Pictured above: Cattaraugus Planning Board Members: Terry Hahn, Mike Zaprowski, Paul Mager, Tina Abrams, Mark Smith, Al Ormond, and Jim Valent

ALLEGANY TERRITORY, SALAMANCA, N.Y. – Seneca Nation Councilor Tina Abrams was recently recognized for her outstanding community leadership when she was presented the Brooks Patterson Community Leadership Award by the Cattaraugus County Planning Board during its annual awards dinner. She is the first Seneca Nation member to receive the honor.

Presented annually since 1999, the Brooks Patterson Community Leadership Award recognizes leaders who exemplify the outstanding spirit and example that longtime community leaders Torrance Brooks and Donald Patterson set during their lifetime of dedicated service to their communities. Award recipients are leaders and volunteers who make lasting contributions to the people and communities of Cattaraugus County and the region.

“I am incredibly grateful to the Cattaraugus County Planning Board for this recognition,” Councilor Abrams said. “I love this community, which is our shared home. The Seneca Nation plays an important role in Cattaraugus County and in the economy of the entire Western New York region. I believe it is important to be a voice for our shared interests and to champion advancements that will benefit the entire community.”

A voice of leadership within the Seneca Nation for decades, Councilor Abrams has been a member of the Seneca Nation Council since 2001 and was the first woman appointed as the Council’s Co-Chair in 2012. She plays a leadership role in the oversight of all Nation enterprises and monitors and advocates on federal and state legislation and policy that impact the Nation and all Indian Country. Within the Seneca community, Councilor Abrams also serves as chairperson of the annual Marvin “Joe” Curry Veterans PowWow, is a member of the Remember the Removal Committee and is chairwoman of the Seneca Nation Athletic Commission.

“The Nation is proud that Cattaraugus County is recognizing Tina for her leadership,” said Seneca Nation President J. Conrad Seneca. “She is a vocal advocate who has represented our entire region with strength and passion for many years.”

Beyond Seneca Nation Territory, Councilor Abrams has held roles on the Cattaraugus County Planning Board since 2002, and on the Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center Board of Directors since 2021. She also served as Northeast Region Vice President of the National Congress of American Indians and served on the organization’s COVID Task Force.

“Tina Abrams exemplifies the values of community leadership, integrity, and service, reflecting the traditional teachings of her people,” the Cattaraugus County Planning Board stated. “Her diligent efforts have made a lasting impact on her community.”

A member of the Seneca Nation’s Wolf Clan, Councilor Abrams was raised on the Cattaraugus Territory and has lived on the Allegany Territory for more than 40 years.

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Save the Date: Saturday, September 27, 2025

With the official proclamation declaring September as Remember the Removal (RTR) Month, the RTR Committee is proud to present a series of events to commemorate the removal of our people from our ancestral lands.

This year’s theme is a proud declaration that though we were meant to be removed, we are still here, and will maintain stewardship of our lands for the next Seven Generations and beyond. We especially encourage the youth of our community to participate in this year’s RTR activities and learn from our educators, elders, & more. (Schedule of events posted below)

Catering Request For Proposals

The Remember the Removal Committee is seeking proposals to cater the Commemoration Event on September 27th. The deadline to submit is September 5th at noon, with notification of acceptance on September 8. Interested parties may follow the link below for submission details. Contact Fallon Snyder at fallon.snyder@sni.org for more information.

View RFPs below:

Remember the Removal Commemoration Catering RFP
Deadline – September 05 2025

Remember the Removal Commemoration Catering RFP (Corn Soup & Fry Bread)
Deadline – September 05 2025

Film Premier – The Burning of My Coldspring Home

A film by Caleb G. Abrams

Join us for the long-anticipated premier of the film by Caleb Abrams (Seneca Nation), at the Ray Evans Seneca Theater in Salamanca, NY on Friday, September 19th, doors open at 5:30pm.

