Come out and protest Mayor Aiello’s lack of action on the sewage discharge issue on Tuesday, April 22, 2025 starting at 5pm, at Lincoln Park – East State Street sidewalk (please don’t block vehicular or foot traffic). At 6pm, come SPEAK FOR THE RIVER at the Olean Common Council Meeting in the Courtoom at the Municipal building.

The Olean Sewage Discharge Issue

What a sewage system should do: Houses and businesses create two kinds of liquids – sewage from toilets, showers, sinks, etc. and stormwater from roofs and driveways. Cities can have two separate systems for those or can have a combined system. Either way, there is a sewage treatment plant that takes the influent through at least three stages and then discharges the effluent water into a river and the effluent is usually cleaner than the river water itself.

The Problem with Olean’s System: Olean has two separate systems, but through lax code enforcement, many houses and businesses are putting their stormwater into the sewage system. Worse, 75 catch basins (the grates in the curbs that collect stormwater) that should be connected to the stormwater system are instead connected to the sewer system. So, though Olean’s system is designed as two separate ones, it’s acting like a combined system. But, especially at three lift stations (which pump the influent up to a higher level so that gravity can carry it to the sewage treatment plant), when there is a heavy rainfall, the lift stations are overwhelmed with too much influent and that triggers an automatic discharge into the river.

The  History of Olean Discharges: Olean has discharged sewage into the Allegheny River for several decades, and though the city has made some improvements at the sewage treatment plant and the three lift stations, there are still discharges if the rain is heavy enough. Since 2018 there have been fourteen major discharges totaling ,over 1.2 million gallons of raw sewage into the river. This obviously harms or kills many living things in and around the river, creates a poterntial for many types of diseases in people who use the river, and is not a normal event for most cities.

How can it be fixed? There are four possible ways to fix this problem. Two would reduce the amount of stormwater getting into the sewer system: 1) Get houses and businesses to comply with the city’s sewer ordinance by making sure their stormwater doesn’t go into the sewer system. 2) Replumb the faulty catch basins so they empty into the stormwater system instead of the sewer system. The other two solutions would allow the high amount of stormwater to still enter the sewer system, but would bolster capacity so that discharges wouldn’t occur. 3) Build three additional lift stations parallel with the three existing ones (S 4th St, Martha Ave and Adams St} and additional pipes to the STP. 4) Build holding tanks (about 300k+ gallons capacity) to contain the extra influent until the storm passes and the lift stations can catch up with the flow.

Where Does This Issue Stand Now? At the urging of Defend Ohi:yo’ members and the Seneca Nation of Indians, the city has finally made some progress and at its 3/25/25 meeting voted to spend $50K to hire a consultant to evaluate the lift station ideas (3 and 4 above). If the city had been more proactive, it could have written a grant to have NYS pay for this instead of the city. Hopefully they’ll start taking advantage of the many available grants for this kind of projec.t. However. the city still has not written a comprehensive plan to solve this problem, even though that would take just a few hours and would include a step-by-step process with questions that have to be answered at each step, a timeline for the steps, and a list of people responsible for each step as well as grants and other funding sources that would need to be obtained. Ideally, the ,city would move quickly with all of this so that any solution could be completed over this coming summer. As of now, it’s just luck with the weather that determines if there are further discharges….

Follow Defend Ohi:yo’ on Facebook!

The post Come Stand up for the River – Defend Ohi:yo’ appeared first on SNI Official Newsletter.

The powwow committee is seeking proposals for Registration & Tabulation services for the 34th annual Marvin “Joe” Curry Veterans Powwow, happening July 19-20, 2025, in Salamanca, NY.

Interested companies are invited to submit a letter of interest, and a proposal detailing services and rates.

For full details and submission requirements, visit: www.SenecaPowwow.org.

Proposals are due by Friday, May 9, 2025!

The post Marvin “Joe” Curry Veterans Pow Wow appeared first on SNI Official Newsletter.

Currently there are two positions to be filled (3 year terms).

Completed petitions must be filed with the District Clerk no later than Monday, April 21, 2025 between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

Please contact the office of the District Clerk, 716-532-3325, ext. 6300 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. for additional information.

The post Gowanda Central School District Board of Education Update appeared first on SNI Official Newsletter.

Hodinosho:ni’ Textile Artists and their work will be featured as part of the set river set design. Designed by Métis artist Troy Hourie’s Scenic Design for Pure Native to bring his fabric river to life. Artists Tami Watt and Faye Lone’s work will be featured in the production. Displays of previous work will also be featured in the lobby.

