Natives Rising — Founders Circle (joinnativesrising.com)

Join us in Washington D.C., from July 27th to August 2nd, 2024, for an extraordinary week of discovery, learning, and empowerment at the Natives Rising STEM Camp.

We’re excited to offer an immersive week filled with hands-on activities and workshops designed to ignite passion and curiosity in STEM. This 6-day camp, designed for high school juniors and seniors, collaborates with Microsoft, the State Department, leading universities, technical colleges, tech companies, and other esteemed partners.

Why Attend?

• Explore the World of STEM: Dive into hands-on workshops covering exciting fields like cybersecurity, coding, artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, engineering, and more.

• Envision your future: Learn about technical degree programs offered by top universities and colleges and get a glimpse into tech careers with leading organizations.

• Networking Opportunities: Connect with peers and learn from industry leaders and educators.

All Expenses Paid
At Natives Rising, along with our partners, we are committed to making education accessible. We cover all expenses for accepted students, including tuition, travel, transportation, accommodation, and meals, ensuring that nothing stands in the way of your potential.

The application deadline is April 30th at 11:59 pm. Apply now to join us for a week of exploration, learning, and empowerment as you take the first steps toward realizing your STEM dreams!

APPLY HERE!

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Stop down to the Stanley Huff Heritage Center on Saturday, April 27th for their Get a Gift for Mom Vendor Day. Stop by for the gifts, stay for the laughs and enjoy some good food!

To reserve a vendor space, call Mary or Sam at 716-532-8162.

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The number of acres doesn’t matter, on either territory.

Please send a text to: 716.796.4588.

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Exciting News! We invite you to join us for this upcoming exhibition “Story Stick Collection: Indigenous Knowledge and Art-Making Practices” with Dr. Rodney Haring. Don’t miss the chance to connect with Dr. Rodney Haring during the artist talk on March 27 from 6-8pm. This exhibition offers a unique opportunity to learn and engage with Indigenous perspectives on sports, culture, and identity.

Exhibition Dates: February 28 – April 5, 2024
Location: Cloverdale Common, Cloverdale Mall – 250 The East Mall, Toronto, ON M9B 3Y8

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Recently, the #SenecaLandBack community group held meetings at Cattaraugus (Feb. 3) and Allegany (Mar. 2) to discuss the history of Seneca land loss and ideas for land reclamation. These gatherings mark the beginning of a new effort to assert our rights and regain control over our aboriginal territory throughout Western New York that holds deep cultural and historical significance for our people. Meeting hosts included Bruce Abrams, Becky Bowen, Wendy Huff, Randy John, Moe John, Pete Jemison, Todd Gates, Robert Odawi Porter, and Agnes Williams.

With many legal barriers in our history, the road to reclaiming our land is complex and multifaceted. However, the current political landscape offers some hope with Deb Haaland, the first Native person in the Cabinet, serving as the Secretary of the Interior. Haaland’s presence in a position of power presents an opportunity to advocate for our cause from within the federal government our land rights under the Canandaigua Treaty of 1794.

The #SenecaLandBack gathering emphasized the importance of unity and collaboration within the Seneca community. While progress has been made, there is a recognition that we need more participation and diverse perspectives to advance our agenda. New ideas and approaches are essential in navigating the intricate processes involved in land reclamation.

Therefore, we extend an invitation to all Seneca individuals who share our passion and commitment to join us in this endeavor. Whether you have expertise in law, activism, community organizing, or simply a strong desire to get our Seneca Land Back, your contribution is invaluable.

If you’re interested in participating and contributing to our efforts, we encourage you to reach out to us at admin@senecalandback.org. Together, we can work towards making the dream of reclaiming our land a reality, ensuring that future generations can inherit the rich heritage and legacy of our ancestors.