The film is based on the short story by the late Stephen A. Gordon

Onöndowa’ga:’ elder Stephen Gordon was twelve years old when his family was forcibly relocated from their home in Jonegano:h (Coldspring) as a result of the construction of the Kinzua Dam. Unlike his neighbors however, his family’s home wasn’t destroyed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers — instead, Gordon’s father set fire to it himself to prevent the Corps from doing the same. The Burning of My Coldspring Home, an adaptation of Gordon’s 2005 short story of the same name, is a meditation on grief, trauma, family, healing, and the places we call home.

The event is sponsored by the Seneca Nation Onöhsagwë: de’ Cultural Center, and is in collaboration with the Remember the Removal Committee.

SYD Sign-up Social

Salamanca School District Seneca Youth Dancers – Theme: Remember the Removal (RTR)

Students interested in joining the Seneca Youth Dancers may do so at the Remember the Removal Social & Potluck held at the Salamanca City Central School District High School cafeteria on Thursday, September 18, 2025. Dinner from 5-6pm in the HS cafeteria, RTR speeches & social dancing from 6-7:30pm. Come sign-up for this years SYD student group! We hope to see you there.

For more information, call 716-945-2400, ext. 4947 or email amiller@salamancany.org.

Remember the Removal 2025 Schedule of Events posted below.

The post Remember the Removal 2025 appeared first on SNI Official Newsletter.

A New Season, A New Vision

By Alyssa Coustenis, Reporter

After nearly 20 years, Lil Miss Fall Festival Showcase is back – with a refreshed focus on growth, learning, and belonging. This program centers on team building, cultural awareness, and confidence, in a joyful and supportive environment. There’s no competition, no pageantry -just opportunities to connect, create, and celebrate each girl’s unique spirit.

Every girl who participates receives recognition, not for how she looks, but for her effort, her willingness to learn, and her role in helping team building activities. Participation, helpfulness, respectful behavior, and pride in oneself are celebrated equally.

At the heart of the program are the girls themselves. For 5 weeks starting in August, participants have gathered for hands-on lessons that blend life skills and culturally rooted discussion classes. They learn how to introduce themselves in the Seneca language, create traditional cornhusk dolls, practice beadwork, explore the woods on a medicine walk, and even try their hand at cooking in traditional ways. Alongside these activities, they build confidence rehearsing introductions, a walk-and-wave, and an ASL group song that will be part of their Fall Festival showcase.

Lil Miss is more than a program, but also a commitment. Teaching that leadership comes with responsibility.  Each young lady is held to standards that reflect what it means to be a leader in the community. The girls pledge to treat others with respect, avoid bullying, and carry themselves with dignity both in person and online.

Girls who join the program will have the opportunity to take part in year-round community engagement as Lil Miss representatives. They will host events/classes for the community and attend Nation events.

They are expected to represent their families and the Nation with pride, avoiding harmful behavior and showing kindness to people of all ages. Showing the girls that being a positive role model is not just about what you say in class, but how you carry yourself every day.

This revival would not have been possible without the women who saw its value and worked to bring it back. After two decades, Stephanie Stafford, Karly Stafford, Courtney John-Jemison, Shavonne Stevens, and Erika Stevens took the lead in rebuilding the foundation of the program.

Their commitment honors the vision of past mentors such as Mary Jacobs and Lisa Kettle, who guided the program years ago. Together, their work ensures that a new generation of girls can experience what Lil Miss has always been about, celebrating confidence, community, and culture.

Parents, aunties, grandmothers and other community members also play a vital role to keep the program moving strong. Every donation is greatly appreciated, whether it’s donating your time, knowledge, food or money. It all goes toward providing the girls with tools and skills they can use to succeed here and beyond. It’s all a part of the legwork for even greater things to come.

Stephanie Stafford said that it feels full circle for the program to come back. Being a past participant and winner herself, she understands the negative side that came from competing against one another, and the unclear expectations from the past pageant concept. Along with community feedback, the changes made towards a new angle and more focus on participation is already yielding positive results.

