Jordan Buffalo – Water Quality Program Manager

When: Wednesday, February 11^th, 2026

Where: Cattaraugus Community Center Multi-Purpose Room (MPR)

Time: 5:00pm – 6:30pm

The Seneca Nation Environmental Protection Department will host a public meeting to provide an overview of the Nation’s Water Quality Standards (WQS).

Water Quality Standards describe the goals for protecting rivers, streams, and other waters to support uses such as fishing, recreation, wildlife habitat, and drinking water.

This meeting will explain designated water uses, water quality criteria, and policies that help prevent water pollution and protect high-quality waters.

The public will have an opportunity to learn more about these standards and ask questions about how they are used to protect Seneca Nation waters.

• Light snacks will be provided.

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The Seneca Nation Official Newsletter is now a magazine with better and brighter photos, clear text, and graphics/flyers to enhance your reading experience! Each edition will be published in full color on glossy paper.

Bear with us as we plan and organize new deadlines and publishing time frames. A magazine takes longer to print and mail. Please send save the dates and event postings as soon as possible to be advertised.

Only one edition of the Seneca Nation Official Newsletter will be released for January 2026. We will continue with our normal print schedule as we adjust to the new timeframes. We strive to bring more articles, information and quality photos and graphics in 2026.

All submissions will continue to be accepted via email, in office or by phone. We have two offices with present staff to help with your needs. The Allegany Office is in the Seneca Allegany Administration Building at 90 Ohi:yo’ Way, Salamanca, NY 14779. The Cattaraugus Office is in the Sully Huff Heritage Center at 12857 Route 438, Irving, NY, United States, 14081 8:00am – 4:30pm.

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As winter settles in and the new year approaches, college students across the country begin planning for summer—often with internships in mind. But for Native students, the right opportunity can mean more than a line on a resume. It can be a chance to gain real-world experience while staying connected to culture and community.

Now entering its fourth year, Seneca Holdings’ Native American Internship Program (NAIP) offers exactly that. Designed to prepare students for professional careers while honoring their ties to the Seneca Nation, the program blends hands-on work, structured mentorship, and cultural grounding. The goal: equip interns not just for a first job, but for leadership and long-term success.

Applications for the 2026 cohort are now open. Seneca Holdings encourages young Senecas and their families to learn more and share this opportunity within their communities. The program welcomes students at all stages of their college journey, whether exploring career options or preparing for graduation.

For Seneca Holdings, the mission remains clear: create meaningful opportunities, honor cultural connections, and help the next generation of Native American professionals thrive.

Learn more and apply at NAIP site:
(Refer to the QR code above OR click HERE!)

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The Seneca Community is invited to share input to guide a feasibility study on potential Urgent Care and Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) services in Salamanca. Urgent Care addresses non-emergency health issues, while MAT uses approved medications with counseling to support recovery from opioid and alcohol addiction.

Scan the QR Code below or visit the Survey at: https://tinyurl.com/SNUrgentCareSurvey

Questions? Call 716-945-1790, ext. 3018 or email CPDD@sni.org. Your feedback will help shape program needs!

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“The Seneca Nation joins all Native Nations in expressing our gratitude for the life and leadership of Senator Campbell and sharing our grief at the news of his passing,” said Seneca Nation President J. Conrad Seneca. “As the only Native American serving in Congress during his years in office, Senator Campbell passionately advocated in Washington for all Native people and our sovereign rights. He was an incredible representative for all of us, just as he was for his constituents in Colorado throughout his decades of service in Congress and in the Colorado State Legislature.”

President Seneca had the honor of personally meeting Senator Campbell many times over the years. None are more memorable than the Inaugural Parade for President Bill Clinton in Washington, D.C. in January 1993.

As Northeast Region Vice President of the National Congress of American Indians at the time, President Seneca was part of the NCAI contingent invited to attend the many Inauguration events and to participate in the parade. President Seneca brought two flags to Washington with him, each with a Native American profile against the backdrop of the United States flag. He presented one of the flags to President Clinton the night before the parade. He planned to carry the other flag along the parade route, attaching it to a wooden stake from a nearby snow fence while they waited for the parade to begin.