Rochester, N.Y. — Geva brings Pure Native by Vickie Ramirez (Tuscarora) to the Willson Stage this April. The production is directed by Randy Reinholz (Choctaw) and is in association with Friends of Ganondagan and Native Voices. Pure Native tells the story of Brewster, who is back after almost a decade and things have changed. Brews is proud of his success working for a large corporation, and wants to share it with the people of his Rez in Upstate New York. After all, it’s been a bad year, and Brews believes partnering with his corporation on a new bottled water factory would be a great opportunity for the Rez to create its own industry and sustain itself. But to his old love Connie, it’s a betrayal of everything the Haudenosaunee stand for. Who will win? This production runs on the Wilson Stage April 15 – May 11, 2025. Tickets are on sale now; visit GevaTheatre.org or call the Box Office at 585-232-GEVA(4382).

Director Randy Reinholz (Choctaw) shared his excitement about bringing the show to Rochester, saying, “I’m thrilled to direct this groundbreaking production of Vickie Ramirez’s soulful and funny Pure Native. Vickie worked on this script in Los Angeles at Native Voices in 2019. We had a stunning production there and were headed to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C., when all theatre production was brought to a standstill by the pandemic. We are so grateful to Geva Theatre, Native Voices, and Friends of Ganondagan for providing us with the artistic home to bring together an all-Native American cast of nationally celebrated actors to work alongside an all-Native American creative team supported by local artisans in this lavish production, set in contemporary Haudenosaunee country in Upstate New York.”

Playwright Vickie Ramirez (Tuscarora) echoed Reinholz’s enthusiasm, stating, “As a Tuscarora playwright, I’m beyond thrilled that Pure Native is making its East Coast debut, co-produced by the world-renowned Geva Theatre, Friends of Ganondagan, and Native Voices! It’s a true honor to reunite with Randy Reinholz, who first brought this play to life with Native Voices in 2019. Staged on the traditional territories of the Haudenosaunee people, I can’t wait to see how this production resonates with both Indigenous and non-Indigenous audiences alike, especially since we all share a deep, undeniable connection to the land and our waters.”

Geva Theatre Artistic Director Elizabeth Williamson added “We are so happy to be continuing our partnerships with Native Voices and Friends of Ganondagan with this collaboration around Vickie Ramirez’ beautiful and moving play, Pure Native!”

Ansley Jemison (Seneca, Wolf Clan), who is serving as the Cultural Liaison on this production, also shared his perspective, saying, “I am thrilled to partner with Geva Theatre to present Pure.

Native, a powerful play by Tuscarora playwright Vickie Ramirez. It’s an honor to share this story with our youth and elders through our community outreach initiatives. I hope that this outreach will inspire the next generation of Indigenous youth to see themselves as storytellers in this art form.”

Jemison continued, “I’d like to express my deepest gratitude to Vickie Ramirez for crafting this beautiful story and for trusting Native Voices, Geva Theatre, and the Friends of Ganondagan to bring it home and amplify the voices of Indigenous Peoples. Nya:wëh Swagewe:göh (Thank you everyone).”

DeLanna Studi (Cherokee Nation), Artistic Director of Native Voices, Geva’s 24/26 Artist in Residence, and an actor who will be performing in Pure Native, emphasized why this production is so important. “When Geva asked Native Voices to recommend Indigenous plays for consideration for forthcoming seasons, Pure Native by Vickie Ramirez immediately came to mind,” she shared. “Pure Native is full of heart and soul, tackling timely issues that resonate globally regardless of any demographic while recognizing the regional implications of Indigenous communities. It’s a beautiful story that everyone should see.”

The Cast:

DeLanna Studi (Cherokee Nation, she/her) returns to the Geva stage as Karen after appearing in her dramatic memoir And So We Walked in 2023 (TV: Reservation Dogs, Shameless; Regional Theatre: Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Portland Center Stage, Cornerstone, and Indiana Repertory Theater). The rest of the cast includes Derek Garza (Wichita/Comanche, he/him) as Art (TV: Chicago Fire; Regional Theatre: Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Ford’s Theatre, McCarter Theatre), Kalani Queypo as Brewster (TV: Jamestown, Fear the Walking Dead), Tanis Parenteau (Métis Nation of Alberta, she/her) as Connie (TV: Gossip Girl, Billions; Regional Theatre: The Public Theater, Signature Theatre), and Jake Waid as Gary (Regional Theatre: Theater Alaska, Shakespeare & Company).

