’S OFFICE IS COMING TO ERIE, PA

The Clerk’s office will be at the Seneca Nation location in Erie, PA on the following dates:

• Thursday, July 23rd from 12-2 p.m.
• Thursday, September 24th from 4-6 p.m.

Located at: 2101 Peninsula Drive, Erie, PA 16506 Suite #10

If your department has an event that you would like the Clerk’s Office to attend for registration purposes, please reach out to the Cattaraugus Clerk’s Office: Irma Cortes @ 716-532-4900 ext. 5035 – I.Cortes@sni.org.

SN IDENTIFICATION CARDS

*A one-time free ID is being offered at this time, must go to either Clerk’s Office for the free ID. To update your photo on your Seneca Nation Identification Card, you must appear in person. All cards issued must have a current photo upon issuance. All cards expire 10 years from issuance.
$10.00 per card | $5.00 per card for Elders (60 yrs. of age or older)

NOTE: Adults (18 years of age and older) requesting a Seneca Nation Identification Card are REQUIRED to present a photo ID.

CLERK’S OFFICE FORMS

Completed forms must be notarized and can be mailed to: Seneca Nation Clerk’s Office, 90 Ohi:yo’ Way, Salamanca NY 14779. All forms are available online at www.sni.org under Clerk’s Office documents.

• ADDRESSES
  Please remember to keep your address current with the Clerk’s Office. This includes changes with custody of minor children or legal guardians (Court orders).

BURIAL FUND

A Burial fund has been designated to pay for funeral expenses up to $7,000 for enrolled members. For additional details, please contact the Clerk’s Office during regular business hours.

ANNUITY CLOTH

Per THE TREATY OF CANANDAIGUA IN 1794, Effective 4/10/25 *One (1) yard per person of annuity cloth will be available for pick up anytime in either Allegany & Cattaraugus Clerk’s Offices.
*Amount to distributed subject to change

• The Seneca Nation signed the Treaty of Canandaigua in 1794 with the newly formed United States of America to recognize Nation Sovereignty and land base.
• The United States Government fulfills its obligations under the Treaty with the Six Nations or the Haudenosaunee by sending each cloth symbolizing peace and friendship. The annuity cloth represents the continuing Government to Government relationship with the United States.

DO YOU HAVE MULTIPLE SHARES TO PICK UP AND WISH TO HAVE A BULK ORDER CUT? GIVE US A CALL AHEAD OF TIME AND WE CAN HAVE IT READY FOR YOU.

DIRECT DEPOSIT OF ANNUITY AND/OR ELDERS PAYMENTS

If you would like to sign-up for Direct Deposit of your Annuity and/or Elders Check, you will have to complete the form. The form is available on the web at www.sni.org under Documents/Clerk’s Office / Direct Deposit forms or at the Clerk’s Office. under Documents/Clerk’s Office / Direct Deposit forms or at the Clerk’s Office.

• All direct deposit forms MUST have attached a voided check or deposit slip (start-up checks will NOT be accepted).
• Members must be at least 18 years old to sign up for Direct Deposit
• Minors are NOT eligible for Direct Deposit

If you receive direct deposit, it is your responsibility to keep your address updated with the Clerk’s Office. Mailings are also done from time to time and those that have not updated their addresses do not get the latest information that is being sent out. This is very important for us to better serve you.

RELEASE OF MINORS TRUST FUND

Minor’s Trust Fund mailed third (3rd) Friday of the month. Application deadline is the 2nd Friday of the month. To begin receiving Minor Trust Fund disbursements, a member must be at least 18 years old and submit the following documentation:
• Application for Release of Minors Trust (must be notarized)
• High School Diploma / GED
• Financial Literacy Certificate (http://seneca.cm3solutions.com)

If you need to obtain a Financial Literacy Certificate, please contact the Seneca Nation Education Department for details. Contact Info: Allegany Territory – Seneca Nation Education Department (716) 945-1790, k.watt@sni.org; Cattaraugus Territory – Seneca Nation Education Department (716) 532-3341.

