Call 716-945-1790, ext. 3150 to schedule a pick-up. Let’s keep our community beautiful together.

See flyer for details:

The post Allegany/Steamburg 2026 Spring Clean-up appeared first on SNI Official Newsletter.

Deadline: Friday, April 24, 2026. Full details available at senecapowwow.org.

2026 Vendor Applications NOW AVAILABLE!

Go to senecapowwow.org to download an application. Deadline: April 30th

Call for 2026 Community Specials!

Please send a detailed submission to info@senecapowwow.org for consideration.

See flyers below for details.

The post Marvin “Joe” Curry Veterans Powwow Update appeared first on SNI Official Newsletter.

Submitted by Sherisse John

Language Success Stories. Confidence, identity, dedication and interconnectedness builds through our language reclamation efforts. Language reclamation is the active, community-led process of reviving and reasserting indigenous or marginalized languages that have been suppressed or endangered by colonization and assimilation.

The language community continues to expand with these interactive opportunities. This past month Seneca Language Teacher Support and Community Outreach (SLTSCO) hosted a Game Day located at the back entrance of the Seneca Arts and Learning Center, located in Salamanca, NY.

This space allowed different departments such as Deadiwënöhsnye’s Gëjohgwa’ ; SLTSCO ; Stanley “Sully” Huff Heritage Center and even our relatives from the Tonawanda Seneca Nation’s language program to converse, play and just BE in our language.

While all of us are hard at work, determined to revitalize the Seneca Language it’s important to have fun during the process. Our ancestors endured unimaginable losses and it is all of our responsibility to uphold as much of who we are in honor of their sacrifices.

“Ögwadä’swi:yo:h ögwagëhji’da’ ökiyëönya:nih ögwawë:no’ ahsöh. Oiowa:nëh ne’hoh ögwadiwa:de’ aedwaiwasdis. Ëyögwa’nigöe’hasde:k hëyo’dëöje’ o:ëdö:gwah”

“We’re fortunate to have our elders still teaching us our language. It’s a great responsibility we ought to pay attention to. We will continue to keep a strong mind into the future.”

All the different cohorts mingled at the tables with several options for games to play while staying in the Seneca Language throughout the day. There was no set target proficiency required but everyone that participated also partakes in a program or department that works towards fluency in Seneca Language. That means everyone shares the same goal in mind, aiming to speak our indigenous language.

This is transformation!!

Language learning is an endurance sport, and we all need a little encouragement along the way. We look forward to creating more spaces where Seneca Language is being spoken and shared. We all need reminders to be gentle with ourselves.. it’s not about what we don’t know how to say but using what we do know as often as we can.

Don’t let the fear of making mistakes keep you from learning your language. We are only human. Nya:wëh to everyone who could make it out!!

“Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.”

The post Seneca Language Success: appeared first on SNI Official Newsletter.

The Seneca Nation is proud to announce the opportunity to send off 4 Deputy Marshals (Deputy Nikolas Milks-Allegany, Deputy Raeann White-Catt., Deputy Haley Hanes-Catt., Deputy Elias Redeye-Catt.) to the Indian Country Police Officer Training Program (ICPOTP) in Artesia, New Mexico.

The ICPOTP is a basic training program for law enforcement officers who are charged with enforcing law, regulations, and violations on Indian and Tribal Lands. The ICPOTP is 13.5 weeks in length and contains 575.5 hours of instruction and 22 hours of administrative time, for a program total of 597.50 hours. The ICPOTP is designed to progressively develop law enforcement officers with core courses in report writing, court testimony, federal and tribal criminal law and application, emergency response driving, basic marksmanship, drugs of abuse, human trafficking, domestic violence, victim services, community policing, arrest techniques, and other law enforcement duties in Indian Country. The training also includes conducting laboratory and practical exercise in simulated field settings.

The post Congrats to our Deputy Marshals appeared first on SNI Official Newsletter.

I hope everyone had a nice Easter and that many of you have been enjoying the Cattaraugus Community Fair these past few days.

March was a busy time, with several important conferences and events locally and across the country. The annual Reservation Economic Summit – or RES – took place in late March, attracting a large crowd of representatives and officials from Native Nations across the United States, as well as members of Congress, officials from federal agencies, and business leaders. It is always encouraging and enlightening to see and hear from so many different leaders from across Indian Country and to talk about the paths and opportunities that are ahead of us – from business and tourism to energy, infrastructure and beyond.

During the conference, I took part in a panel discussion entitled “The Box to the Boardroom: Indigenous Ownership in Professional Sports” discussing our experience to date as the owners of the Rochester Knighthawks. (Speaking of the Knighthawks, they will be at KeyBank Center tomorrow night taking on the Buffalo Bandits!)