She has seen the girls grow since the program started. Each week they become more confident in themselves, more connected to their culture, and more willing to step into leadership roles. They encourage all to share their cultural knowledge & experience (in their own way) in these upcoming months. If you have something in mind don’t hesitate to reach out.

These experiences go beyond shared knowledge, crafts and classes. They’re  lessons in confidence, teamwork, and responsibility. Every session builds developmental and cultural awareness, identity and pride, helping to prepare the next generation of Seneca women to be leaders in their community. By creating a safe space to learn culture, language, and responsibility, Lil Miss plants seeds that will grow into strong, confident voices for the future.

• Lil Miss Fall Festival Showcase will take place on SEPTEMBER 13TH, 2025 following the Fashion Show at the Saylor at 5PM.
• 2nd Annual Every Child Matters Wear Orange Youth Smoke Dance Special will take place on SEPTEMBER 14TH, 2025 following the FF Smoke Dance Contest.

There will be a Fall Festival Alumni Dinner on Friday, September 12th at the CCC, starting at 6pm. See flyer below for details.

50th Seneca Fall Festival Schedule of Events

Past, Present, Future…Honoring our traditions is honoring our future!

Schedule subject to change.

The post SNI Fall Festival 50th Celebration appeared first on SNI Official Newsletter.

Pictured above: Seneca Nation and City of Salamanca officials cut the ceremonial ribbon for the grand opening of Finn’s Dog Park on Sycamore Avenue.

SALAMANCA — A place for friendly canines and their owners to visit and play is now open in the heart of the city.

Officials from the Seneca Nation of Indians and City of Salamanca gathered Friday, August 22, 2025, to cut the ceremonial ribbon and open Finn’s Dog Park on Sycamore Avenue. The $23,000 dog park project was a collaborative effort between the city and Nation — the first of many anticipated by leaders from both entities.

“It’s great to see everyone in the community come together to make this happen,” said Josh Becker, a Nation Tribal Councilor who helped spearhead the project. “This set the standard for MOUs (memorandum of understanding) between the Nation and the city and of collaborating.”

The park is named in honor of Finn, the Australian shepherd of Angela Redeye-Steckman, one of the first people to suggest the Nation and city consider building a dog park in Salamanca.

Becker said Redeye-Steckman often shared that she and Finn would travel to the dog parks in Ellicottville, Olean and even the Buffalo area.

“I talked to her and said I think we could probably do something in the city of Salamanca for dogs, and I think we can get this dog park done,” he said. “So I started talking to the mayor and city council and our council about seeing if this was a possibility. Everyone was supportive.”

The Seneca Nation was responsible for all construction materials necessary for the infrastructure of the roughly half-acre dog park, with any provided in-kind services by either entity mutually agreed upon by the Nation and the city. Volunteers gathered Friday morning to help complete the final touches for the park.

“I’m always glad when we can work together with the Nation,” said Salamanca Mayor Sandra Magiera. “We both want to live here together. We have the same goals in mind after meeting together. We want better for this community and everyone who lives here.”

Becker thanked both the Nation and the city’s public works departments for their work on the park and both the Tribal and city councils for supporting the project.

“We were able to come together. We were able to do an MOU between the Nation and the city to get this done, and it’s kind of been the template for some of the other things we have going on,” he said.

Friday’s festivities also included music from DJ Slim, and the Salamanca police and fire departments served as grill masters for the picnic held after the ribbon cutting.

Both Salamanca and Seneca officials said this project was just the beginning for several potential collaborations.

“It’s a small project, but hopefully they’ll get bigger as the projects go on,” Magiera said. “I’m proud to say I’m one of the mayors who gets to work with the Nation, and I’m proud to see this dog park and work together.”

“This is the first time we’ve got something like this accomplished, and I think we have a lot to look forward to in accomplishing many more projects,” added Councillor Tina Abrams.

