February 3, 2026 – ALLEGANY TERRITORY, SALAMANCA, N.Y. – The Seneca Nation is resetting its relationship with a key federal agency responsible for the forced relocation of its people 60 years ago to establish a foundation for meaningful dialogue in the future.

Nation leaders today hosted representatives from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Pittsburgh District) on the Nation’s Allegany Territory. During a more than hourlong discussion, Seneca Nation President J. Conrad Seneca and Col. Nicholas Melin, Commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Pittsburgh District, signed a Memorandum of Understanding that establishes consultation procedures for a meaningful, timely and collaborative process when the Army Corps (Pittsburgh District) is planning and implementing civil works projects and programs that implicate or have a direct effect on the Nation and its members.

“Our agreement sets in place a framework that requires meaningful dialogue and consultation between the Army Corps and the Seneca Nation on matters that affect us.  This commitment has been lacking for decades,” President Seneca said. “This MOU does not mean that we will always agree, but I hope it leads to a better relationship and better results for the Seneca Nation and our people.”

“The Corps of Engineers is committed to realigning its partnership and rebuilding trust with the Seneca Nation,” said Col. Melin. “This Memorandum of Understanding sets the framework for us to navigate challenges together through open and meaningful consultation, collaboration, and communication.”

Today’s meeting follows a meeting between Nation leaders and Army Corps officials that took place in Washington last year, through the assistance and coordination of Congressman Nick Langworthy.

“It was clear to everyone at that meeting that the relationship between the Seneca Nation and the Army Corps needs to be better,” President Seneca added. “The consultation practices that had been followed previously were nominal and nothing that the Nation could reliably count on.”

The MOU comes as the Army Corps is preparing for an upcoming dam safety modification study to plan for the future of the Kinzua Dam, which was built in the 1960s to help alleviate flooding in Pittsburgh and provide cheap hydropower for downstream users. Approximately 10,000 acres of Nation land were taken by the United States over the Nation’s objection without just compensation, and hundreds of Seneca families were forced from their homes as part of the dam’s construction, despite the Nation and its engineering consultants presenting an alternative plan.

“It’s been more than 60 years since the devastating removal of our people and the loss and destruction of our lands. We were never justly compensated for that destruction,” President Seneca said. “Our people still suffer the pain and trauma associated with our forced removal from our own home. Any talk of rebuilding the dam reopens those wounds. If the Corps finds any concerns about the safety and condition of the dam, then in our opinion, it should be removed with a new dam built downstream. Under the framework of the MOU we signed today, the Nation will have meaningful input on what ultimately happens.”

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Over the past year we’ve been working on a major technology upgrade that will modernize how your accounts are processed and how you access your credit union—online, in the mobile app, at the branch, and when you use your debit card.

Our current core platform (Fiserv OnCU) has served us well, but we’re moving to Fiserv Portico to support faster workflows, improved reliability, and stronger security. This core conversion also enables new digital services—like enhanced login protection, debit-card controls, and safer digital wallet payments such as ApplePay.

Key dates and what to expect:

Wednesday, April 1, 2026: Conversion “Down Day” (Closed)

We will be converting systems and running end-to-end testing. On this day:

• Online Banking and the Mobile App will be unavailable
• Some services may be temporarily limited (including certain debit-card functions)
• Please plan ahead for bill payments, transfers, and cash needs

Thursday, April 2, 2026: Go-Live

We reopen with the upgraded core system and new digital services. You’ll be able to log in and begin using the new features.

New Services Coming with our Conversion

SecureNow — Easier and More Secure Logins. To help protect your accounts, you’ll see stronger security at sign-in. When we don’t recognize your device or detect unusual activity, you may be prompted to confirm your identity using a one-time code by text message or voice call. This extra step helps reduce fraud and protects your information.

Online Banking — More Self-Service Tools. Virtual Branch Next is designed to make it easier to handle common tasks on your own. One example: you’ll have improved ability to update your contact information through digital banking, helping keep your account details current without needing a call or branch visit.

