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The First Peoples Fund is honored to celebrate the exceptional artists chosen for the inaugural cohort of the Native Performing Arts Fellows. These visionaries represent the richness of Native storytelling, music, dance, and performance, all while amplifying the brilliance of Indigenous creativity.

Fellows will receive mentorship, funding, and professional development designed to support their artistic growth and align with cultural values. This program is part of First Peoples Fund’s commitment to empowering artists and expanding the Indigenous Arts Ecology.

Congratulations to the 2025 Fellows:

Brandi Berry Benson (Chickasaw)
Mark Billy (Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma)
Madeline Easley (Wyandotte Nation of Oklahoma)
Kahara Hodges (Diné, Chicana)
Graci Horne (Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate)
Anthony Hudson (Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, Siletz descendant)
Isabella Madrigal (Cahuilla Band of Indians, Turtle Mountain Chippewa descendant)
Kaley Morrison (Waccamaw Siouan)
Ronee Penoi (Laguna Pueblo, Cherokee)
Rosy Simas (Seneca Nation)
Adrian Thomas (Akimel O’odham)
Christina Thomas (Numu, Newe, Hopi)

These artists are transforming Native performance arts and carrying forward the collective spirit of their communities. Read More: https://bit.ly/4g15l4h.

Rosy Simas Bio:
Rosy Simas | Seneca Nation | ART FORM/MEDIUM | About: Nya:weh Sgeno. Dewadosö:h ni:’ gya:söh neh ögwë’ö:we:ka:’Rosy Simas ni:’ gya:söh neh ga:nyö’öka:’Onödowag’ga:’ niwagöëdzo’dë:h Ne’neh jo:negade:gas ne’hoh ga’da:gësgë:ö’ nidwage:nöh Ne’koh neh agedaë’ö:ga:’Mni Sota Makoce tknö:ge’Dewadosö:h is my Seneca name. Rosy Simas is my English name. I am Seneca from Burning Springs at Cattaraugus Reservation. I am Heron clan. I live in Minneapolis.I am a transdisciplinary and dance artist. My knowledge of my family and lineage is the underpinning of my relationship to culture and history—stored in my body—expressed through my work—of moving people, images, and objects I make for stage and installation.My work weaves personal and collective identity themes with family, sovereignty, equality, and healing. My dance works include “she who lives on the road to war,” “Weave,” “Skin(s),” and “We Wait in the Darkness,” which have toured throughout Turtle Island.My installations have been exhibited at the Onöhsagwë:de’ Cultural Center, All My Relations Arts, SOO Visual Arts, and Weisman Art Museum.I am a Doris Duke Artist (2023), United States Artists Fellow (2022), McKnight Foundation Choreography Fellow (2016, 2022), Dance/USA Fellow (2018), a Joyce Awardee (2018), Guggenheim Creative Arts Fellow (2015), and Native Arts and Cultures Foundation Choreography Fellow (2013). My other accolades include a NACF SHIFT award and multiple awards from the New England Foundation for the Arts, the MAP Fund, and the National Performance Network.I am currently an artist in residence (2024–2026) at the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis.

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“Weaving the Past Together for the Future” offers an exploration of culture, resilience, and artistry. The exhibition will kick off with an opening reception on Feb. 6 at noon, where attendees will have the rare opportunity to meet Minner and hear firsthand about her passion for preserving traditional Seneca art forms while embracing contemporary influences.

As an enrolled member of the Seneca Nation, Turtle Clan, Minner brings the legacy of her people to life through her black ash baskets and cornhusk dolls. Every piece, woven with care and precision, reflects a story that honors her ancestors while embracing a vision for the future. Her work masterfully blends traditional techniques with modern aesthetics, creating timeless pieces that speak to the heart and soul.

Having exhibited in prestigious institutions like the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian and the New York State Museum, Minner’s artistry has captivated audiences across the country.

Admission is free, and all are welcome to join in celebrating this fusion of heritage and creativity. For more information, visit the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford’s arts calendar or contact Pitt-Bradford Arts.

