Congratulations Caias!

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The Haudenosaunee Nationals may have come up short in winning a medal at the 2026 World Lacrosse Women’s Championship in Tokyo, but the run itself is worthy of celebrating.

Indeed, this fourth-place finish following their 7-4 loss in the bronze medal game against Israel is the best the program has ever done at the World Lacrosse Women’s Championship, a testament to the growth of women’s lacrosse as a vector for Indigenous talent and athlete development.

The Nationals started their tournament off with the round-robin portion, consisting of three games within a team’s pool.
The Nationals played in Pool A, with Ireland, Chinese Taipei, and the United States.

In the tournament opener, the Nationals defeated Chinese Taipei 11-8. The United States won a lopsided game two 22-5.
Facing a win-and-in situation in their third game against Ireland, the Nationals successfully punched their ticket to the quarterfinals with a 13-7 victory.

Facing England in the quarterfinals with a chance to make history for the program, the Nationals did not disappoint.
It was not a cakewalk, though, with the two teams putting on an exciting back-and-forth game.

The Nationals finished the first quarter up 4-3. Each team had two goals in the second to make it 6-5 Haudenosaunee at the half.
The third quarter was all England, putting three in the net to go up 8-6 with just one quarter left.

The game loosened up offensively for the Nationals, and with just seconds left before overtime, the two teams were tied 9-9.
With five seconds left, Avery Doran made history by scoring the game-winning goal, sending the Nationals to the semis.

With two chances at medalling, the Nationals were unfortunately not able to come home with some hardware, with two tough losses to end their tournament: 18-5 in the semifinals against Canada, and their 7-4 loss to Israel in the bronze medal game.

The World Championship was played two years to the day before the return of lacrosse to the Olympics, with the sixes format being played in Los Angeles in 2028.

But, despite the advances the Haudenosaunee Nationals’ program has made in recent years, there is no guarantee any of the athletes who play under that banner in high-profile tournaments will get a chance to play at the Olympics.

That’s because the International Olympic Committee has said that it will not permit a standalone Haudenosaunee team to compete at the Olympics, instead requiring those players to compete for Canada or the United States.

Being the two strongest programs in lacrosse today, with their own pipelines and regular player pools, makes the chances of participation for those who cherish lacrosse as the Creator’s game slim at the sport’s highest level.

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Niagara Falls, NY: (August 17, 2026) – Western New York’s premier resort destination is about to become even more extraordinary.

Officials from Seneca Resorts & Casinos announced that a $47 million hotel room renovation project at Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino will begin in October. A total of 594 rooms and suites across 22 floors, encompassing a total of 394,000 square feet in Western New York’s largest hotel, will be completely renovated and upgraded. Crews will complete work in three-floor phases, with total completion expected in December 2027.

“Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino is the gateway to bold, distinctive and memorable experiences for our guests,” said Seneca Resorts & Casinos President & CEO Kevin Nephew. “With this latest evolution, we continue to elevate our world-class atmosphere and keep Seneca Niagara at the leading edge of luxury to make each stay with us even more memorable.”

A popular destination for guests from across the United States, Canada and around the world, Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino served more than 181,000 occupied rooms in 2025 and approximately 141,000 rooms so far in 2026. The updated hotel rooms will be exquisitely appointed, creating beautiful spaces where guests can relax from a day of excitement, recharge for a high-energy experience, and fully envelop themselves in a cascade of comfort and the wonder of an escape from the ordinary.

Standing 26 stories tall, Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino has set the standard for premier accommodations from the day it opened, earning the prestigious Four Diamond Award from AAA every year since 2006. The hotel offers guests a total of 604 rooms and suites, as well as spectacular amenities including several outstanding restaurants, a complete line of spa and salon services at the Spa at Seneca, an indoor swimming pool, a state-of-the-art fitness center, the 2,300-seat Seneca Niagara Event Center, high-end retail, and professional meeting rooms and banquet space.

“Our vision for this project delivers on the elegance and quality our guests have come to expect from each visit to Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino, building on the transformative experience that greets them when they arrive and carrying that feeling of excitement and anticipation of what’s to come throughout the hotel,” said Hicham Jaddoud, Senior Vice President of Resort Operations, Seneca Resorts & Casinos.

The hotel renovation project at Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino is the latest in an emerging wave of projects by Seneca Resorts & Casinos. Earlier this year, the company unveiled a $2.7 million renovation of the Seneca Café restaurant at Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino. A $5.8 million renovation of that resort’s popular Thunder Mountain Buffet is currently underway, with completion scheduled for November. The company is currently working on plans for a series of significant projects at Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino, Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino and Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino over the next few years.

“We’re working on an exciting new chapter,” said Allie R. George, Chairman of the Seneca Gaming Corporation Board of Directors. “The projects we are considering at each property are designed to maximize what makes each Seneca Resorts & Casinos property a unique, world-class destination.”

For information on all of the excitement taking place at Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino and to plan your next stay, visit senecaniagaracasino.com.

