Dr. Parker is a tenured professor in the Department of Family and Community Medicine at the UNM School of Medicine (SOM). She also serves as Executive Director of the UNM Health Sciences Center’s Center for Native American Health and as Associate Vice President for American Indian Health Research and Education. Her work focuses on advancing health and wellness with American Indian communities through community-engaged research, Indigenous health workforce development, culturally centered healing models, and systems-level change. Professor Jennifer Edgoose, MD, MPH, Chair of the UNM SOM Department of Family and Community Medicine, stated in a communication to Dr. Parker, “You are so deserving of this momentous achievement, which reflects your extraordinary contributions – not only to the University, but to the academy and the Native American community to which you have dedicated your career. It is truly an honor to serve alongside you.”

Raised on the Cattaraugus Territory, Dr. Parker remains deeply connected to her Seneca identity and responsibilities. Her leadership is grounded in Indigenous knowledge, community partnership, cultural humility, and the belief that healing is relational, holistic, and rooted in the strengths of Native people and Nations.

Dr. Parker leads and collaborates on federally funded research initiatives addressing chronic disease, behavioral health, substance use, health disparities, and Indigenous health sovereignty. She publishes widely in public health and medical journals and is recognized nationally for her work to strengthen Native student pathways, Tribal health systems, research equity, and culturally centered approaches to health and recovery.

Dr. Parker also brings decades of governing board leadership experience, including 23 years of service with First Nations Community HealthSource in Albuquerque, including 13 years as President, and eight years with the Seneca Nation Health System. Her promotion to Distinguished Professor reflects not only academic excellence but also a lifelong commitment to community, Indigenous knowledge, and the health and well-being of Native peoples.

Her immediate family includes her husband, Marcello Maviglia, MD, MPH; her two sons, Thomas Parker, MS, MBA, and Lee Redeye, JD; her daughter-in-law, Sarah; and her grandchildren, Jayla, Livvi, Maxwell, Kai, and Kira. Dr. Parker’s large extended family, colleagues, students, and community celebrate this well-deserved recognition and honor the path she continues to make for future generations of Indigenous health leaders.

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Elders are an important part of our community. They are our first teachers. Their knowledge, language, and experiences are passed down from generation to generation through stories or by example. They share their pain, triumphs, and vision for the future. As community members, we must respect, honor, and protect our elders from abuse and mistreatment. If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, neglect, or exploitation – please reach out for help.

For more information on the Elder Protection Code, visit https://sni.org/community-services/aoa/

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Nya:wëh to the Council Office on behalf of the Elders for sponsoring a trip to the Buffalo Bisons Game at Sahlen’s Field. The game took place on Saturday June 20th and was also Native American Heritage Day. All the pics can tell what great fun it was in Suite Seating with food and beverage bar.

Elders – Watch for more trips to sign up for like a Murder Mystery Train ride on Saturday September 5th and the Annual NYS Fair trip the Haudenosaunee Village on Friday August 28th.

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On Wednesday, June 10, the Area Office of the Aging (AOA) held an Elder’s Resource Fair at the Allegany Community Center highlighting Elder Abuse Awareness Month. There were local and community information tables, speakers, and resources available. Elders received lunch, a free T-shirt, and were entered into a drawing for door prizes!

Nya:wëh to all the departments, local agencies, staff, and Executives for contributing to the success of this event for our elders. The Cattaraugus Territory Elder’s Resource Fair takes place on Wednesday, June 24 from 10am to 2pm at the Cattaraugus Community Center.

The post Elder Abuse Awareness Day 2026 appeared first on SNI Official Newsletter.

The 2026 Lake Shore Varsity Girls Basketball Team finished with a league record of 8-2 and an overall record of 13-6 which placed them second in their league. The girls went on a great run to win the 2026 Section VI Class A1 title and the Class A crossover championship to advance to the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) Regionals where they were ultimately defeated by Section V’s Our Lady of Mercy in a 54 – 46 showdown at Gates-Chili in March 2026.

