The Seneca Nation is excited to announce the opening of the newest 2-bedroom 6-plex on the Cattaraugus Territory. These new apartments offer a modern, comfortable space for couples, single individuals, and smaller families with one or two children to return home and reconnect with their community, culture, and support systems. This development means fewer overcrowded homes and more opportunities for safe, affordable living on the territory. These homes fill a critical gap for those not yet eligible for elder housing but still in need of a place to call their own. The new 2-bedroom units are a step forward in keeping our community connected, while we continue to plan for future improvements for our elders.

Councillor Tina Abrams shared, “This premier housing complex is just one of many examples of initiatives by the Seneca Nation Council, in collaboration with the Seneca Nation Housing Department, to address the ongoing housing needs within our community.”

For more information or questions, contact the Cattaraugus Housing Department at (716) 532-5000 or visit: https://sni.org/community-services/housing-program/.

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The 30th U.S. EPA – Region 2, Indian Nation Leaders Meeting -&- 12th NYSDEC Indian Nation Leaders Meeting was held on May 12-14, 2026, at the Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino, hosted by The Seneca Nation, Environmental Protection Department.

Throughout the conference, Tribal Nations shared their strengths and challenges in conversations centered on Tribal sovereignty; Tribal Hunting, Fishing, and Gathering Rights Off Territory; land access; water quality; data governance or “data sovereignty”; environmental partnerships; training opportunities for Tribal Nation environmental representatives; infrastructure design and planning; funding support for Tribal programs; environmental contamination, cleanup and restoration; preservation of cultural and natural resources; Indigenous plant restoration; invasive species impact; waste management; and energy plans.

A dinner and Social were held on Wednesday evening in the event center to connect and share our cultural songs and dances.

Nya:wëh to the Environmental Protection Department, Executives and Council, Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino, all the Tribal leaders, and office representatives who attended and shared in these important environmental matters.

• New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Office of Indian Nation Affairs
• NYSDEC, Division of Lands and Forests – Invasive Species Bureau
• USEPA – Office of International & Tribal Affairs (OITA)
• Center for Native Peoples and the Environment (CNPE)
• State University of New York College of Environmental Science & Forestry
• American Indian Environmental Office (AIEO)
• Office of Regional Administrator – Indian Nations Program, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) Region 2
• Office of Environmental Justice, NYSDEC
• U.S. Department of Health – Indian Health Services
• Cayuga Nation
• Haudenosaunee Environmental Task Force- Onondaga, Tonowanda, and Tuscarora Nation
• Shinnecock Indian Nation
• St. Regis Mohawk Tribe
• Unkechaug Nation

The post The 30th U.S. EPA – Region 2 Meeting appeared first on SNI Official Newsletter.

Thank you to the Iroquois Post 1587, the Auxiliary Post 1587, the Seneca Nation Executives & Council, Kirk Mohawk for playing TAPS, Al George for singing the Veterans’ and Flag song, Petrice Neyman for singing the US National Anthem & Canadian Anthem, and all who joined us in paying tribute to their sacrifice and legacy.

The post Annual Memorial Day Ceremony appeared first on SNI Official Newsletter.

This year’s Ohi:yo’ Art Market would not have been possible without the dedication of our staff, volunteers, our gracious hosts, the Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino, and of course our sponsors. Nya:wëh for your continued support and commitment to uplifting Native and Indigenous Art.

• The Seneca Nation
• Seneca Gaming Corporation
• Seneca Gaming and Entertainment
• Seneca One Stop
• Big Indian Smoke Shop
• Burchfield Penney Art Center
• Ralph T. Coe Center for the Arts
• The ARTS Council of the Southern Finger Lakes
• Fidelity Charitable

A special shout out to the Salamanca City Central School District Seneca Youth Dancers, IndigeRoots, and the Dwahšönih Makerspace, Ansley Jemison and the Original Peoples Podcast, Seneca Nation Conservation – Fish & Wildlife, and Faithkeeper Language Nest. Lastly, we truly appreciate the inspiring artists who travelled to our corner of Indian Country to share their talent and skill with us. We can’t wait to see what next year’s market will bring!

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We started the month of June by raising the Seneca Nation Pride Flags outside of our administration buildings in Allegany and Cattaraugus. The Nation has raised the flag each of the past several years as a show of support for our 2SLGBTQIA+ community. As one Nation, let’s always stand and work together to make sure our community is welcoming and united in respect and equality for all Senecas.