The Creative Team:

The creative team includes Director Randy Reinholz (The Public Theater, La Jolla Playhouse, Perseverance Theatre, Oregon Shakespeare Festival), Scenic Designer Troy Hourie (The Glimmerglass Festival, Cherry Lane Theatre, The Guthrie, Bay Street Theatre, Huntington Theatre), Costume Designer Asa Benally (Keen Theater Company, The Public Theater Mobile Unit, George Street Playhouse, Perseverance Theater), Lighting Designer Emma Deane (Geva Theatre, Guthrie Theater, Signature Theatre NYC, Everyman Theater), Sound Designer Ed Littlefield/Shaakindustóow (Theater Alaska, Jolla Playhouse, Perseverance Theater, Oregon Shakespeare Festival), with Cultural Liaison Ansley Jemison. The Production Stage Manager is Kevin Gregory Dwyer (he/him) with Assistant Stage Manager Julia Bregy (she/her).

Geva’s 52nd Season is sponsored by ESL Federal Credit Union with Honorary Season Producer Dr. Dawn Lipson. Pure Native is presented with support from Lead Producer Buckingham Properties and Media Sponsors WXXI and iHeart Radio.

CONNECTIVITY at Geva: Programming presented in conjunction with Pure Native, check the Geva website for event details.

Geva Insights | Tuesday, April 22
• FREE A post-performance conversation with members of the Pure Native cast, crew, and community.

Mondays at Geva | Monday, April 28, 6 – 8 p.m. • FREE The stages are dark on Monday evenings at Geva, so the art and action shift to the lobby and café where brilliant local visual artists, performers, musicians, and speakers broaden our consideration of the onstage productions. Join us for an evening of culture, community, and celebrating Indigenous excellence, featuring traditional foods, tabling from community organizations, and artwork from local Indigenous makers on display and for sale.

Haudenosaunee Performance | Sunday, May 11, 2pm • Tickets Required Celebrate the closing performance of this production with an afternoon of community and connection for Indigenous audience members and performers to enjoy together. Non-Indigenous patrons are also welcome to attend.

TICKET AND PERFORMANCE INFORMATION:

When: April 15 – May 11, 2025 Where: On the Wilson Stage, 75 Woodbury Boulevard, Rochester, New York 14607

To Purchase: Tickets may be purchased online, by calling 585-232-GEVA(4382), or in-person from the Box Office. All prices, dates, and times are subject to change.

About Geva Theatre
Founded in 1972, Geva Theatre is a not-for-profit, professional theatre company dedicated to creating and producing professional theatre productions, programs, and services of a national standard.

Geva offers a wide variety of educational, engagement, and literary programs, nurturing audiences and artists alike. Geva Theatre sits on the ancestral and unceded territory of the O-non-dowa-gah, or “the people of the Great Hill.” In English, they are known as the Seneca people, “the keeper of the western door.” They have stewarded this land through generations, and Geva pays respect and gives thanks to their elders, past and present.

Geva is under the leadership of Artistic Director Elizabeth Williamson and Executive Director James Haskins.

Find out more about Geva Theatre at GevaTheatre.org or by connecting with us on social media. Facebook: facebook.com/gevatheatrecenter, Twitter: @gevatheatre, Instagram: @gevatheatre, LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/geva-theatre-center.

About Friends of Ganondagan – The Friends of Ganondagan, is an Indigenous led not for profit, 501c (3) corporation created in 1989 as an educational partner to Ganondagan State Historic Site, located in Victor, NY on the traditional homelands of the Onöndawa’ga:’ (Seneca) people.

Friends of Ganondagan provides cultural programming and community events to enrich the understanding of Seneca and Haudenosaunee values, culture, and contemporary life. Friends of Ganondagan’s mission is to share Seneca and Haudenosaunee history, culture, and values through authentic, engaging, and transformational programming. We seek to educate Seneca and Haudenosaunee people living on and off reservations, Indigenous peoples, and non-Native Americans, acting as a bridge between and within cultures. We are dedicated to developing Indigenous youth and educating them in the wisdom of their Elders. We believe through collaborating with other Indigenous peoples, and diverse cultural and religious communities, our common vision of peace, cooperation, gratitude and respect for others and the natural world will be realized.

About Native Voices
For the past 30 years, Native Voices has remained the sole Actors’ Equity theatre in the country committed to developing and producing new works for the stage by Native American, First Nations, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian playwrights. Devoted to training Indigenous artists and championing their work nationally through production and professional development opportunities, Native Voices provides a supportive setting for new play development. When founders Randy Reinholz (Choctaw) and Jean Bruce Scott entrusted their legacy to DeLanna Studi (Cherokee) and Elisa Blandford in 2020, the company’s goals remained the same — to foster greater understanding and respect for all and to showcase artistic voices that might otherwise not be heard. Native Voices remains steadfast in their mission of developing Native playwrights and theatre artists, to telling Native stories by and about Native people, and to providing the public access to these plays and playwrights, but now with the hope of Indigenizing theatre, both for artists and audiences, and to create pathways of learning for the next generations of storytellers and audience members.