• NEW DIRECT DEPOSIT FORMS AVAILABLE

Once the first minors check is mailed/deposited the checks are automatically mailed when:
• Applicant has obtained 21 years of age
• Applicant has obtained 24 years of age trust

SEEKING INVOCATORS & SEEKING NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS

The Seneca Nation Clerk’s Office is seeking Non-Profit Organizations to serve refreshments and lunch during Council each month. If any organizations are interested, you may contact Leslie Cooke at Leslie.cooke@sni.org, 716-532-4900, ext. 5046 to request a form. Forms are also available at the Clerk’s Office. Any questions can be directed to Leslie Cooke.

Per Council Resolution R-06-10-23-20 / Increasing amount paid to Non-Profit Organizations serving Council: Regular Session: $1,500 | Special Session: $750

STS BUS PASSES ARE AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE AT THE CLERK’S OFFICE

Members are now able to buy passes from the Clerk’s Office to utilize the Seneca Transit System (STS). Prices are as follows:
STS: Daily passes – $1.00 (one way), Monthly passes – $30.00, $3.00 (All day pass)

ALLEGANY RESIDENTS’ GARBAGE APPLICATION / TICKET DISTRIBUTION

The Allegany Clerk’s Office will continue to require ID and proof of utility in your name as we continue to update our records. We appreciate your patience as we complete this process. We are aware that some residents have been skipped over once or twice. All complaints/concerns can be addressed to the Allegany Clerks Office, (716) 945-1790 and we will communicate with Beichner. Please do not contact Beichner directly.

EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY!!! ALL ALLEGANY TERRITORY RESIDENTS THAT UTILIZE THE GARBAGE TICKETS HAVE A PICK-UP ON THURSDAYS.

REMEMBER TO HAVE GARBAGE OUT BY 5:00AM

ATTENTION NATURAL GAS CUSTOMERS, FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE YOU MAY NOW PAY YOUR UTILITY BILL IN THE SENECA ENERGY DEPARTMENT OFFICE

(Located in the DPW buildings) Effective April 1st, 2025 you can choose the Automated Clearing House (ACH) automated payment at no additional cost to you. They also accept cash, check or debit/credit card payment.

SENECA NATION GENEALOGY

Beginning May 1, 2025, the fees for genealogy research will be as follows:

$25.00 -Enrolled Member | $100.00-Non Member

~ Please note-Fees must be paid in full to be placed on the waitlist.

COME SEE US AT THE OFFICE!!!

William Seneca Building – Cattaraugus Territory – (716) 532-4900
Cattaraugus Clerk’s Office Staff
Lenith K. Waterman, Clerk
Irma Cortes, Executive Assistant to the Clerk
Leslie Cooke, Executive Secretary (Notary Public)
Kelly Mohawk, Deeds Recorder (In Allegany Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9am to 2 pm)
Tammi Stafford, Special Projects Facilitator (Notary Public)
Robin Jones, Genealogist
Alexandrea Jimerson, Executive Administrative Assistant
Terah Seneca, Executive Administrative Assistant
Joleen Lone, Executive Administrative Assistant/Receptionist

Business Permits
Hailey Brooks, Business Permit Officer
Micah Jones, Compliance Officer

Seneca Allegany Administration Building – Allegany Territory – (716) 945-1790
Allegany Clerk’s Office Staff
Pauline John, Deputy Clerk
Vacant, Executive Secretary (Notary Public)
Sue Case, Enrollment Officer
Scarlett Ground, Vital Records Specialist
Creedence Redeye, Executive Administrative Assistant
Alieanna Wright, Executive Administrative Assistant
Angela Fernandez, Executive Administrative Assistant

The Buffalo Office Staff & Location
(716) 845-6304 or (716) 951-7555
The Buffalo Office works in Conjunction with the Clerk’s Office.

Juddson Logan – Acting Director/Tutor
Stephanie Maybee – Administrative Assistant
Tajanay Irizarry-Activity Coordinator

Located at 265 Skillen Street, Buffalo, NY 14207 (Please use the side door entrance next to parking lot)
Monday-Friday: 8:00 a.m.-4:30p.m.

HOURS:

Allegany & Cattaraugus Clerk’s Office hours are Monday through Friday; 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Both Clerk’s offices will be open from 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. each Saturday of the Regular Council session.

Please have your SN Enrollment # ready when you are visiting or calling the Clerk’s Office.