There have been many important and exciting developments and discussions within our community recently. A few weeks ago, we celebrated the opening of our newest two-bedroom, six-plex housing development in Cattaraugus. These new apartments create more safe, affordable living opportunities for Seneca people on our territories. This is the latest in a years-long initiative to create more opportunities for Senecas to return home, establish roots, raise their families and build their futures here on our homelands, surrounded by and connected to our community. Nya:wëh to our Council and everyone who is making the dream of living on our territories possible for more Senecas.

The Nation’s DOT also recently held a community conversation regarding needed safety improvements at the Four Corners intersection in Cattaraugus. This high-traffic intersection is shown to have a crash rate higher than the national average. Nya:wëh to everyone who attended the meeting and all who have shared their concerns and thoughts for how we can make our roads safer for everyone.

In Allegany, we recently welcomed Mayor Amy Sherburne of Olean for a visit and discussion with Nation officials regarding our ongoing efforts to protect Ohi:yo’ from dangerous sewage overflows from Olean’s wastewater treatment system. Mayor Sherburne was elected in November and is the newest member of the joint Nation-City taskforce created in 2025 to address the harmful overflows and discharges into the river. During Mayor Sherburne’s visit, she and Nation officials discussed Olean’s commitment to ensuring the City adopts industry standards and best practices to minimize environmental and health impacts related to wastewater discharges into Ohi:yo’. The Nation and the City remain committed to regular Task Force meetings in order to keep needed upgrades and remediation efforts moving forward in a timely way so that the river can be protected for all who depend upon her waters.

Across our territories and throughout the entire region, several young people are marking the important milestone of their high school graduation this month. This is an exciting and important achievement in their lives. The steps they take across the graduation stage are the first steps into the next exciting phase of their lives. I know I speak for our entire community when I say that we are proud of all of our graduates and that we are excited to see what their future paths hold in store for them. Ja:göh to all of our graduates in the Class of 2026!

Finally, next weekend, we will celebrate Father’s Day. I want to wish all the fathers within our Nation a happy Father’s Day. The role and responsibility we all take in helping to raise our children is one of the greatest honors and responsibilities we can have. The example we set and the lessons we share with our children and grandchildren today can help shape their future, and the future of our Nation, for years to come. I hope you enjoy your Father’s Day surrounded by those who mean the most to you.

Until next time,
J.C.

The post A Message from President J.C. Seneca appeared first on SNI Official Newsletter.

VIRTUAL COUNCIL SESSIONS

The Seneca Nation will be utilizing the virtual online platform “Microsoft Teams” for the Council Sessions for enrolled members to have access to each Council meeting.

To participate, enrolled members will need access to a computer, tablet, or smartphone as well as a valid email address to sign up. Please follow the instructions and fill in all requested information when requesting online. Once registered, an email will be sent confirming your request. Another email with a link to join the online Council Session will go live at the scheduled meeting date and time. Please note that you must register by 9am on the day of the Council session. Once the session has begun individuals will not be permitted to enter. Members must register for each month.

To register for the June 13 virtual Council meeting, please use the following link:

https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/edb80409-5462-47bb-a5ae-98391ad4e8f7@72419ddb-8212-48bb-9148-1f0866a6d9a4

54 members registered for the May 9th Virtual Regular Council Meeting.

IN-PERSON REGISTRATION REQUIREMENT

REFERENCING COUNCIL CERT CN: R-02-11-17-06: Nation Members are to satisfy the annual registration either in person or by mail each calendar year (January 1 – December 31) and must provide evidence of Nation enrollment upon request; however, they must appear in person at least once every two calendar years (January 1 – December 31); Mail in registrations must be notarized. All mail in registrations must be postmarked no later than December 31st of each year.

Enrolled members have all year to register; it is ultimately your responsibility to be sure you are registered. No exceptions will be made after the deadline dates.

MAKE SURE YOUR INFORMATION IS UP TO DATE!!

The Clerk’s office cannot reach you if your phone number is disconnected or your voicemail is full, and we don’t have an updated mailing address on file. Don’t let that be you!!