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March 2, 2024 | By Saboor Bayat | bnnbreaking.com

As a total solar eclipse approaches, Western New York prepares for an influx of visitors, particularly to Silo City, where Seneca Nation’s Bill Crouse unveils ‘The Gustoweh’ sculpture. Highlighting Seneca heritage, this event underlines the significance of Indigenous culture amid celestial phenomena

Unveiling ‘The Gustoweh’
Bill Crouse (pictured), a renowned Seneca Nation sculptor and Faithkeeper, has chosen an opportune moment to present ‘The Gustoweh’, a 16-foot-tall stainless steel sculpture symbolizing Seneca identity and resilience. This artwork, rising beneath the shadows of a total solar eclipse at Silo City, offers a profound reflection on the enduring legacy and cultural significance of the Seneca people within the Haudenosaunee Confederacy. This event not only celebrates Indigenous artistry but also educates visitors on the rich history of the Seneca Nation, particularly their pivotal role within the Six Nations.

Historical and Cultural Resonance
‘The Gustoweh’ represents more than an artistic achievement; it embodies the spiritual and historical essence of the Seneca people. Crouse’s masterpiece is strategically placed in what was once the Seneca territory of Buffalo Creek, a site of both loss and resilience following the 1838 Treaty of Buffalo Creek. The sculpture, featuring a solitary eagle feather, stands as a testament to the Seneca’s integration into the Haudenosaunee Confederacy – a union symbolized by the Hiawatha belt depicted at the sculpture’s base. This narrative is especially poignant as the unveiling coincides with a solar eclipse, an event of significant cultural and historical relevance to the Seneca Nation.

Impact and Implications
The installation of ‘The Gustoweh’ at Silo City not only enhances the visibility of Indigenous culture in public spaces but also serves as a catalyst for dialogue and understanding. As visitors gather to witness the solar eclipse, they are also invited to reflect on the deeper meanings embedded within Crouse’s sculpture. This convergence of celestial event and cultural exhibition opens up opportunities for healing, learning, and celebrating the enduring spirit of the Seneca Nation. Through ‘The Gustoweh’, Silo City becomes a locus for acknowledging past injustices while looking forward to a future of inclusive cultural recognition and respect.

The unveiling of ‘The Gustoweh’ during the solar eclipse is not just an artistic event; it is a moment of cultural reckoning and renewal. As thousands gather to witness the eclipse, they will also be exposed to the rich tapestry of Seneca heritage and the resilience of Indigenous cultures. This sculpture stands as a beacon of cultural pride, a reminder of the ongoing journey towards acknowledgment, healing, and unity. In a world often divided, ‘The Gustoweh’ and the solar eclipse together offer a rare moment of collective awe and appreciation for the stories and traditions that shape our shared humanity.

Source

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ST. BONAVENTURE — Leaders of the Seneca Nation and the St. Bonaventure University community met last month for the first time since the two institutions agreed last fall to rekindle their relationship.

“This is about polishing the chain of friendship,” said Odie Porter, a Seneca Nation Councillor, referring to a centuries-old metaphor about renewing relationships with Indigenous people.

In October, the Seneca Nation Council approved joining a committee of university faculty, staff, students and administrators to deepen their shared connections and address the needs of the Nation, while also improving the education and richness of the experience for all members of the St. Bonaventure community.

The committee’s specific focus will be to explore and develop strategies to enhance Seneca and Haudenosaunee representation on campus through “development of an appropriate land acknowledgment statement” as well as other actions that “reflect the university’s solidarity with and commitment to its Seneca neighbors.”

The Senecas and St. Bonaventure also want to develop educational collaborations, services and course material related to Seneca and Indigenous communities; coordinate events and gatherings and share news and advocacy of important issues and concerns; and build connections to Seneca SBU alumni while improving opportunities and welcome for future Seneca students.

“This partnership with the Senecas has so much potential to not only provide more opportunities for collaboration with the Nation, but to educate the Bonaventure community so we can gain a greater appreciation of the rich history of our neighbors and all that they have to offer,” Dr. Jeff Gingerich, the university’s president, said.