CardHub — Better Control of your Debit Card. CardHub brings card-management tools into digital banking, giving you more control and visibility. Features commonly include tools like card on/off controls and alerts so you can stay on top of card activity and respond quickly if something doesn’t look right.

Digital Wallet — Apple Pay. This upgrade improves support for digital wallet payments (like Apple Pay). Digital wallets use tokenization, which means your actual card number is replaced with a unique digital “token” when you pay using a wallet or tap-to-pay. That helps reduce the chance of your card number being exposed and is one of the reasons digital wallet payments are considered more secure.

We appreciate your patience as we complete this major upgrade. This conversion will bring stronger security, improved digital banking, and new card features designed to make managing your money easier. Please plan ahead for the April 1, 2026 conversion down day, and look for the upgraded experience when we go live on April 2, 2026. If you have any questions please call us at 716-532-8179 for Irving or 716-945-8510 for Salamanca. Nya:wëh.

Seneca Nation Credit Union – Easier and More Secure Login for Online Banking

Credit Union submissions submitted by Jordan Garrow, Chief Operating Executive – SNIFCU

New Online Banking Security Features Began February 10th – Please Confirm Your Phone Number.

On February 10, we’re upgrading Online Banking security by adding two-factor authentication (2FA) and other improvements to help protect your account. These updates add stronger protection against unauthorized access and are designed to make logging in easier and more straightforward.

What is two-factor authentication (2FA)?
2FA is an extra verification step at login. After entering your username and password, you may be asked to confirm it’s really you using a one-time code.

What’s changing on February 10th?

When you sign in to our mobile app or online banking website, we will send a 6-digit verification code to the phone number we have on file. You can choose to receive the code by:

• Text message (SMS), or
• Automated voice call

Action needed: Confirm Your Phone Number

To avoid login issues, please make sure we have your correct phone number on file—especially if your number has changed recently. To update your phone number, contact us at 716-532-8179 for Irving or 716-945-8510 for Salamanca.

No more security questions. We will not use security questions. Instead, we’ll use the one-time verification codes, which is an easier and more secure method.

Need help?

If you have questions, aren’t receiving a code, or need to update your phone number, contact us at 716-532-8179 for Irving or 716-945-8510 for Salamanca and we’ll help.

The post Big Credit Union Upgrades Coming April 2026 appeared first on SNI Official Newsletter.

January 16, 2026

Cattaraugus Territory, Irving, N.Y. – The Seneca Nation announced that key federal law enforcement legislation proposed and actively supported by Nation leaders has been officially introduced by Congressman Nick Langworthy.

The Seneca Nation Law Enforcement Efficiency Act is designed to address long-standing jurisdictional confusion that has compromised law enforcement activities on Nation lands. In particular, the legislation will nullify an outdated, ineffective decades-old law, passed by Congress in 1948, giving New York State criminal jurisdiction on Seneca lands.

“During the Indian Termination Era 80 years ago, Congress gave New York State criminal jurisdiction to prosecute and incarcerate the Seneca people. The Termination Era is over, but this law remains on the books,” said Seneca Nation President J. Conrad Seneca. “We are thankful to Congressman Langworthy for introducing this legislation and working with us to improve the Seneca Nation’s public safety priorities. Our goal with this legislation is to restore the federal government’s treaty responsibility to work with the Seneca Nation to provide law enforcement services. Through cooperative law enforcement agreements, we can maximize our working relationship with outside governments to address the drug trafficking on our lands and other threats to the Seneca people, and create a pathway for the development of our own Seneca Nation law enforcement capabilities.”

“This outdated jurisdictional framework has created real-world public safety problems,” said Congressman Langworthy. “Our men and women in law enforcement are doing the best they can under challenging circumstances, but when authority is fragmented and accountability is unclear, resourceful criminals exploit the gaps and that’s exactly what we’ve seen happen. This legislation provides a targeted solution that respects tribal sovereignty, preserves federal oversight, and ensures that any change occurs only with mutual agreement. Most importantly, it will make our communities safer, and that is a goal we all share.”