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Photos by Seneca Media

On Saturday, April 5, 2025, speakers, educators, and life-long learners from across Turtle Island convened for the 15th Annual Storytellers Conference held at the Niagara Falls Convention Center in Niagara Falls, New York. The Western Door was proudly represented by a group of singular individuals. Ja:no’s Bowen and her daughter Gahsëni’de’ Hubbel, Caleb Abrams, Hayden Haynes, Maurice John, Jr., and Nicole Thompson, and more, presented on topics from claiming Indigenous space in contemporary society, bridging traditional arts practices into modernity, and documentary filmmaking to capture our present existence while acknowledging our pasts.

Gatherings like this are crucial to our persistence and existence as Indigenous Peoples. Our shared experiences provide an amplification of our shared voice. With that, we are not a monolith, and as Native Nations and Peoples, opportunities to share our unique experiences are just as important.

The post 2025 Storytellers Conference appeared first on SNI Official Newsletter.

On Friday, April 4, 2025, the Adopt-A-Highway program erected signs along Interstate 86 in Salamanca, NY in memory of the late Kiona M. Welch of Ohi:yo’, signaling the community’s commitment to keeping the area litter-free. “The road to “no where” was her favorite spot & I know she would just love that the signs were placed there” said Kiona’s Mom, Glenda Taylor-Welch. Glenda also shared that “Love you more” was something Kiona said to everyone when she hung up the phone, left or when you left her. At some point we will be looking for volunteers to help keep “her” mile clean of debris. Nya:wëh to NYSDOT for putting up the signs.

David Hawk Richardson, NYS DOT Highway Maintenance shared “It felt like she was there as we put her signs up. It was an honor to do it and the guys in the crew said that too.”

The post Commitment to Keeping Ohi:yo’ Beautiful in Memory of Kiona M. Welch appeared first on SNI Official Newsletter.

As we wrap up Women’s History Month, we are proud to honor the service and resilience of Senior Airman Jennifer Helie (Onöndowa’ga:’), a United States Air Force veteran who exemplifies strength, dedication, and leadership.

About SrA Jennifer Helie:

Jennifer honorably served in the U.S. Air Force from 1999 to 2003 as an Air Surveillance Technician (AST). Stationed at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan, her mission was vital to air battle management, radar surveillance, and tactical data link operations over the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) on the Korean Peninsula. Working aboard the E-3 Sentry AWACS, SrA Helie played a crucial role in identifying and tracking airborne threats, coordinating fighter intercepts, and maintaining secure communication links in high-risk environments.

Her service included participation in critical operations such as Red Flag, Cope Tiger, and missions supporting Operation Enduring Freedom and 9/11 efforts. In recognition of her outstanding contributions, Jennifer was awarded several military honors, including the Air Force Aerial Achievement Medal and National Defense Service Medal.

While her military career was cut short due to a medical discharge, Jennifer has since overcome personal challenges and emerged as a powerful advocate for fellow veterans. Despite struggling with substance abuse and PTSD, she has rebuilt her life through support networks and therapy. Jennifer is now an active member of the veteran community and continues to contribute through organizations like WNYHeroes, the Veterans One-stop, and the Wounded Warrior Project.

Her story is one of resilience and renewal, a testament to the strength of women veterans everywhere. Today, Jennifer has found new purpose in her family, which includes her husband, Jacob, a retired Army sergeant, their three children, and a grandson. She remains dedicated to supporting fellow veterans and believes in the life-changing power of peer support.

As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we salute Jennifer Helie’s incredible service, her courage in the face of adversity, and her ongoing contributions to the veteran community.

The post Celebrating Women’s History Month: Honoring Senior Airman Jennifer Helie appeared first on SNI Official Newsletter.