St. Bonaventure’s campus is on what was Seneca land. The city of Salamanca is within the Allegany Indian Reservation, which follows a meandering path along the Allegheny River from a small portion of the town of Allegany on the eastern boundary — just a few miles from campus — to the town of South Valley to the west.

St. Bonaventure established an 18-credit minor in Native American and Indigenous Studies in 2021.

The committee members include Seneca Nation councilors, Jeffrey Gill and Porter; John Waterman, Seneca deputy chief of staff; Klint Nephew, a Seneca and member of the SBU Class of 1992; Jacquie Crouse, Class of 1991 and a Seneca; Blayze Becker, an SBU student and a Mohawk; Jillian Rea, a student and a Seneca; and Oneniotekowa Maracle, a student and a Mohawk.

SBU officials on the committee include Dr. Dave Hilmey, provost and vice president for academic affairs; Dean Whitcomb, director of admissions; Lindsay Retchless, director of alumni engagement; Ann Lehman, chief of staff; Dr. Oleg Bychkov, director of SBU’s Native American and Indigenous Studies program; Dr. René Hauser, dean of the School of Education; Dr. José Medrano, assistant professor of world languages and cultural studies; Father Stephen Mimnaugh, VP for mission integration; Brother Kevin Kriso, Franciscan friar at Mt. Irenaeus; Brother Robert Lenz, Franciscan friar; Tom Buttafarro, director of government and community Relations; and Tom Missel, chief communications officer.

Source

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Starting in 2024, Harpo Foundation will offer an annual $25,000 fellowship to amplify the contributions of under-recognized native American contemporary visual artists. The Impact Award for Native American Art aims to further the foundation’s mission to expand creative inquiry through inclusivity and equitable representation in the visual arts. To be considered for the Impact Award, artists must submit a Grants for Visual Artists application online by April 29, 2024, to join the pool of artists who are considered for this annual grant. Required materials include an artist’s resume, artist statement, and work samples (up to 10).

To find more information on requirements and how to apply, visit the website at https://www.harpofoundation.org/grants/the-impact-award/

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For more information, and to fill out the vendor application, visit: https://www.wnylaxfest.com/vendors

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February 13, 2024

“I stand before you today, with a profound sense of responsibility, and a deep commitment to shedding light on a critical and often overlooked matter, the state of indigenous youth. The young people of Indian country, have strong convictions and passionate voices, yet our messages are often ignored and diminished. The tapestry of Native American youth is open with both memory of our land and ancestors and the stark realities of contemporary life in America.

My duty as copresident of the national Congress of American Indian Youth Commission, and the youth leader is to ensure that our collective message is heard, our priorities array across the waters and land of Indian country. A few weeks ago, I returned from a study abroad program in Ecuador. A once peaceful country, strafed by narco-terrorism, and internal war. As my family anxiously worried and awaited the safe return of their young Onöndowa’ga:’ daughter, my worry was focused on the indigenous communities I was safely departing. Amid a national crisis, marked by drug exploitation seeping into their borders, these communities, scarred by negative media depictions of the country struggle to sustain the eco-tourism industry. Many communities have invested generations of land, labor, and financial resources, and eco-tourism as a critical part of their economy. This is just one challenge facing indigenous people around the world.

Native youth are committed to tackling the issues and challenges in Indian Country, but our conscience and concerns are not narrow. Our focus is expansive and global. Native youth care deeply, and give space and support the collective and mutual liberation of oppressed indigenous people worldwide. Our generation is devoting our time, attention, and resources to ending the genocide and Gaza, where the death toll has risen to 28,000 Palestinians, half of whom are youth. Beyond social media posts indigenous youth have facilitated community of solidarity. Organizing protests, fundraisers, hunger strikes, and healing circles for the cause.