After RES was over, the annual Indian Gaming Tradeshow & Convention took place the following week. Once again, leaders from Native Nations and Native gaming entities gathered to discuss the changing and challenging landscape in the gaming industry and to get a look at new products and services available for our gaming and hospitality properties. I was again asked to participate in a panel discussion, this one entitled “Protecting Tribal Sovereignty, Economies and Communities in the 2026 Midterm Elections.” There are certainly many issues for Indian Country to watch in this year’s federal election cycle, not to mention, for us, in New York’s statewide election in November.

Back at home, the Nation welcomed Dr. Rodney Haring and several of his colleagues from Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center for an announcement of a three-year grant Roswell Park received from Eli Lilly and Company to promote lung health and wellness in Native workplaces across North America. The Nation has been an active participant in Roswell’s Workplace Health Education Program, which brings important tools to our people to help them start their lung health journey.

As we know, Native communities have some of the highest rates of cancer and cancer-related deaths of any population group for several types of cancer. If we are going to break the cycle of elevated rates of disease, like cancer, plaguing Native communities, we need (Continued on next page)
leaders, partners and advocates like Dr. Haring and the team at Roswell Park, who have the knowledge, experience and ability to help our people navigate the challenges and the barriers to care that Native people often confront.

While physical health and wellness are critically important, so too are mental and emotional health. That will be the focus of our Spring Healing Conference at Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino later this month. The theme of the conference is “Voice of Wisdom. Stories of Resilience. Pathways to Healing.” This three-day conference will feature cultural teachings, a powerful lineup of speakers, and meaningful opportunities to connect, share, and promote resilience, well-being and strength.

I hope that anyone from our community who is in need of support and encouragement as they progress along their personal healing journey will attend the conference. For more information, email HealingConference@sni.org, or call Christina Porter at 716-945-1790m ext. 3003. Additional information on the Healing Conference can be found on the Nation’s website – sni.org.

Finally, in keeping with the thoughts on the importance of health, wellness and healing, the community is invited to attend upcoming meetings with the Nation’s new Human Services Division. This is a chance to learn about the important work happening across our territories with programs like Family Support Services, Crime Victim Services, Seneca Strong, Opioid Response, and Community Wellness & Outreach.

Meetings are scheduled for 5-7 p.m. on April 13 at the ACC, April 14 at the CCC, and April 15 at the Buffalo Creek office. The meetings will cover resources and support available to our community members, as well as share and discuss ideas and priorities for our community. For more information on these meetings, call 716-532-4035.

Until next time,
J.C.

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

Calling all Health, Fitness & Lifestyle Businesses!

Be part of something refreshing at The May Reset – our inaugural wellness experience designed to recharge routines, balance work & home, and spark healthy new habits. Connect with new customers, network with fellow entrepreneurs, and gain valuable exposure in a high-traffic even. The event is FREE for the public to attend, making it the perfect opportunity to showcase your business, connect with the community, and grow your brand through hands-on engagement.

Sunday, May 3rd | 10am-2pm | Seneca Niagara Event Center.

Contact us at SRCSpecialEvents@SenecaCasinos.com by April 17th, 2026 to secure your spot!

The post The May Reset – Mind • Balance appeared first on SNI Official Newsletter.

Raymond Cortes, Onöndowa’ga, Hota:yö:nih, Ga’dägësgëö Territory, of D’Youville Men’s Lacrosse, has been named, ECC (East Coast Conference) Rookie of the Week. Ray, a Redshirt Freshman, plays Attack position for the Saints.

Cortes had a solid all-around game for the Saints this past week, accounting for four points (2 goals, 2 assists) while also grabbing five groundballs and causing one turnover in the team’s 19-13 win over St. Thomas Aquinas College.

The post Raymond Cortes named ECC Rookie of the Week 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. You must provide your enrollment #, if it is omitted or incorrect, you will be denied access.

Use the link below to register for the April 11th Regular Council Session. Please register by 9 a.m. on Saturday, April 11th to ensure registration approval.

https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/6270f366-742a-4954-89ab-03009da83d12@72419ddb-8212-48bb-9148-1f0866a6d9a4

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

99 members registered for the March 14th Regular Council Meeting, 63 attended virtually. 123 members were registered for the March 16th Virtual Referendum Meeting and 62 attended virtually.

ADDITIONS AND DELETIONS FROM REGULAR COUNCIL HELD MARCH 14, 2026

Welcome our recent enrollments to the Seneca Nation!

Six (6) Additions to The Seneca Nation Roll – March 14, 2026, Regular Session of Council

1. Joey Lee Booth, Deer – Nedrow, NY
2. Nolan Haven Jimerson-Gravely, Beaver – Basom, NY
3. Judah Quavier, Hawk – Niagara Falls, NY
4. Paisley Ann Kettle, Wolf – Lockport, NY
5. Ellora Ann Stevens, Heron – Salamanca, NY
6. Trevor James Stevens, Snipe – Lawtons, NY

We are asking parents who recently have or will be having their child(ren) enrolled and wishes to have their child(s) pictures included in future editions of the SN Newsletter, to please email the picture to: Scase@sni.org or I.Cortes@sni.org.

On Behalf of the Seneca Nation, we send our heartfelt condolences to the families and friends that have lost their loved ones.