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Niagara Falls, NY: (August 6, 2026) – Tradition and trend will meet on the runway in a spectacular celebration of artistry and creativity when Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino hosts the 4th Annual Indigenous Fashion Show in the Seneca Niagara Event Center on Saturday, November 21 at 7 p.m. Tickets went on sale Friday, August 7th!

The annual Indigenous Fashion Show has become a premier showcase of Indigenous designers and models and is a signature Native American Heritage Month celebration. The runway show will feature a stunning blend of traditional and contemporary designs from 16 Indigenous designers from across North America, worn by dozens of Indigenous models. Each original design weaves together the rich cultural heritage and artistry of Indigenous fashion with contemporary flair to create unique and unforgettably stylish trends.

“Our fashion show continues to grow as a platform for the work of Indigenous designers who elevate and celebrate our shared culture in stunning designs,” said Seneca Resorts & Casinos President & CEO Kevin Nephew. “Over the past four years, our list of applicants, our audience and our venue have all grown, and we think the impact we are having within Indigenous fashion circles has grown as well. We’re excited to showcase the talents of the designers and models who will make this year’s show a powerful and unforgettable evening of style, fashion and celebration.”

The designers selected to participate in the 4th Annual Indigenous Fashion Show are: Breezy Designs, Bruno Henry, Carly Koban, Degahnegahkwas Designs, Green Tribe, Ikerson Designs, Jericho, Karlene Familo, Kreations by Kehala, MarquizStylez, Rebekah Jarvey, The Snipes Nest, and Tisha Thompson x Karen Francis.

Their stunning work will be accented by the accessory designs of Beads by Arielle, Mary Jacobs Designs and The Urban Gaiyowah.

Immediately following the runway show, attendees can shop select pieces straight from the runway, along with additional products from featured designers and Native vendors at an expansive Trunk Show.

Attendance at The 4th Annual Indigenous Fashion Show is limited to individuals age 16 and older. Tickets are on sale now, with ticket prices starting at $45.

For tickets, updates and more information regarding the 4th Annual Indigenous Fashion Show and other events taking place at Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino, visit senecaniagaracasino.com.

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Dunlop and Israel were named to the annual “Power 200 Women” list by Buffalo Business First, the region’s leading business news publication. The list, chosen by Buffalo Business First editors and reporters, recognizes women business and community leaders whose talent and influence are fueling economic, social and cultural growth throughout Western New York.

Dunlop was named Chief Operating Officer in 2025, after serving as Counsel to the Seneca Gaming Corporation Board of Directors for five years. She leads lead initiatives, working directly with property leadership, to help maintain optimal overall business efficiency, and drive revenue, profitability, and growth at the three Seneca Resorts & Casinos properties – Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino in Niagara Falls, NY, Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino in Salamanca, NY, and Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino in Buffalo, NY.

Israel joined Seneca Resorts & Casinos in 2011 and was named Chief Strategy Officer earlier this year. She has held numerous leadership roles across the organization, including serving as General Manager and Assistant General Manager at Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino, General Manager at Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino, Corporate Director of Finance, and Casino Controller.

Dunlop and Israel are both enrolled members of the Seneca Nation.

Over the past two decades, Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino, Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino and Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino have each become premier gaming, entertainment, dining, excitement, and relaxation destinations for millions of guests who visit every year from across the United States and Canada, and around the world. Today, Seneca resorts & Casinos employs approximately 3,000 people across the three properties, making the company one of the largest private employers in Western New York. For more information, visit SenecaCasinos.com.

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It has been a fun couple of weeks on our territories! Last Friday, we celebrated with our dedicated Nation employees at Employee Appreciation Day at the Erie County Fair. Nation employees were able to enjoy some time off and spend the day at the Fair, where we had prizes and fun. This was our way of saying “Nya:wëh” to our employees for all that they do throughout the year to serve the needs of our people. We can’t thank them enough!

This week, we hosted our Elders Retro Beach parties at the Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino. It was great to see so many of our Elders laughing and having fun. The response was so great that we had to have two parties this year! It is always special to spend time with our Elders and it looked like everyone was having a great time!

Now, we are getting ready for the first Jimtown Community Field Day, which will take place tomorrow, August 29, at the ACC. The event runs from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and will have fun activities for the whole family to enjoy, including food and crafts vendors, a live DJ, a baking contest, races, games and more. I hope many of you can come out and enjoy this new community celebration.
Earlier this month, we hosted a delegation of federal state and local officials from throughout the greater Rochester area for a day-long summit at the Ganondagan historic site in Victor. Several Councillors were in attendance and participated in the program, which was designed to continue building familiarity with the Seneca Nation and our history, and to build the foundation for a strong, mutually beneficial relationship with our neighbors in Rochester.

This summit was just the latest step we have taken over the past year to build a strong relationship with our neighbors in Rochester. The summit was well-attended from all levels of government, including by Congresswoman Claudia Tenney, who represents parts of 14 counties, stretching from the North Country through Central New York, the Finger Lakes region, and parts of Western New York, as well as several members of the New York State Legislature, a representative from Governor Hochul’s office, and city of Rochester and Monroe County officials. Throughout the day, the officials heard directly from Nation representatives on a wide range of topics, from our economic leadership in Western New York to matters of mutual interest, including economic development and environmental stewardship. Any productive path forward for our Nation and the Rochester community has to start with knowing and understanding one another. The summit was an important next step in our ongoing outreach and dialogue with Rochester officials. We plan to have more conversations in the future.