The Seneca Nation Law Enforcement Efficiency Act removes New York State’s automatic criminal and civil jurisdiction over Seneca Nation lands established under the 1948 law, but only if both the Seneca Nation and the U.S. Attorney General agree in writing to such a change. The legislation does not mandate any immediate action; instead, it creates a clear legal mechanism to resolve jurisdictional confusion when all parties determine it is appropriate. By clarifying jurisdiction and enabling a more coordinated law enforcement framework, the legislation strengthens accountability, improves cooperation among authorities, and reduces opportunities for drug trafficking and other criminal activity to flourish due to legal uncertainty.

This is the second major piece of law enforcement legislation pursued by the Nation since President Seneca was elected in November 2024. Last month, New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed into law a bill which Nation leaders presented and advocated for throughout 2025 amending Section 8 and adding a new Section 79 of New York Indian Law. The new law clarifies existing law, enabling the Seneca Nation to better work in coordinated partnership with New York State Police, County Sheriffs and City of Salamanca police in removing non-Native intruders engaged in drug trafficking and other illicit activities from the Seneca Nation’s sovereign territories.

“Public safety has been a priority issue of ours from the day I was sworn in,” President Seneca said. “The Seneca Nation is going to advocate for Congress to support Congressman Langworthy’s legislation and pass the Seneca Nation Law Enforcement Efficiency Act. This bill, like the new state legislation we recently secured, provides the Seneca Nation another long-needed tool for improving law enforcement on our lands. We will continue to take every possible measure to protect our people and our territories.”

The post Seneca Nation Law Enforcement Efficiency Act Introduced by Congressman Langworthy appeared first on SNI Official Newsletter.

We want to take a moment to recognize and celebrate a few of our team members who earned their place on the 2025-2026 BMCC Fall Semester, DEAN’S LIST!! BIG accomplishments deserve to be celebrated!!

This accomplishment reflects your dedication and commitment to higher education, not just for personal growth, but for the benefit of our children, families, and community.

We are proud of you for continuing your education while serving our community every day. Your hard work strengthens our program and helps build a strong future for the next generation.

WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOU LADIES!!!

Not pictured but recognized:

• Courtney Boardman
• Roselia Vega
• Zorya Geiogamah

Nya:wëh and Ja:göh!!!

The post Bay Mills Community College Fall Semester Dean’s List! appeared first on SNI Official Newsletter.

Hello, we hope this reaches you all in good health and well-being. With it being a new year and many projects still going on or starting up, we need everyone to come in and update their Skill Bank Form with any new information we need like certifications you may have earned, licenses, resumes, recent jobs you have been on, etc. Please stop in to see us, we have someone available at the Allegany office Monday – Friday from 7am-5:30pm, Cattaraugus Office from 8am-4:30pm.

Nya:wëh,

~ Jody Clark-Alleg. Director
~ Bryan Gonzales-Catt. Director
~ Krysten Ground-Alleg. Compliance Officer
~ Ian Jimerson-Catt. Compliance Officer

The post TERO Office Update appeared first on SNI Official Newsletter.

This piece carries a story held in Good Mind—of resistance, resilience, and continuance. Two trees connected standing in unity. The bottom intentionally singed, a living reminder of the burning of Onödowáʼga:’ (Seneca) homes during the Kinzua removal, when the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers forcibly displaced families from treaty-protected lands.

The fire marks truth. It does not erase it. From that burning rises the top of the tree—steam-bent, carved, and shaped upward—representing new growth, resistance, resilience, and the enduring strength of the people. Hickory was hand-dug and collected from Quaker Bridge Area-Low Banks-on the Allegany Territory, where Dr. Rodney C. Haring’s family once lived.