NOTE: Adults (18 years of age and older) requesting a Seneca Nation Identification Card are REQUIRED to present a photo ID.

The post News From The Clerk’s Office appeared first on SNI Official Newsletter.

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!

The post Historical Reenactment of French and Seneca Meeting appeared first on SNI Official Newsletter.

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.

The post “Her Independence, Her Financial Power” appeared first on SNI Official Newsletter.

January 1, 2026 – December 11, 2026

Every adult registration will be entered to win a $100 gift card. Mail-in or In-Person registrations. You are eligible to win only ONCE per calendar year. Quarterly drawings will be held:

• March 31st – 5 Winners
• June 30th – 4 Winners
• September 30th – 3 Winners
• December 11th – 2 Winners

(Drawings will be held at the end of the business day) The earlier you register, the more chances to win!

The post Seneca Nation Clerk’s Office Annual Registration Incentive Drawing appeared first on SNI Official Newsletter.

UTILITIES COMMISSION
(1) Allegany & (1) Cattaraugus

The Utilities Commission is an independent committee within the government of the Seneca Nation of Indians established for the purposes of:

a) Managing and operating the utility services that may be created from time to time by the Seneca Nation, including natural gas, electricity, water, wastewater disposal and any other utility service that Council places under the authority of the Commission and
b) Such utility services shall be managed and operated in the public interest, with the primary goal of providing the largest number of Nation members with utility services at the lowest possible cost while maintaining high quality and reliable service.

Eligibility: Any nation member who is at least 21 years old is eligible to serve as a Commissioner, no Councillor or Executive may serve as a Commissioner, and no employee of any department whose activities are supervised by the Commission.

Members shall serve a 3-year term.

If interested, please submit your resume and letter of intent no later than: July 2nd, 2026, to:

SNI Clerk’s Office
Attention: Lenith Waterman, Clerk
12837 Rte. 438
Irving, New York 14081

Email – Lenith.waterman@sni.org

Public Notice: The Seneca Nation of Indians is currently accepting letters of intent for those interested in serving on the:

SENECA-IROQUOIS NATIONAL MUSEUM BOARD OF TRUSTEES
(1) Allegany & (1) Cattaraugus Vacancy

Qualifications:

• Trustees shall be at least eighteen (18) years of age and shall have obtained at least a high-school diploma.
• Employees of the Museum shall not serve on the Board
• Full term of office shall be four (4) years, unless fulfilling the term of a former Trustee.
• Trustees shall serve no more than two (2) consecutive terms

If interested, please submit a letter of intent to the Nation’s Clerk no later than 4:30 p.m. on June 29th, 2026. Mail To:

Seneca Nation of Indians Clerk’s Office
Attention: Lenith Waterman, Clerk
12837 Route 438
Irving, NY 14081

Email – Lenith.waterman@sni.org

The post Public Notices appeared first on SNI Official Newsletter.

Ja:göh Geffen Sasala, Onöndowa’ga, Gota:tö:nih, and her Nichols varsity lacrosse team, Monsignor Martin Sectional Champions at Canisius (5/12/26). They then went on to win the State Championship for the CHSAA at Wagner College in Staten Island, NYC (5/17/26).

Big season for Geffen Sasala (2029) a freshman, midfield starter all season.
• 2G, 1A in the Monsignor Martin Championship
• 3 goals in the state semifinals
• 2 goals in the state championship

Nichols Girls Lacrosse made history this season, winning the first NYS Championship in program history with a 14–11 win over St. John the Baptist.

Geffen was also mentioned by WNY Athletics, in the WNYA The Magazine, May 4, 2026, edition, High School sports weekly by Frank Wolf – “We also have freshman Geffen Sasala who has come in and worked so hard every day and is also a midfield started. She clicks really well with the uppercalssmen and you wouldn’t know she is only a freshman by the way she plays and her confidence.”

Geffen is also part of the Orange Crush Buffalo travel team.

The post Ja:göh Geffen Sasala appeared first on SNI Official Newsletter.

She is quite the escape artist, though she is too chicken to leave the driveway when she gets outside. Her absolute favorite things to do are bite feet and nap on her heated blanket in the winter. For dislikes, she has no love for bugs or canned wet food.