For Nation members interested in pursuing a career in the construction trades, the Training & Employment Resource Center is now accepting applications for the upcoming Construction Technology Program. This is a 12-week, paid training program for people 18 and older, with classes held at our Steamburg training facility starting October 5. Applications are due next week on September 2, so don’t hesitate. Applications for the program are available at both TERC offices. If you have any questions about the program, contact the TERC offices at 716-532-1033 (Cattaraugus) or 716-945-8120 (Allegany).

We are also gearing up for our Fall Healing Conference on September 23 and 24 at the Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino. The theme of the conference is “Harvesting Hope & Healing.” The conference will feature inspiring speakers, workshops, and opportunities to connect with others in a welcoming and safe space. The healing conference is a way to bring us all together to share, learn, and support one another on our healing journeys. Registration is free for all Haudenosaunee community members. Register by September 4 either online at https://sni.org/fall-healing-conference/ or by calling 716-945-1790, ext. 3003. I hope we can all come together to harvest hope, celebrate healing, and strengthen our community.

Finally, next weekend is Labor Day weekend, which means the start of another school year. I want to wish all Seneca students the best of luck for a successful and fun school year. I also want to remind everyone traveling across our territories to take extra care to watch out for school buses on our roads and for our young people waiting at bus stops throughout the community.

I also want to acknowledge all Seneca community members, past and present, who have been part of our labor community. The Seneca people have a long and distinguished history of serving in organized labor, particularly in the construction trades. They, alongside their hard-working union brothers and sisters, have helped to build not only our Nation facilities and businesses on our territories, but important projects in communities across the country. We are thankful for their hard work, skill and commitment.

I hope everyone has a happy Labor Day weekend!

Until next time,
J.C.

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August 28, 2026

CATTARAUGUS TERRITORY, IRVING, N.Y. – A day after U.S. President Donald Trump signed an Executive Order to rename Lake Ontario, Seneca Nation President J. Conrad Seneca is speaking out against the intrusive action, and reminding President Trump of the United States’ historic commitment to the Seneca people and other Haudenosaunee nations.

“Lake Ontario derives its name from Indigenous roots. In our traditional Seneca language, its name is sga:nyodai:yoh, meaning ‘beautiful lake.’ Long before the United States existed, and before settlers brought the English language to our lands, our Seneca and Haudenosaunee ancestors traveled Lake Ontario and surrounding waterways for many reasons, including diplomacy among our nations. Now, we are seeing the exact opposite of diplomacy.

“The action that President Trump is taking is starkly un-presidential and demeaning to his office and his standing as the leader of the free world. His blatant disrespect toward the Seneca people, other Haudenosaunee nations, and all Indigenous people is unacceptable.

“The President cannot assert ownership over our culture or erase it through irresponsible political action. His order should be rescinded, and the name Lake Ontario should be left as it is, reflective of the Seneca people, other Haudenosaunee nations and all Indigenous people surrounding the lake.

“To us, Lake Ontario is not a political pawn. It does not separate the countries of the United States and Canada. It is all Indigenous land, which has been occupied by Indigenous people since time immemorial.

“In 1794, President George Washington and the Seneca and other Haudenosaunee nations signed the Treaty of Canandaigua, promising to live in peace and friendship with one another. The United States also promised our people the free use and enjoyment of our lands forever. President Trump’s aggression toward our culture with his Executive Order violates that peace, friendship and commitments of the Canandaigua treaty. This is the latest in a long history of willful attempts to disregard the United States’ commitments to the Seneca and other Haudenosaunee nations. President Trump needs to be reminded of those commitments.

“I would also remind the President of the tenets of the United States Constitution, where Article 6 clearly states that treaties are the ‘supreme Law of the Land,’ and need to always be honored as such.

“We will always call Lake Ontario by the name derived from the language of our ancestors – the name that, like the strength and influence of the Seneca people, will live on forever, long after the intrusive political tirades of individual men.

“All Native Nations need to stand united to vocally and forcefully reject this change. We are also calling on all federal, state and local representatives – regardless of political party – to stand with the Seneca Nation and oppose the President’s Executive Order.”

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Sixteen years ago, you changed our world, and watching you grow into the amazing young woman you are today has been our greatest joy. Your dedication and determination have earned you every opportunity, and we’re so proud of everything you’ve accomplished.

We love you more than words can say and can’t wait to cheer you on in this next chapter.

Submitted by her loving parents, Chad Hill Sr. and Barbara Lynn Hill, proud brothers, Chad Jr., Clinton & Cypress.

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We wish you the best of luck, and we are proud of you!

Ja:göh!
Mom, Dad, Dylan, and Gianni
[Submitted by Ashley D’Amico]

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