The piece was designed, steamed, carved, and chiseled by Dr. Haring (Onödowáʼga:’), carrying family memory into form. His nephew, Brody D. Jimerson (Onödowáʼga:’) wove the piece with full leather and bear rawhide, honoring connection to the Bear Clan—medicine, healing, and the strength of the bear that protects the people. The base is White Pine from the Cattaraugus Territory, Seneca Nation. Representing the Tree of Peace—foundational knowledge, wisdom, and strength within the Haudenosaunee Confederacy. Two territories. One people. Connected across lands and generations. Lacrosse is medicine.

It roots us—across water, across forced removal, across time—carrying teachings forward with Good Mind. Together, this is the Roots of Our People: From burned homes to rising growth. From loss to continuance. From memory to future.

Photo credit: Kaylei Miller Photography

The post Haring Lacrosse Art: The Roots of Our People appeared first on SNI Official Newsletter.

The outpouring of support from organizations and community members was truly incredible. Together, our programs were able to serve over 100 families between both territories. These gifts brought joy, comfort, and a sense of community support to families during a time that can be difficult for many.

We would like to recognize the following departments and individuals for their donations and sponsorship of community families:

• Seneca Gaming Corporation
• Seneca Nation Council Office
• Seneca Holdings
• Red House Memorial Charity – Beck Bowen
• Salvation Army Toys for Tots
• Seneca Nation Health System – LRJ Behavioral Health Unit
• Dr. Darryl Tonemah and family
• Vivian Curry and family

We would also like to acknowledge that the Seneca Nation Council Office and the Seneca Gaming Corporation (SGC) have helped supplement gifts for families for the past six years. SGC Human Resource Director Roberta White coordinates with all three SGC locations Niagara Falls, Buffalo Creek, and Seneca Allegany to organize a holiday give back where SGC employees voluntarily and generously donate gifts for families in need.

We are deeply appreciative of everyone who helped organize, donate, sort, and give back to the community during the holiday season. Your kindness and commitment made a meaningful difference for many families.

Nya:wëh,

Family Support Services Team:
Irene Wheeler, Jennifer Evanock, Krisie Cooper, Kelly Ziegler, Chrell Batista, Ashley Miller, Kasey Schellhammer-Fox, Tiffany Perkins, Randi Krotz

Crime Victim Services Team:
Tina Kettle

Deputy Director:
Melissa Schindler
Executive Director:
Sharon Francis

The post Family Support Services – Holiday Giving for Families appeared first on SNI Official Newsletter.

Pictured above: Tisha Thompson, Charlie Rae, and K. Francis

The Indigenous First Peoples Fashion Show was held at Estes Park, Colorado, on January 17, 2026. It is a cornerstone event of the annual First Peoples Festival, founded by Nico Strange Owl. This groundbreaking evening celebrated and amplified the voices of Indigenous designers, models, and artists, providing a powerful platform for their artistry and rich cultural heritage.

Held at the Estes Park Events Complex, the fashion show is a testament to the creativity, resilience, and unique aesthetic of Indigenous communities. The runway featured a stunning lineup of designers whose work seamlessly blends traditional techniques with contemporary aesthetics, telling stories through every thread and design.

Attendees experienced a visually captivating showcase, complemented by music, dance, and storytelling, offering a deeper understanding of the cultural significance woven into each garment. The event also featured an opening reception and designer booths, providing an opportunity for guests to purchase unique designs and jewelry directly from the artisans.

“So grateful to share this meaningful night,” shared Tish Thompson. Tisha Thompson of Tisha Thompson Designs, Miss Ganöndi:ye’s “Charli Rae” Hill and Kay Francis of K. Francis Brand networked as they attended Hémėsehe! • Let’s Eat! — A Culinary Adventure at Twin Owls Steakhouse.