Several other Tribal Councillors also expressed excitement for the project and thanked Becker and Redeye-Steckman for bringing the idea to their attention.

“When I first heard about it, I thought we’re barking up the wrong tree, but there ain’t no bones about it. This is a paw-sitive initiative,” said Councillor Rickey Armstrong Sr., garnering a large laugh from the attendees.

Councilor Maurice John Sr. added, “We can always say the city has not gone to the dogs, because there are a lot of people who love dogs.”

Now that construction of the park is complete, the city will have the sole responsibility to operate and maintain the dog park and ensure it remains suitable for public use.

“Let’s keep this place nice so these dogs and their families can enjoy this park for years to come,” said Councilor Christian Reiller.

“It gives fur babies an opportunity to socialize, play and have a safe space,” said First Lady Nicole Seneca, speaking on behalf of President Seneca, who was unable to attend. “I want to thank everybody for all the work you did to bring this together.”

The post Seneca Nation, City Cut Ribbon at New Salamanca Dog Park appeared first on SNI Official Newsletter.

Pictured above: Summer Camp participants.

Gagwe:göh sgë:nö’! This summer marked a wonderful milestone as the Buffalo Creek Office hosted its first 6-week summer camp at our new facility (with actual air conditioning, windows, and a weatherproof roof). Each week was filled with exciting field trips, creative crafts, and lessons in the Seneca language. Our campers brought energy, curiosity, and laughter into the program, making this summer one to remember.

We would like to thank Jadyn Jones for bringing programming in from the Buffalo Urban League. A special thank you goes to our outstanding summer youth workers, Jenna Marshall and Honesty Addison, whose hard work and dedication made camp days run smoothly and joyfully. We extend deep gratitude to our Summer Language Teacher, Abigail Tallchief, for teaching the campers about the Ganönyok, which became a meaningful part of their daily routine. At the end-of-summer picnic, the campers proudly presented their knowledge of the Ganönyok to their families and community, a moment that highlighted the knowledge and cultural connection shared with them by Abbi.

From the picnic we would also like to thank our special guests: Seneca Nation Councillors Tina Abrams, Lisa Maybee, and Klint Nephew, whose attendance meant so much to the children and families. As well as Councillor Jonathan D. Williams for his role in securing the bounce house and face painter, both of which added much to the joy of the day.

Camp would not have been possible without the steadfast commitment of Assistant Director, Stephanie Maybee, and Activities Leader, Tajanay Irizarry. Their hard work, creativity, and leadership ensured that this year’s camp was a success from start to finish.

Lastly we would like to thank the campers’ parents and families for their participation and helping us do some community building in our new community building.

We look forward to expanding on this summer’s success and continuing to provide opportunities for our youth to learn, grow, and celebrate Seneca culture together.

The post Buffalo Creek Summer Camp 2025 appeared first on SNI Official Newsletter.

(Rochester, NY) – Rochester Knighthawks President and General Manager Dan Carey announced that the team has acquired forward Zed Williams and a second-round selection (24th overall) in the 2025 National Lacrosse League Entry Draft from the Colorado Mammoth in exchange for Rochester’s first-round selection (10th overall) and second-round selection (28th overall) in this year’s draft.

The Knighthawks now have six selections in the NLL Entry Draft, holding the acquired second-round pick, as well as the 43rd and 47th overall picks (third round), the 57th pick (fourth round), the 71st selection (fifth round), and the 85th pick (sixth round).

“Zed is such a dynamic and physical player, and someone we’ve had our eye on for quite some time,” said Carey. “He brings a unique presence to the floor, and we’re excited about the impact he can make with our group.”

The move brings Williams closer to his home and will allow his family a chance to watch him play. The 30-year-old is a member of the Seneca Nation’s Wolf Clan, growing up on the Cattaraugus Territory. The Seneca Nation purchased the Rochester Knighthawks on Aug. 5.