Security noticed the flag and told President Seneca he could not carry it in the parade.

“That is when Senator Campbell stepped in and not only said that I could carry the flag, but he also asked me to lead his contingent along the parade route,” President Seneca recalled. “Carrying that flag on behalf of all Native people and leading Senator Campbell’s procession down Pennsylvania Avenue is one of the highlights of my life. The excitement of the moment and the atmosphere were unforgettable. It is something I will always remember.”

Footage of Senator Campbell’s procession, led by President Seneca carrying the flag, was included in the national media coverage of the Inauguration parade before networks returned to their regular program schedule that day.

“Senator Campbell lived a life of deep commitment and service that impacted the lives of countless people,” President Seneca added. “The Seneca Nation expresses our sympathy to his family and his Northern Cheyenne community. He will be greatly missed.”

Photo credits: https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ben_Nighthorse_Campbell, https://www.cbsnews.com/colorado/news/memorial-service-former-colorado-senator-ben-nighthorse-campbell/

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It was festive fun at the ACC during the annual H.E.R.O. Christmas Party last month! Families enjoyed a holiday dinner, crafts, and of course, cookies! Nya:wëh to the H.E.R.O Committee for sponsoring this special time with friends and family.

Did you get your picture with Santa? Follow the link to view and download your photo: https://adobe.ly/3YBxQ21

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Looking for an exciting career opportunity? Seneca Holdings subsidiary CI Azumano is seeking a detail-oriented and customer-focused Government Travel Consultant to support federal agencies with professional travel services. This position plays a key role in ensuring travel arrangements meet government standards while delivering exceptional service. No prior government travel experience is required, as comprehensive training will be provided to set up for success.

Apply here: bit.ly/ciaztravelconsultant

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We’re excited to share the 3rd highlight of the ongoing photo series that honors the 8 Seneca women that are the Name-Holders for each of the 8 Seneca clans of Ohi:yo’, “Beautiful River” (a.k.a. Seneca-Allegany Territory). The title of the series is Howödihsënöwis (She names them).

Rhonda Brooks George b. July 16, 1957 in Gowanda, NY, is the Name-Holder for the Snipe Clan. According to Rhonda, her name is Awigë’oh (no meaning), she was told it was just a name. Her daughter Rae Lynn George’s name is Jowäno’ (something cold over there). They both received their names from Marilyn Schindler at the Newtown longhouse (on Seneca-Cattaraugus Territory). Rhonda is currently mentoring her daughter Rae Lynn on how to be a Snipe-Clan, Name-Holder. In 1978 Rhonda married Ramon George (deceased 1994), and she has resided in Ohi:yo’ since 1985.

“In the year of 1997, I was appointed by Head Women Faithkeeper Marilyn Cooper gëo’ (Turtle Clan) to care for the Hodi’nehsi:yo’ (They’re of the Snipe Clan). She handed to me a stack of orange index cards of the Buffalo Creek Snipe Clan names. I accepted with great honor.” -Rhonda

RESPONSIBILITY OF GIVING NAMES:
The Name-Holders provide names for newborns, and up to one (1) year.
Baby name-giving is held one day before Mid-winter ceremonies, and Green Corn ceremonies.

(Ëshadihsënö:ni’, “They will put back away”):

“When a Snipe Clan member passes the Name-Keeper will reclaim the name and “put it under the pillow” for one year, after which time the name will be available to reuse for another Snipe Clan member.

The protocol for a clan member that has been baptized, is that they must repent before receiving a clan name.”

-Rhonda

This is sometimes loosely referred to is “taking them out of the water”.