• Remember all members 18 and over must appear in-person at least once every two calendar years.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR! THE CLERK’S OFFICE IS COMING TO ERIE, PA

The Clerk’s office will be at the Seneca Nation location in Erie, PA on the following dates:

• Thursday, July 23rd from 12-2 p.m.
• Thursday, September 24th from 4-6 p.m.

Located at: 2101 Peninsula Drive, Erie, PA 16506 Suite #10

If your department has an event that you would like the Clerk’s Office to attend for registration purposes, please reach out to the Cattaraugus Clerk’s Office: Irma Cortes @ 716-532-4900 ext. 5035 – I.Cortes@sni.org.

SN IDENTIFICATION CARDS

*A one-time free ID is being offered at this time, must go to either Clerk’s Office for the free ID. To update your photo on your Seneca Nation Identification Card, you must appear in person. All cards issued must have a current photo upon issuance. All cards expire 10 years from issuance.
$10.00 per card | $5.00 per card for Elders (60 yrs. of age or older)

NOTE: Adults (18 years of age and older) requesting a Seneca Nation Identification Card are REQUIRED to present a photo ID.

CLERK’S OFFICE FORMS

Completed forms must be notarized and can be mailed to: Seneca Nation Clerk’s Office, 90 Ohi:yo’ Way, Salamanca NY 14779. All forms are available online at www.sni.org under Clerk’s Office documents.

• ADDRESSES
  Please remember to keep your address current with the Clerk’s Office. This includes changes with custody of minor children or legal guardians (Court orders).

BURIAL FUND

A Burial fund has been designated to pay for funeral expenses up to $7,000 for enrolled members. For additional details, please contact the Clerk’s Office during regular business hours.

ANNUITY CLOTH

Per THE TREATY OF CANANDAIGUA IN 1794, Effective 4/10/25 *One (1) yard per person of annuity cloth will be available for pick up anytime in either Allegany & Cattaraugus Clerk’s Offices.
*Amount to distributed subject to change

• The Seneca Nation signed the Treaty of Canandaigua in 1794 with the newly formed United States of America to recognize Nation Sovereignty and land base.
• The United States Government fulfills its obligations under the Treaty with the Six Nations or the Haudenosaunee by sending each cloth symbolizing peace and friendship. The annuity cloth represents the continuing Government to Government relationship with the United States.

DO YOU HAVE MULTIPLE SHARES TO PICK UP AND WISH TO HAVE A BULK ORDER CUT? GIVE US A CALL AHEAD OF TIME AND WE CAN HAVE IT READY FOR YOU.

DIRECT DEPOSIT OF ANNUITY AND/OR ELDERS PAYMENTS

If you would like to sign-up for Direct Deposit of your Annuity and/or Elders Check, you will have to complete the form. The form is available on the web at www.sni.org under Documents/Clerk’s Office / Direct Deposit forms or at the Clerk’s Office. under Documents/Clerk’s Office / Direct Deposit forms or at the Clerk’s Office.

• All direct deposit forms MUST have attached a voided check or deposit slip (start-up checks will NOT be accepted).
• Members must be at least 18 years old to sign up for Direct Deposit
• Minors are NOT eligible for Direct Deposit

If you receive direct deposit, it is your responsibility to keep your address updated with the Clerk’s Office. Mailings are also done from time to time and those that have not updated their addresses do not get the latest information that is being sent out. This is very important for us to better serve you.

RELEASE OF MINORS TRUST FUND

Minor’s Trust Fund mailed third (3rd) Friday of the month. Application deadline is the 2nd Friday of the month. To begin receiving Minor Trust Fund disbursements, a member must be at least 18 years old and submit the following documentation:
• Application for Release of Minors Trust (must be notarized)
• High School Diploma / GED
• Financial Literacy Certificate (http://seneca.cm3solutions.com)

If you need to obtain a Financial Literacy Certificate, please contact the Seneca Nation Education Department for details. Contact Info: Allegany Territory – Seneca Nation Education Department (716) 945-1790, k.watt@sni.org; Cattaraugus Territory – Seneca Nation Education Department (716) 532-3341.