“It’s a blessing. I’ve been traveling in the NLL the past eight years with Georgia and Colorado. Colorado has been the best four years of my lacrosse career, from a team, organization, and player standpoint. But at the same time, I couldn’t be any more excited to finally be home with Seneca Nation and Rochester, which is an hour away from my house,” said Williams, who currently lives in Williamsville, NY. “I am coming to a playoff team that has had a lot of success the past couple of years. I am just happy to be a part of it.

“I know the lacrosse player I am, coming off an injury, and the lacrosse player I’m going to be. In my mind, I have no doubt I am going to be better,” he added. “I feel like this injury has rejuvenated my hunger to want to get back on top and play lacrosse. I have the itch for it again. I’m willing to do anything to win a championship.”

Williams enters his eighth season in the NLL after posting 33 points (15+18) in 10 games during the 2024-25 campaign, missing the remainder of the year with an Achilles injury. In his NLL career, the punishing 6-foot-3, 235-pound forward has appeared in 99 regular-season games, collecting 147 goals and 140 assists for 287 points. He also has 426 loose-ball recoveries.

He has spent the past four seasons with the Colorado Mammoth, where he enjoyed the most success. Williams helped the Mammoth earn back-to-back trips to the NLL Finals, capturing the 2022 title. During the championship campaign, he led the postseason with 37 points (20+17) in seven games. In 2022-23, he finished tied for second on the Mammoth with 71 points (37+34). He also contributed 28 points (12+16) in the postseason.

Williams arrived in Denver following a July 6, 2020, trade with the Georgia Swarm. Colorado acquired Williams and two second-round selections in the 2020 NLL Entry Draft from Georgia in exchange for defenseman Dan Coates and a first-round selection in the 2020 NLL Entry Draft.

Initially drafted by the Georgia Swarm in the first round of the 2017 NLL Entry Draft (4th overall), Williams spent three seasons with the Swarm. The forward ranked fourth in goals (18) and sixth in points (30) during the 2019-20 season, while his 56 loose balls ranked tied for fifth among Swarm players. With Georgia, he notched 45 goals and 38 assists for 83 points in 39 games.

Internationally, Williams represented Haudenosaunee at the 2019 World Box Lacrosse Championship. He also earned notoriety in 2024 when he earned an invitation to the Buffalo Bills’ rookie minicamp to try out as a linebacker.

Williams has also excelled in the pro field game, playing eight seasons in the Premier Lacrosse League (PLL). In 77 games, he has notched 175 goals, four two-point goals, and 53 assists for 232 points, spending time with the Rochester Rattlers, Boston Cannons, and Maryland Whipsnakes. He was traded to the Philadelphia Waterdogs in December of 2024.

His PLL accolades also include 2020 All-Tournament Team honors and the Jim Brown MVP of the Tournament award. Williams was also named the McEneaney Attackman of the Championship Series for his performances. He is a three-time PLL All-Pro, garnering First Team honors in 2020 and Second Team nods in 2021 and 2024. He won the league’s Sportsmanship Award in 2023.

Williams played collegiately at the University of Virginia, where he was a two-time Honorable Mention All-American. He recorded 52 points during his senior season in 2017. Before playing for the Cavaliers, Williams was a three-time high school All-American and led Silver Creek to five consecutive Class “C” Sectional titles. He broke the national career high school records for goals and points.

At the Junior “B” level, he played for the Six Nations Rebels and powered the team to three consecutive Founders Cup titles. In 2012, he registered 30 goals and 37 assists in the regular season, 55 points in the playoffs, and 23 points in the Founders Cup. Williams also played for Native Sons in the 2017 Presidents Cup, collecting 49 points in five Can-Am games en route to a third-place finish.

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The Training & Employment Resource Center held a graduation ceremony last week for their most recent graduates. President J. Conrad Seneca was joined by Seneca Nation Councillors and Executives who offered congratulatory speeches and words of encouragement to the graduates and their families. Each graduate received a certificate of recognition and gifts from the Executive Offices.

Congratulations to the 2025 graduates on your achievement! Ja:göh!