CHANGING A CLAN NAME:
“Pre-teens with a baby name, can change to adult names on the Drum Dance Day ceremony, during Mid-Winter ceremony, or during Green Corn ceremony. Adults needing a name can also receive one at this time. Recently, I have been mentoring my daughter Rae Lynn George to be familiar with name giving.
We:so’ Nya:wëh to two proficient Seneca language speakers. Jacky Snyder and Derise Waterman-Whitcomb who have taken the time to help with writings and translations of these clan names.

I encourage families of newborns to learn and teach them our traditions and cultural ways of life. Adults who receive names are also encouraged to learn, and understand the importance of keeping our membership strong. Ögwë’ö:weh (The Real People) is who we are.

My final thought is if you receive a clan name … VALUE IT! USE IT!”

-Rhonda George

Rhonda currently lives in Ohi:yo’ (Beautiful River, a.k.a. Seneca-Allegany Territory). She has four children Rae Lynn, Reggie, Rudi, and Robynn George, and has 20 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren.

Hayden Haynes (Seneca, Deer Clan). Photos taken with SonyA7iv. Necklace: Carved by Hayden & assembled by Randee Spruce (Seneca, Heron Clan). Location: The Seneca Nation Onöhsagwë:de’ Cultural Center.Location selected by Rhonda George.

The text for post has been authorized by the Allegany Snipe Clan Name-Holder, Rhonda George.

Makers of Rhonda’s & Rae Lynn’s regalia are: Robynn George, Keona George, Melanie Abrams, Loni Powless, and Brian Stevens.

The project is supported by the Walker Youngbird Foundation.

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Original Peoples Podcast is an Indigenous Peoples Podcast highlighting the lives of contemporary Indigenous People and the lives they live, produced by Ansley Jemison, Seneca, Wolf Clan.

Six Nations Investigating Paranormal Experiences (SNIPE) w/ Jay Smith (Six Nations Mohawk, Turtle Clan) Artie Aríhwaiens Martin (Six Nations Mohawk, Bear Clan)

Six Nations Investigating Paranormal Encounters (SNIPE) takes an indigenous approach to beliefs about the paranormal, history of accounts, and anomalous phenomena.

In this Episode Jemison speaks with two members of the SNIPE team, Jay Smith (Six Nations Mohawk, Turtle Clan) Artie Aríhwaiens Martin (Six Nations Mohawk, Bear Clan)

SNIPE’s Mission is to investigate the paranormal using a good mind with respect and kindness being paramount, share our findings and experiences openly and honestly—and, inspire indigenous people of all ages to be proud of their peoples’ unique world views.

The SNIPE team’s work has led them to landing a show on the Canadian Broadcast network APTN +
Ghost Hunters of the Grand River follows a group of Six Nations ghost hunters (better known as S.N.I.P.E.) who have dedicated their very existence to gathering evidence from the world of ghost stories, paranormal encounters and the unexplainable. Follow along as they investigate haunted homes, hotels, museums and more!

Ghost Hunters of the Grand River is in it’s 5th Season. You can find it on the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN+)

For Merchandise and other information about SNIPE: https://snipehq.ca/

January 5, 2025 – NEW EPISODE ALERT!! Available on all Podcast Platforms!! PLEASE LIKE AND SUBSCRIBE!!

Ground Control w/ Kyle Mesteth (Oglala Lakota Nation) Founder & CEO Ground Control/ Lakota Skateboarding. Kyle Mesteth is an Oglala Lakota born and raised on the Pine Ridge Rez, He is a local leader/mentor to the youth . He founded a company called Ground Control, Where he aims to make it a Safe space for Lakota Skateboarders and all artists of his community to foster their minds and creativity in whatever form of art they choose . He also organizes local events for the people and is Proud to represent The Pine Ridge Rez!

We provide a space where skateboarders, artists, and creators come together to dream, collaborate, and bring their visions to life. Our mission is to inspire self-expression, fuel innovation, and build a community that pushes boundaries in art and movement.

A huge shout out to the Friends of Ganondagan for helping to bring the Original Peoples Podcast to you.

Nya:wëh!

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