Submitted by Marilyn Anderson

We are preparing for Easter which is the most joyous and celebrated Christian season which celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. We observed Ash Wednesday which was the beginning of Lent. On April 13 we will have a Palm Sunday Service which commemorates the spreading of palm leaves and cloaks during Jesus’ triumphant entrance into Jerusalem. Other services include:

• Maundy Thursday Service – Thursday, April 17, the time and location will be announced at the Palm Sunday service. Maundy Thursday is observed on the day before Good Friday. Maundy Thursday commemorates Jesus last meal with his disciples and the first communion ritual. The word Maundy comes from the Latin (man datum) which means command. The command Jesus gave to His disciples was to love one another.
• Good Friday Service – Friday, April 18, the time and location will be announced at the Palm Sunday service. Good Friday commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus on the cross at Calvary.
• Easter Sunrise Service and Breakfast – Sunday, April 20 at 9 a.m. – Four Corners UMC. We will celebrate Jesus’ resurrection. After the service we will enjoy a potluck breakfast in our fellowship hall. Everyone is invited to join us.

Some of you can remember Easter services at Four Corners when you were younger. The church was filled with flowers, especially lilies that are symbols of Christ’s resurrection. Sunday School children learned “pieces” to recite during the Easter church service. We sang Easter songs, and the church was filled with families and we all enjoyed the Easter Sunrise breakfast. The kids also enjoyed Easter eggs and candy!!

The Seneca Hymn Singers are available for services when needed. Contacts are Beeda Parker or Terry Thompson.

Continue to pray for healing in our communities. Pray for those battling addictions. Pray for those who are mourning. Pray for those who are struggling with illness. But also, give thanks for all the blessings that we have in our lives. On Sunday mornings you are invited to join us for a Worship service at 9 a.m. We look forward to seeing you and your family. Peace.

The post News From The Four Corners United Methodist Church appeared first on SNI Official Newsletter.

Vitamin-Rich Plants (Boost Immunity, Skin, & Eye Health)

• Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) – High in vitamin A, C, K; supports liver health. Fields, roadsides, lawns.
• Wild Violets (Viola spp.) – Rich in vitamin C; anti-inflammatory. • Forest floors, shaded areas.
• Wood Sorrel (Oxalis spp.) – High in vitamin C; helps digestion. Forest paths, shady spots.
• Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata) – Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants. Forest edges, shaded trails.
• Chickweed (Stellaria media) – High in vitamin C; supports skin health. Moist gardens, shady areas.

Protein & Iron-Rich Plants (Boost Energy & Blood Health)

• Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica) – High in iron, calcium, protein; supports blood health. Moist areas, riverbanks.
• Lamb’s Quarters (Chenopodium album) – High in iron, protein, calcium; strengthens bones. Fields, gardens.
• Wild Amaranth (Amaranthus spp.) – Good source of protein, iron, magnesium. Disturbed soil, roadsides.
• Burdock (Arctium lappa) – Rich in iron, fiber; supports digestion. Disturbed soil, roadsides.

Energy-Boosting & Carbohydrate-Rich Plants

• Japanese Knotweed (Reynoutria japonica) – High in resveratrol, fiber, carbs; antioxidant properties. Riverbanks, disturbed areas.
• Cattail (Typha spp.) – Roots and young shoots are starchy, high in fiber. Wetlands, lakeshores.
• Wild Carrot (Daucus carota) – High in carbs, vitamin A; supports eye health. Fields, meadows.

Detox & Digestive Support

• Burdock Root (Arctium lappa) – Aids digestion, supports liver health. Roadsides, disturbed soil.
• Plantain (Plantago major/lanceolata) – Supports gut health, rich in fiber. Lawns, paths, fields.
• Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum) – Liver detoxifier, high in antioxidants. Disturbed soil, roadsides.

The post Interested in Foraging Edible Spring Plants? appeared first on SNI Official Newsletter.

Introducing our new name, An Everlasting Brave Journey: Grief Support is a grassroots organization formed in September 2023 and dedicated to providing extra support through your journey. Services are available for individuals and families who reside both on and off Territory. The new name reflects the initials and is in memory of Anthony E. Becton, Jr., infant son of Angela Jimerson-Becton and Anthony Becton. The support group meets on the 2nd Thursday of each month in Irving and 3rd Tuesday of each month in Salamanca, NY.

The organization is gearing towards more interactive presentations through Art, as a tool for healing. When you’ve had a significant loss, grieving can be overwhelming. Sometimes expressing your pain may help, and art can be one way to do that. Grief is a personal experience that’s often unique and intimate. What brings comfort to you in a time of grieving may differ from what helps someone else. Creating or connecting with art can be a healing experience for some people. “Art therapy is a therapeutic practice that uses creative processes like drawing, painting, sculpting, collage-making, etc. to help individuals express and explore their emotions, thoughts, and experiences. It combines psychological principles with artistic expression to promote mental and emotional well-being. Through the creation of art, people can communicate feelings that might be difficult to articulate verbally, allowing them to process trauma, grief, or stress in a nonverbal, intuitive way.”

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