Submitted by Luane Spruce

Stop down to the Wright Memorial Church in Irving, NY on Saturday, April 15th and enjoy the warm comfort of various soups such as wild onion, cream of potato, taco soup, chili, cabbage soup, chicken noodle, and more with a side sandwich! Sale starts at 4pm!

DINE-IN OR TAKE-OUT!

For more information call Eileen Marx at 716-864-4745 or Luane Spruce at 716-341-4834.

See flyer below for church address:

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Mark your calendar: This year’s banquet will be held Friday, June 2nd, 2023.

See flyer below for details:

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PAST – Education & Culture

Michele “Midge” Dean Stock (b.1950-d.2006) was a multi-talented educator, artist, performer, director, professor, writer and traditional basket maker. Today, her Seneca nursery rhymes are still heard through the hallways of Seneca Nation preschools. Her impact has not been forgotten. Born in 1950 on the Allegany Territory, Midge was the youngest of 3 siblings born to Hazel Dean.

With a Masters in Education and a Bachelors in Music, Michele played many roles in the education of her people. She was a Seneca Nation official and educator and made many recordings and videos to help preserve our language. She was a college professor at Jamestown Community College & St. Bonaventure University, as well as Education Director for the Seneca Nation for nearly 6 years. She served as a delegate on the White House conference on Indian Education and developed curriculum materials for native peoples.

Her museum experience included employment at the Museum of the American Indian – Heye Foundation, (now the National Museum of the American Indian,) and managed the Seneca – Iroquois National Museum in its early years. She was a staunch supporter of cultural preservation, and of the dire need to present accurate, non-stereotypical information on her culture to non-Natives; especially to teachers who influence young minds. She attempted to restore the nearly lost art of Iroquois splint basketry to the Seneca communities. She presented at the Smithsonian Institution, NMAI and MAI, the New York State Museum, and many other professional venues, and served on the Board of Trustees of the Rochester Museum and Science Center and Western New York Nature Conservancy.

Buried at Hillside Haven. She was an enrolled member of the Seneca Nation of Indians/Wolf Clan.

PRESENT – Language & Culture

Ja:nos—Janine Bowen is a member of the Beaver clan of the Seneca Nation and a Faith Keeper at the Coldspring Longhouse. She has centered her career on Seneca language revitalization efforts. In 2002, she began teaching Seneca language and culture to elementary and junior high school students on the Allegany Territory of the Seneca Nation. In 2007, Ja:no’s became a Seneca language Instructor for Buffalo State College. In 2015, she took the role of Allegany Language Director.

Ja:no’s received an Ed.M. from the Harvard University Graduate School of Education, as well as an M.P.P. from the Harvard University Kennedy School of Government. In 2020, Ja:no’s started her path back to the field of education and began coursework for an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership.

“My goal is to merge my talents to support indigenous students in their journey to become successful individuals, capable of overcoming the unique challenges Native peoples face as they learn to walk in two worlds.”

FUTURE – Law & Education

Alyana Jimerson is a member of the Wolf Clan from Steamburg, NY, daughter of Shannon and Dustin Jimerson and Jarid John. Alyana received her bachelor’s degree in Indigenous Studies from Syracuse University under the Haudenosaunee Scholarship Program. From there she attended and graduated from Michigan State University College of Law and joined the Native American Law Student Association. Alyana passed the NYS bar exam last year. Her dream is to work at the federal level of Indian Law to make the most impact across Turtle Island and work toward the betterment of Seneca people.

Alyana credits the Seneca Nation Vision 20/20 program and the Seneca Nation Council Office internship for providing the opportunity to meet with lawmakers, State Representatives and engage with individuals that inspired her to major in Indigenous Studies and head to law school.

Alyana is currently pursing an opportunity with a law firm in southwest Indian country.

“Senecas are a strong Nation, we are strong people. Growing up and hearing that my whole life at home and then hearing that out again in Indian Country shaped who I am and gave me the confidence I needed. Growing up on territory also gave me insight and understanding of the challenges we face as Native people with our Treaties, land and rights.”

FUTURE – Health & Stem

Alyson Brown is a young an upcoming Seneca leader and mother. A descendant of the Red House and Onoville pre-kinzua communities, with her paternal grandma being Pauline John (Redeye) and maternal grandma Shirley Heron (Crouse).

Her passions include advocating and being a voice for marginalized populations. She has experience in victim advocacy, youth drug and alcohol prevention work, and is the newly employed Health Planner at the Seneca Nation Health System. She actively seeks opportunities to occupy space in areas where Indigenous Women have historically and systematically been unheard. She has received her Bachelors of Science in Community Health from Arizona State University and is working on her graduate studies to further her research on the intersection between Education and Health outcomes, through an Indigenous lens.