As native and indigenous youth, we are told time and time again by our community and leaders, use your voice, use your platform, have convictions, and support important causes. Some might claim that youth don’t care that their phones and trivial pursuit consume them. But I’m here to tell you, we are not disaffected, indifferent or incapable. We cannot remain silent or pay no heat to the massacre and Gaza when our ancestors suffered a similar genocide. And weather experienced in our past we see the actual happening here, genocide is genocide, and it should always be condemned. We, indigenous youth are compelled to support this important cause by speaking out and calling attention to genocide, a shared horror that is a central part to our painful history.

In the Clinton/ Sullivan scorched earth campaign our villages and crops were burned. Women and children were killed, and the Haudenosaunee were removed from our ancestral homelands. And the Oka crisis of 1990 the Canadian government denied the Kanien’kehà:ka human rights and violence and ensued over 78 days. The Osage reign of terror continues today while they fight for mineral rights and the ongoing consequences of loss of land and hidden rights to non-natives. Tourism in Hawaii has displaced native Hawaiians and destroyed natural resources, contributing to the Maui wildfires that devastated the native communities. We are not just familiar with what we see unfolding in Gaza. The forced displacement, extraction of resources, demolition of culture, and demonization of our identities, and the raping and murdering of our people. It is a part of us. Historically through our ancestors and presently through our traumas, through stories of such atrocities.

The re-installation and prioritization of our cultural practices and resources are necessary you’re breaking down systems of oppression and exploitation. Youth recognize that. I am proud of my cousins, who have committed their lives to language on the Tonawanda, Seneca territory, and actively preserving oral traditions. Our youth are closing the generational gap from the time when people were shamed and abused for speaking their language in the Indian Residential Schools. We know the power of our language, because without it, we lose our climate solutions, our stories, and ourselves as Ongwehonweh. As a mark of respect to Black History Month, we revisit Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s sentiments recently posted by NCAI and the support of the relentless fight for shared justice and equality, transcending racial boundaries that continue to inspire much of modern day advocacy for native rights. As mentioned, NCAI remains dedicated to championing his dream of a more just equitable world. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. reminds us that injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.

While NCAI prioritizes issues at home, there remains a responsibility to oppose glaring injustices and human rights, violations. NCAI defends sovereignty and seeks to protect rights and advocate for the needs of tribal communities. The very mission of NCAI is to uphold and support indigenous peoples collectively. Let us move on from when it was easier to remain in echo-chambers, safe and comfortable confines, and become more aware of the issues beyond our backyard. Our Advocacy must go beyond Turtle Island even when our action become uncomfortable and hard to swallow. I’m not here to speak on issues we are all too familiar with, we all know the needs of the communities come from. And we are all aware of the solutions we need for a future our ancestors dreamed of. I’m here to challenge those of you who can relate to dig deep because that’s where the real solidarity work comes in. That’s what it means to be a good relative.

In compliance with the press release published by the Senate for Native American youth we ask Congress to pass legislation calling for a permanency cease-fire and an end to US military aid to Israel. This includes introducing or supporting legislation, such as house resolution 786, which cost for a cease-fire in Palestine. The restoration of clean and running water, fuel, medical supplies, and humanitarian aid to Gaza. The protection of doctors, nurses, medical staff, and Palestinian journalists. The protection of students advocating for liberation colleges and universities nationwide. From Indian country, our native youth demand tribal leaders call for a cease-fire through resolutions like that of the Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians.

Native organizations must withdraw from sponsorships and companies that are actively funding genocide. Indian country must give space for global issues of systemic oppression. Being indigenous to this land we are still healing from genocide that was inflicted on our more than 500 communities in countless ways, and justified by the church, divine power, law and policy. Through grief and trauma, we are abundantly mindful of our history and our ancestors sacrifices to hold onto land, culture, and our people. We know that the journey liberation is not easy or comfortable. The first step towards global liberation is to extend our allyship to be good relatives beyond Turtle Island. This we know, a bundle of arrows tied together, cannot be broken. Together, let us ignite a conversation that transcends rhetoric, and transforms into a meaningful action that uplift, empower, and amplify the voices of indigenous youth, domestically, and around the world.

Nya:wëh. Thank you.”

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