Nya:wëh Xanthe John for submitting Jillian!

Oscar Jimerson, Cattaraugus Territory
Meet Oscar, a lively four-year-old Peek-a-Pom who is proud to call Newtown home. He is a happy boy who stays quite busy with all of his favorite outdoor adventures. Oscar loves going for rides, spending time down at the crick, and chasing after four-wheelers.

He loves playing fetch with anyone and everyone who will play with him! To top it all off, he is a big fan of catching sky raisins whenever he gets the chance.

Nya:wëh Delores Jimerson for entering Oscar!

Allegany and Cattaraugus will have a “Rez Pet of the Month” each month. Submit yours to either Alyssa Coustenis – Allegany Reporter or Norah Stevens – Cattaraugus Reporter @ Alyssa.Coustenis@sni.org or NStevens@sni.org. Feel free to drop by the offices if assistance is needed. Please be sure to include a photo, and pet location along with a brief bio on your pet. We look forward to hearing about all our wonderful Rez Pets.

The post June 2026 Rez Pets of the Month! appeared first on SNI Official Newsletter.

Nya:wëh to all who joined us for Heritage Day 2026 here at the Onöhsagwë:de’ Cultural Center this past Saturday. Shout out to our awesome team and everyone who made it possible.

Smoke Dance Contest Winners:

Girls (5-12)
First: Kenzley Jimerson
Second: Brynli Bomberry
Third: Yaslin Salés

Boys (5-12)
First: Liam Dowdy
Second: Randon George
Third: Sonnyboy Dowdy

Teen Girls (13-17)
First: Lorenza Dowdy
Second: Lydia Isaac
Third: Saphire Hill

Teen Boys (13-17)
First: Myles Montour
Second: Michael Bovanizer
Third: Kyson George

Adult Women (18+)
First: Eva Dowdy
Second: Valerie Parker
Third: Caye John

Adult Men (18+)
First: Frank Wesaw
Second: Jake George
Third: Gaehnew Printup

Golden Age Women (50+)
First: Lisa Parker
Second: Lynn O’Keefe

Golden Age Men (50+)
First: Alan George

Congrats to the winners and all the dancers that came from near and far.

The post SINM Hosts Heritage Day 2026 appeared first on SNI Official Newsletter.

In the first general election on Tuesday, May 1st, 1849, on the Cattaraugus Reservation, Solomon W. McLane was named the first President of the Seneca Nation. He would receive 187 votes out of the 307 men from Allegany and Cattaraugus to vote that day. William Jemerson was named Clerk, and Andrew John (Sr.) was named Treasurer.

Born on the Buffalo Creek Reservation and a member of the Turtle Clan. Solomon W. McLane was raised by Chief Young King, an elected war chief and counsellor to the Seneca people. McLane was a schoolteacher, also appointed Superintendent of Schools. As a temperance advocate, he encouraged the Seneca people to abstain from consuming alcohol

McLane was originally drafted into the position of provisional president in December of 1848 after 72 votes and a council session that declared to abolish the council of chiefs. Creating an elective government.

The Declaration stated: “we, the people of the Seneca Nation of Indians, by virtue of the right inherent in every people, trusting in the justice and necessity of our undertaking, and humbly invoking the blessing of the God of Nations upon our efforts to improve our civil condition, and to secure to our nation the administration of equitable and wholesome laws, do hereby abolish, abrogate and annul our form of Government by chiefs, because it has failed to answer the purposes for which all governments should be created.”

Unlike most early Seneca Republic leaders, McLane could read and write. Only a few of his letters and petitions were documented in the Quaker records and U.S National archives. After McLane’s presidency, he became a peacemaker judge, sadly dying soon after. Solomon and his wife Sara Two Guns lived on the Allegany Reservation were members of Asher Wright’s United Missionary Church.

The Seneca Nation observes President’s Day on June 15th, the late Calvin “Kelly” John’s birthday, (b. June 15, 1920 d. October 8, 2004). John served as a four time President for the Nation (1946, 1950, 1966, 1990) as well as Treasurer and Councilor. John’s role as President was pivotal during the 99-year Salamanca Lease Agreement in the early 90’s.

The post Seneca Nation President’s Spotlight appeared first on SNI Official Newsletter.