Coaches Vince Fininzio and Jessica Ludwig were recognized along with the 2026 Lake Shore Eagles Varsity Girls Basketball Team.

Ja:goh to the team: Saniya Seneca, Katsi Jackson, Aubrey LeRoy, Kate Kennedy, Payton Stevens, Caprina Pecori,Allison Strickler, Eliya Valencia, Myelle Parry, Macie Scanlan, Brooke DelPrince, Shayla Mayer, Chasity LeRoy

The post Lake Shore Girls Basketball Honored at June Regular Session of Council appeared first on SNI Official Newsletter.

Visit senecapowwow.org for more information, or follow the Seneca Veterans Powwow Facebook page HERE for all the latest updates throughout the weekend.

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Please note: Regular operating hours are Monday – Thursday from 7:30am to 5:30pm and on the third Saturday of every month from 8am to 12pm. Large items are only accepted at this time. Tickets are available at the Seneca One Stop for $5, $10, or $20, depending on vehicle load size. For more info, visit https://sni.org/community-services/environmental-protection/. Questions or comments? Call 716-682-0233. Thank you for supporting a cleaner, greener community.

The post Cattaraugus Transfer Station is Officially Open! appeared first on SNI Official Newsletter.

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The Seneca Nation Opioid Response Department in collaboration with the Erie County Department of Mental Health hosted a 40-hour Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training for first responders including members of the Marshalls and Evans PD the week of June 15-19 at the Seneca Cattaraugus Fire Hall.

9 participants (7 Marshalls and 2 Evans officers) completed the rigorous course covering a range of topics designed to give them the skills to diffuse difficult mental health and substance use crisis situations to better protect residents by diverting them to appropriate care instead of incarceration. They also learned the importance of self-care and tools available to them to use when responding to these many times difficult, heart wrenching situations.

Topics covered included communication skills to de-escalate, suicide assessment and intervention, mental illnesses (psychotic, personality, mood disorders, trauma, symptoms and behaviors, indicators of emotional distress,) substance use disorder and co-occurring disorders, developmental disabilities, dementia, Alzheimer’s, Veterans care, self-care, legal issues (Mental hygiene law, AOT, 941/945, incl Peacemakers Court.)

A consumer and family member panel presented on previous poor situational interactions with first responders due to Mental health and Substance Use Disorder affected behaviors and discussion ensued on changing and enhancing current best practices to keep all safe and get referred to the correct services at the time needed instead of incarceration.

Community resources including Peacemakers Judges Sylvia Beege Jock and Valene Peters presented cases where interactions can be improved with this training in the future creating and enhancing stronger communication with local first responders.

Huge credit to the success of the training goes to Chief Isaac and Chief Thompson as well as Law Enforcement Commissioner Mohr for having their teams attend and participate.

Another training is being discussed for the fall to expand access to these important resources.

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Ja:göh to all the students and the award recipients.

Native Success Scholarships:
Salana Ferrgusquia – Lake Shore Central
Alijah Williams – Silver Creek Central
Corrina “CC” John – Gowanda Central
Faith Stewart Memorial Scholarship:
Kyrie Buffalo – Lake Shore Central

American Legion Scholarships: Presented by Commander Ron Cook
Asa Thompson – Lake Shore Central
Alanson Stafford – Gowanda Central
Alijah Williams – Silver Creek Central

American Legion Auxiliary Scholarships:
Salana Ferrgusquia – Lake Shore Central
Corrina “CC” John – Gowanda Central
Skyla Gates – Silver Creek Central
Andrew John Scholarships:
Amirya Warrior – Silver Creek Central
Loyce Thompson-Jones – Lake Shore Central
Corrina “CC” John – Gowanda Central

SNI Marshal Scholarships: Presented by Chief Marshal, Tom Thompson
Cashis Montour – Gowanda Central
Amirya Warrior – Silver Creek Central
Salana Ferrgusquia – Lake Shore Central

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