• Mannox Jamieson
• Talon Parker
• Zeena Thompson
• Summer Pullen
• Katrina Kennedy

The post TERC 2025 Graduates appeared first on SNI Official Newsletter.

Opening Ceremonies of the World Games held in Jeju , South Korea kicked off last month. Representing the Seneca Nation were Ron John (Coach), Daylin John-Hill, Mason Sanden, Tayoni Galante, Noah Snyder, and Kobe Sanden. We all wished them well as they honor the Creator’s game carrying the honor of your homelands with the Haudenosaunee Nationals.

The Haudenosaunee U20 men’s lacrosse team put forth a strong showing at the 2025 World Lacrosse Men’s U20 Championship in Jeju Island, South Korea, finishing fourth overall.

After advancing to the semifinals, the Haudenosaunee faced a powerful United States squad and fell 19–5. In the bronze medal game, they jumped out to an early 4–1 lead against Australia but couldn’t hold on, eventually falling 13–7. The result marked the end of the team’s streak of three straight bronze medals at the U20 level.

Despite the setback, the Haudenosaunee once again demonstrated their place among the top lacrosse nations in the world, competing with passion and carrying their culture proudly on the international stage. Ja:göh!

Meet your 2025 Haudenosaunee Nationals U20 Men’s team captains: Logan Lee and Daylin John-Hill – Congratulations men! (Pictured below)

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Students interested in joining the Seneca Youth Dancers may do so at the Remember the Removal Social & Potluck held at the Salamanca City Central School District High School cafeteria on Thursday, September 18, 2025. Dinner from 5-6pm in the HS cafeteria, RTR speeches & social dancing from 6-7:30pm. Come sign-up for this years SYD student group! We hope to see you there.

For more information, call 716-945-2400, ext. 4947 or email amiller@salamancany.org.

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EUGENE, OREGON- Bucknell alum Rayven Sample ’24 collected two gold medals on Saturday, August 2, 2025 at the 2025 USATF Para National Championships. The sprinter posted wins in the T45-47 100 and 400-meter dashes. Sample is a T45 runner – the classification for athletes with double upper limb impairments, specifically affecting both arms.

“Racing at Hayward Field was a dream come true,” said Sample. “I am very excited for the continued growth of para track and field as more eyes are introduced to what we do. Nationals being combined with the able bodied athletes was a huge step forward and everyone has had overwhelmingly positive feedback from the experience.”

Sample started Saturday racing in the physically taxing 400-meter dash. He dominated the four-man field, racing 50.45, winning the event by 4.16 seconds over second-place Maximilian Allabaugh. Sample led from the opening gun and never halted his determined pace.

“One of my Bucknell teammates is working on a theory,” said Sample. “He said I like the pain of running more than I like running. Sometimes, I agree, especially when I am running the 400. Honestly, racing is just fun. You can’t beat it. It is the most raw and natural human thing ever.”

The 100-meter dash was Saturday’s penultimate event and Sample provided fireworks. The Bison graduate darted a personal best 11.33 and completely dominated the field. His first step was excellent and the outcome never lacked uncertainly.

“Earlier in the 400, I didn’t finish the way I wanted to but coach texted me and said I ran 11.11 in the 100-200 split which I never ran that fast,” said Sample. “He told me to lock back in and run a personal record in the 100 and I did.”

The mentioned coach was Richard Alexander – Bucknell track & field’s sprints maestro and associate head coach. The two Bison remain close and his training of Sample has paid dividends in both the collegiate and Paralympic circles.

Despite the two gold medals, Sample did not make the United States roster for the 2025 Para World Championships this September in New Delhi, India. The United States selected 40 athletes (20 men and 20 women). Sample represented America last year in the 2024 Paris Paralympics.

Sample’s future plans include training for the 2028 Summer Paralympics which will be held in Los Angeles. 2026 is an off year with no international competition, so his focus will be on making the 2027 World’s roster.

Source

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