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Leland is a member of the Seneca Nation of Indians and of the Wolf Clan. This U.S. Army Airborne Korean War Veteran enlisted in the army at the age of 17, eventually becoming a Corporal. His mother initially wouldn’t sign the paperwork, but after much “arguing”, she relented and signed.

He had seen paratroopers on TV and he knew that’s what he wanted to do.

His family has a history of military service – his dad served in WWI, his brother in WW2 and his grandson in Vietnam. Leland’s airborne unit gained attention from the Japanese and were nicknamed “Rakkasans”, meaning falling umbrellas. The Korean’s viewed them as fearless sky warriors as they conducted two combat parachute jumps during the war, bringing intense bloody fighting capabilities.

Leland was selected as the unit’s sniper and served until the War ended. His awards and decorations are many, including the Korean Service Medal with Bronze Star for Valor, Combat Infantry Badge, Combat Parachute Badge with Bronze Star (airborne wings), National Defense Service Medal, and United Nations Service Medal.

Leland has been a member of the Iroquois Post 1587 American Legion for over 60 years. We thank you and honor you for your service and patriotism!

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Cattaraugus County Sheriff Eric Butler along with the Seneca Nation of Indians President J.C. Seneca announce the deputizing of our newest road patrol canine, Lex. In December 2024 the Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office partnered with the Seneca Nation in support of a new K-9 unit to patrol our communities.

Lex a 1 ½ year old German Shepard, started training with her handler, Deputy Justin Grimm in December 2024. This past week the K-9 team hit the streets to begin their career patrolling the County. Lex is a dual-purpose patrol dog trained and certified in Narcotics detection, tracking, article searches, and suspect apprehension.

Sheriff Butler and Deputy Grimm agreed to name Lex after our former Senior Emergency Services Dispatcher Timothy Lexer who tragically passed away in July of 2024. Deputy Grimm and K-9 Lex are honored to carry on the legacy of such a great man and co-worker.

The Sheriff would like to thank the Seneca Nation of Indians for their generous donation to help fund the new K-9 team, the Forestville Animal Hospital for veterinarian services, Purina for the dog food, and an anonymous donor who provided a housing enclosure for K-9 Lex.

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This year’s champion works hard to study, listens well to feedback, has great character, and had us all trying to keep up with his speed-spelling. Prior to the event, students qualified for the Bee by meeting grade level criteria and attending weekly practice sessions. The winner of our Bee here at Park gets to advance to the local/regional level and compete, then possibly to the Nation Bee in Washington, DC. Ja:göh Jax!

Jax is the son of Jo’Elle Thompson and Justin Jamieson, grandson of Annabelle Button, Dan & Beanie Jamieson and Great-Grandson of Joyce Gates.

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On Wednesday, January 29th, Seneca Nation Council & the President’s Office celebrated the Salamanca Warriors Football Team and Cheerleaders on their unforgettable ’24-’25 season. The Warriors made it to the state championship on the heels of an undefeated season, but just missed capturing the title. Congratulations to the team on a stunning season!

Check out more photos on the Seneca Media & Communications Center Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/senecamedia – January 31, 2025 post.

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The night of January 28, 2025, we honored a true Salamanca legend!
Lucus Brown, the all-time leading scorer in Salamanca High School basketball history, had his jersey retired in a special ceremony. Over his five-year varsity career, Lucus made an unforgettable impact, scoring a program-record 1,948 points, securing 317 career steals, grabbing 578 rebounds, and dishing out 248 assists.

But his legacy goes beyond the numbers. Lucus led the most successful era in Salamanca basketball history, guiding the Warriors to:

• Two NYS Final Four appearances
• Two NYS Regional Championships (first in school history!)
• Two Sectional Championships
• Two League Championships

Thank you, Lucus, for your dedication, leadership, and unforgettable contributions to Salamanca basketball. Your jersey may be retired, but your legacy will live on forever! Once a Warrior, always a Warrior!

The team took home a big home league win over Olean in front of a great crowd on Lucus Brown’s jersey retirement night – Salamanca 61, Olean 50.

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