• NEW DIRECT DEPOSIT FORMS AVAILABLE

Once the first minors check is mailed/deposited the checks are automatically mailed when:
• Applicant has obtained 21 years of age
• Applicant has obtained 24 years of age trust

SEEKING INVOCATORS & SEEKING NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS

The Seneca Nation Clerk’s Office is seeking Non-Profit Organizations to serve refreshments and lunch during Council each month. If any organizations are interested, you may contact Leslie Cooke at Leslie.cooke@sni.org, 716-532-4900, ext. 5046 to request a form. Forms are also available at the Clerk’s Office. Any questions can be directed to Leslie Cooke.

Per Council Resolution R-06-10-23-20 / Increasing amount paid to Non-Profit Organizations serving Council: Regular Session: $1,500 | Special Session: $750

STS BUS PASSES ARE AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE AT THE CLERK’S OFFICE

Members are now able to buy passes from the Clerk’s Office to utilize the Seneca Transit System (STS). Prices are as follows:
STS: Daily passes – $1.00 (one way), Monthly passes – $30.00, $3.00 (All day pass)

ALLEGANY RESIDENTS’ GARBAGE APPLICATION / TICKET DISTRIBUTION

The Allegany Clerk’s Office will continue to require ID and proof of utility in your name as we continue to update our records. We appreciate your patience as we complete this process. We are aware that some residents have been skipped over once or twice. All complaints/concerns can be addressed to the Allegany Clerks Office, (716) 945-1790 and we will communicate with Beichner. Please do not contact Beichner directly.

EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY!!! ALL ALLEGANY TERRITORY RESIDENTS THAT UTILIZE THE GARBAGE TICKETS HAVE A PICK-UP ON THURSDAYS.

REMEMBER TO HAVE GARBAGE OUT BY 5:00AM

ATTENTION NATURAL GAS CUSTOMERS, FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE YOU MAY NOW PAY YOUR UTILITY BILL IN THE SENECA ENERGY DEPARTMENT OFFICE

(Located in the DPW buildings) Effective April 1st, 2025 you can choose the Automated Clearing House (ACH) automated payment at no additional cost to you. They also accept cash, check or debit/credit card payment.

SENECA NATION GENEALOGY

Beginning May 1, 2025, the fees for genealogy research will be as follows:

$25.00 -Enrolled Member | $100.00-Non Member

~ Please note-Fees must be paid in full to be placed on the waitlist.

COME SEE US AT THE OFFICE!!!

William Seneca Building – Cattaraugus Territory – (716) 532-4900
Cattaraugus Clerk’s Office Staff
Lenith K. Waterman, Clerk
Irma Cortes, Executive Assistant to the Clerk
Leslie Cooke, Executive Secretary (Notary Public)
Kelly Mohawk, Deeds Recorder (In Allegany Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9am to 2 pm)
Tammi Stafford, Special Projects Facilitator (Notary Public)
Robin Jones, Genealogist
Alexandrea Jimerson, Executive Administrative Assistant
Terah Seneca, Executive Administrative Assistant
Joleen Lone, Executive Administrative Assistant/Receptionist

Business Permits
Hailey Brooks, Business Permit Officer
Micah Jones, Compliance Officer

Seneca Allegany Administration Building – Allegany Territory – (716) 945-1790
Allegany Clerk’s Office Staff
Pauline John, Deputy Clerk
Maura Frazier, Executive Secretary (Notary Public)
Sue Case, Enrollment Officer
Scarlett Ground, Vital Records Specialist
Creedence Redeye, Executive Administrative Assistant
Alieanna Wright, Executive Administrative Assistant
Angela Fernandez, Executive Administrative Assistant

The Buffalo Office Staff & Location
(716) 845-6304 or (716) 951-7555
The Buffalo Office works in Conjunction with the Clerk’s Office.

Juddson Logan – Acting Director/Tutor
Stephanie Maybee – Administrative Assistant
Tajanay Irizarry-Activity Coordinator

Located at 265 Skillen Street, Buffalo, NY 14207 (Please use the side door entrance next to parking lot)
Monday-Friday: 8:00 a.m.-4:30p.m.

HOURS:

Allegany & Cattaraugus Clerk’s Office hours are Monday through Friday; 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Both Clerk’s offices will be open from 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. each Saturday of the Regular Council session.

Please have your SN Enrollment # ready when you are visiting or calling the Clerk’s Office.

NOTE: Adults (18 years of age and older) requesting a Seneca Nation Identification Card are REQUIRED to present a photo ID.

The post News From The Clerk’s Office appeared first on SNI Official Newsletter.