For the evening, Charli Rae wore a custom look by Karen Francis of K. Francis Brand, featuring a fully beaded blue vest inspired by a 1980s prom dress, adorned with raised beadwork and pearls. The coordinating pants were designed to complement the vest and detailed with blue Swarovski crystals and white pearlescent beaded fringe. Charli Rae personalized the look by styling it with a white lace bodysuit, making the ensemble distinctly her own.

Charlie modeled multiple looks from various designers including Tisha Thompson Designs, Randi Nelson Designs, K. Francis Brand, Chelsea Nokusis, and Bobby Qalutaksraq.

Held ahead of the Indigenous First Peoples Fashion Show and the First Peoples Pow Wow, the evening celebrated Indigenous foodways, storytelling, and community. A beautiful reminder that fashion, food, and culture are deeply intertwined. Experiences like this ground us ahead of a powerful weekend in spaces that honor resilience and community.

Ruthanne Keyes, Seneca fashion student, had the opportunity to photograph the First Peoples Fashion Show from start to finish, including behind the scenes.

Ruthanne shares,“This experience gave me the opportunity to branch out further as a photographer and work with some amazing individuals throughout Turtle Island.

I captured people’s first interactions with one another, and watched how the community came together. The rehearsal was very high energy, people were moving everywhere in preparation for the show. All hands were on deck including those of two Seneca models, Sarah Nephew and Charli Rae Hill as they helped assemble clothing racks for designers. Once the clothing racks were assembled, beautiful designs started to hang off and drape over each rack.

I had the privilege photograph both of the models in partnership with the Legacy Red Bottom blanket from Naiomi Glasses. This blanket is a part of the Legacy collection. A collection that stands as a testament to the legacy of craftsmanship, and artistry flourishing across multiple generations. Through this shoot, it was very important to me to help the models embody this feeling of Native futurism yet still hold this intergenerationality aspect close to them.

This was my first fashion show I photographed but hopefully, there will be more to come. Being able to watch how each designer put their time, energy and effort carefully into their designs was so inspiring. Each and every model wore each design with such beauty and grace, bringing life into each design. I am immensely grateful for this opportunity to take part in the annual First Peoples Fashion Show in Estes Park, Colorado. We:so’ Nya:wëh.”

The post Seneca Models, Photographer Take on the First Peoples Fashion Show appeared first on SNI Official Newsletter.

Youth Law Day sessions typically run for the length of a standard school day and cover a wide range of topics, including common student questions such as, “Is law school right for me?” “Can someone like me really go to law school?” and “What can I do with a law degree?”

The 2026 Law Day theme is “The Rule of Law and the American Dream.” The rule of law—the principle that no person is above the law—helps ensure that individuals can live freely and pursue their aspirations.

Additional information about Law Day is available at the link below:
https://www.americanbar.org/groups/public_education/law-day/.

Below, please find a tentative schedule for the program
University at Buffalo School of Law
Youth Law Day 2026
Friday, April 24th, 10:00 AM-1:00 PM

10:00 AM- 10:10 AM
Welcome
Letro Courtroom Room 110
Vice Dean Jamila Lee

10:10 AM – 10:40 AM
Law Student Panel
Letro Courtroom Room 110
Moderated by Director Kristen Kelly

10:40 AM – 10:45 AM
Distribution of Lunch
Room 104
Law Student Volunteers

10:45 AM – 11:30 AM
Mock Law Class on TBD
Room 104
Prof. Orlando Dickson

11:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Break-Out Groups for Case
Evaluation
Room 104/
Letro Courtroom 110
Law Student Volunteers

12:00 PM-12:40 PM
Presentation of Arguments
Letro Courtroom Room 110
Law Student Volunteers

12:45 PM- 12:55 PM
Closing Remarks from
Letro Courtroom Room 110
Vice Provost Seval Yildirim

The post University at Buffalo High School Youth Law Day appeared first on SNI Official Newsletter.

Get your tickets to see Seneca designer Karlene Familo!

The post Kahnawa:ke Fashion Exhibition appeared first on SNI Official Newsletter.