Eight (8) Deletions to The Seneca Nation Roll – March 14, 2026, Regular Session of Council

1. Michelle Renee Byer, Heron
2. Sherry Lee Casey, Wolf
3. Walter F. Conn, Bear
4. D. Robert Crantz, Deer
5. Lawrence A. Kettle, Heron
6. Karen Emily Redeye, Wolf
7. Jean C Rogers-Downes, Heron
8. Keith E. Spruce, Turtle

As of the Regular Session of Council March 14, 2026.

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, May 28th from 12-2 p.m.
• 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 PICKUP 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
Maura Frazier, 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.

GOWANDA, N.Y. (WKBW) — If there’s one thing you need to know about Gowanda senior basketball player Corrina John, she can spot up and hit shots from anywhere, and we mean anywhere.
“Shooting was the first thing I started practicing. And then I started getting deeper and deeper and taking a step back,” Corinna said.

“Over at the center (Cattaraugus Community Center), we have an NBA line, and she shot from it and made it. I said, ‘OK, you kept your form good, and you still made it,’” Gowanda girls’ basketball coach and Corrina’s father, Eddie John, said.

It should come as no surprise that as her senior year was winding down, Gowanda’s lethal shooter surpassed 1,000 career points by making, you guessed it, a deep three-pointer.

“During the game, I guess the ref told my coach, aka my dad, and said I was three points away, but my dad asked not to tell me, or else I would’ve thought about it,” Corrina said. “I felt relieved and all the pressure was off of trying to make it.”

“She pulled up for a three like everyone knows how she shoots from deep, and she looked at us, and it was nice to see your daughter celebrate that moment with her family and friends,” Eddie said.

It was a moment Corrina, Eddie, and the John family will never forget.

As for what’s next, she plans to compete in the Native American Basketball Invitational this summer with her travel team based out of Oklahoma.

“I think it’s a really big opportunity, and I don’t want to miss it,” Corrina said. “I think it’s really cool to see people from these tournaments move on and play Division I. Seeing them on the TV and playing is really fun to watch.”

“I’ve always told her to get away from the community and go explore the world first before you solidify yourself in any community,” Eddie said.

As Corrina explores the world her basketball talents bring her, she’ll continue to remind the next generation of athletes not only at Gowanda but also the Seneca Nation, that you can do anything you set your mind to.

The post First Student Super 7 Athlete of the Week: Gowanda’s Corinna John appeared first on SNI Official Newsletter.

Designed by the team at JCJ Architecture, the project focused on elevating the overall atmosphere, experience and service guests enjoy at Seneca Café. Overall seating capacity within the restaurant was increased from 153 to 174 seats, creating the opportunity for more guests to enjoy a meal at the popular dining destination. A new permanent breakfast buffet area is sure to be a popular spot in the morning. Meanwhile, counter operations at the Seneca Café Express counter were streamlined to allow for more efficient transactions and continued team member-guest interactions for guests looking for a quick cup of coffee or grab-and-go option, while also creating a more efficient service environment for team members. Seneca-inspired design elements were also incorporated throughout the space, creating an important connection to Seneca culture.

“With this beautiful redesign, Seneca Café will now, more than ever, deliver an exceptional guest experience that is consistent with our world-class standards as a Four Diamond resort destination,” said Linda Hitchcock, Senior Vice President of Food & Beverage at Seneca Resorts & Casinos.

Located on the resort’s second floor, Seneca Café opened as part of the permanent casino, hotel and resort complex in 2007 and immediately became a hit with guests, serving delicious and hearty dining options from breakfast through late night. The restaurant typically serves 6,000-7,000 meals per week. Work on the renovation began in December 2025.

“Seneca Café is part of the heartbeat of the resort experience at Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino and a staple in the routines of many of the guests who stay with us,” said Seneca Resorts & Casinos President & CEO Kevin Nephew. “Taking such a vibrant part of our operation offline for three months was no small undertaking. We could not be more thrilled with the result and we hope our guests will be just as excited to experience this beautiful new space.”

Now that the Seneca Café renovation is complete, Seneca Gaming Corporation is looking ahead to future projects.

“We always look at how we can make things even better, and elevate the guest experience even higher,” said Allie R. George, Chairman of the Seneca Gaming Corporation Board of Directors. “If the next few years were a food menu, this beautiful project would be the appetizer. We have a lot of exciting things on the horizon across all three of our properties.”

Seneca Café will initially be open 7 a.m. – 10 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, and 7 a.m. – Midnight Friday and Saturday. The restaurant will transition to and expanded Spring/Summer schedule on Monday, April 6, with operating hours of 7 a.m. – Midnight Sunday-Thursday, and 7 a.m.-2 a.m. Friday and Saturday.

For more information on all of the excitement taking place at Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino and to book your next stay, visit SenecaAlleganyCasino.com.

The post Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino Completes $2.7 Million Renovation of Seneca Café appeared first on SNI Official Newsletter.