For years, heavy rain events have caused the Olean Wastewater Treatment Plant to overflow hundreds of thousands of gallons of untreated sewage into the Ohi:yo’. Discussions at yesterday’s meeting included a commitment to ensuring Olean adopts industry standards and best practices to minimize the environmental and health impacts of wastewater discharges into the river.

The Seneca Nation and the City of Olean remain committed to regular Task Force meetings to keep remediation efforts on schedule and protect the health of the river and all who depend on it.

The post Protecting Ohi:yo’ — Together. appeared first on SNI Official Newsletter.

Per Council Resolution R-06-10-23-20 / Increasing amount paid to Non-Profit Organizations serving Council:

Regular Session: $1,500
Special Session: $750

The post Seeking Invocators & Non-Profit Organizations appeared first on SNI Official Newsletter.

SENECA-IROQUOIS NATIONAL MUSEUM BOARD OF TRUSTEES

(1) Allegany (1) Cattaraugus Vacancy

Qualifications:

• Trustees shall be at least eighteen (18) years of age and shall have obtained at least a high-school diploma.
• Employees of the Museum shall not serve on the Board
• Full term of office shall be four (4) years, unless fulfilling the term of a former Trustee.
• Trustees shall serve no more than two (2) consecutive terms

If interested, please submit a letter of intent to the Nation’s Clerk no later than 4:30 p.m. on June 29th, 2026. Mail To:

Seneca Nation of Indians Clerk’s Office
Attention: Lenith Waterman, Clerk
12837 Route 438
Irving, NY 14081

Email – Lenith.waterman@sni.org

The Seneca Nation is currently accepting letters of intent for those interested in serving on the following board:

COMMERCE DEPARTMENT COMMISSION

(1) Allegany Community Member
(1) Allegany Business Owner
(1) Cattaraugus Business Owner

Eligibility: Any enrolled community member who is at least 21 years old is eligible to serve as a commissioner

If interested, please submit your resume and letter of intent no later than: June 12, 2026, to:

Seneca Nation of Indians Clerk’s Office
Attention: Lenith Waterman, Clerk
12837 Rte. 438
Irving, New York 14081

Email – Lenith.waterman@sni.org

The post Public Notices appeared first on SNI Official Newsletter.

In 2021, a resolution was passed declaring June as Seneca Pride Month. This resolution also affirmed the right to nondiscrimination of Seneca LGBTQIA2S+ members, cementing the Nation’s commitment to “fostering, cultivating and preserving a culture of inclusion, fairness, and equality, and [that] members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community deserve to be treated with respect and dignity.”

Pride month is a reminder that justice, decolonization, and liberation are deeply connected. June is a time to celebrate, learn, and stand in solidarity.

2026 marks the sixth year the Seneca Nation has raised a pride flag from a grassroots effort intiated by Olivia Maybee. Designed by Olivia, this flag incorporates the LGTBQ+, 2 spirit relatives, the Seneca and Indigenous community. Olivia pushed the flag raisings to give representation and inclusion of LGTBQ+ relatives on Seneca territories. Each year, the pride flag raising event continues to grow in participants, speakers, and support. If you would like to lend your support and effort to this yearly event, please email Olivia Maybee at Olivia.Maybee@sni.org or oliviamaybee99@gmail.com.

Speakers included Elias Bova-Schmidt, Esq., MSW, a first descendant Seneca from Ohi:yo’ and transgender. Elias is directly involved in LGBTQ+ organizations, and presents on behalf of the Center for Reproductive Rights specifically on Abortion Access in New York and Considerations for Trans Abortion Seekers. Taylor Seneca shared her lived experience and journey as a gay woman on Seneca territories. She is also a proud Indigenous sister, stepmother, friend, and daughter that is getting married to her long term partner soon while continuing to honor her community and culture. Juddson Logan shared traditional knowledge based on nature, equality, and love.

Olivia Maybee, Mitch Kelly, and Maria Maybee were speakers as well.

“We raise this flag today and remember that LGBTQ+ relatives have always here in our communities and communities across Turtle Island; honored, present and whole. It is an act of saying we belong to this Nation. You are a part of this fabric, and I am so thankful to have you all here,” shared Logan.

The post Seneca Nation Kicks off Pride Month with Flag Raising appeared first on SNI Official Newsletter.