Her interests in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) field have lead her to be selected as a mentor in the American Indian Science & Engineering Society (AISES) newly established Indigenous Womxn in STEM program. She is also a founding board member and project manager for local community non-profit, Cousin Brownie. Her work in this sector is aimed at fostering a sense of community across Seneca Nation Territories by providing mutual aid and creating opportunities for pro-social engagement, with the most recent initiative being a community garden located in Jimersontown.

PAST – Language & Culture

Helen Beaver (b.1926-d.2020) also known as Akso:dgëö’ was an icon, the most recognizable face on the Cattaraugus Territory. Everyone knew her and called her Akso:d (Grandmother). Serving as a Foster Grandparent for 25+ years at the Seneca Nation Early Childhood Learning Center Helen shared the rich language & culture with young students, teachers & the community.

Helen was a Faithkeeper of the Newtwon Longhouse and always encouraged learning and speaking the language and was very generous with sacred ancestral knowledge, some thought it was taboo, but it was very necessary. Her efforts and love of language live on. She loved walks and talking about the “ol’ days”.

Often seen on field trips picking apples or at the pumpkin patch. Always sweet & gentle with children and the staff adored her. She made everyone feel safe and loved.

Helen was turtle clan and is buried at her family home on the Cattaraugus Territory.

PAST – Health & Politics

Winifred “Wini” Alice Kettle (b.1925-d.1990) was enrolled at Tunesassa Friends School at the age of 11 in 1936. She went on to Gowanda High School, where she graduated in 1943. From there she attended Haskell Institute and received a degree in commercial business. Wini started her career with the Bureau of Indian Affairs in both Buffalo, NY and Chicago, IL. She later returned to college to study stenography and was employed by several Buffalo law firms.

With a highly organized group of Seneca woman, Wini established two modern Indian Health Services facilities at the Allegany and Cattaraugus Indian Reservations and designated Lionel John, later President of the Seneca Nation, as their spokesman. Family members recall her encouraging them to fight for what they believe in, which left a lasting influence and respect for her hard work and dedication to our Nation.

Wini attended political meetings with Seneca leaders as well as leaders from other Hodinoshoni Nations and also state and federal representatives to discuss the health and welfare of our people. She was one of the few women present at these meetings which led to her policital career during the 60’s.

Starting her political career in 1968, Wini was the first SNI female Clerk, Surrogate Judge and Councillor. She dedicated 22 years to the Seneca Nation as coordinator of the WIC program, Fall Festival chairwoman, editor of the “Si-Wong-Geh”, and co-editor of the Seneca Nation Official Newsletter, board member of AOA, library trustee and research clerk. Today, the Area of Aging facility in Cattaraugus is named in her honor. She has been honored posthumously various times during historic Seneca Nation events.

Miss Kettle was also an elder of Wright Memorial Church and taught the Sunday school program. She was president of the Iroquois Women’s Temperance Organization.

She was the daughter of Francis and Theresa Marguerite (Lay) Kettle. Miss Kettle was wolf clan and is buried at United Missions.

PRESENT – Health & EMS

Michele Redeye began her journey into the Emergency Services field by joining the Cattaraugus Indian Reservation Volunteer Fire Department. For 2 years she, learned and trained to become a Certified firefighter.

Two years later in 2013, she received her NYS EMT certification. This certification allowed her to prosper as an EMT on a Paramedic Ambulance for Gowanda. She gained invaluable knowledge and experience in EMS. By 2014, Michele gained the confidence she needed to take on the role of EMS Chief for CIRVFD/Seneca Fire. She spent the next 8 years as EMS Chief and has been able to take part of Seneca EMS growth.

In 2019, Seneca EMS was established as an Advanced life support agency which finally transitioned into a Paramedic agency. Michele now oversees Seneca EMS on both Territories of the Seneca Nation. Cattaraugus and Allegany Territory have primary crews operating 24/7. As her position as EMS Chief of CIRVFD / Seneca Fire evolved, she then became Chief of Operations for Seneca EMS.

Michele is furthering her education at Columbia Southern University in Emergency Services. We all find ways to give back to our community, emergency medical service has always been hers.

“I have always felt that if you can’t find a purpose, find your passion”.

FUTURE – Politics & Art

Olivia Maybee is a queer multimedia contemporary artist, organizer, and political activist from the Cattaraugus Territory. Daughter of Nicole and JC Seneca and granddaughter of Jean and Peter Maybee.

Olivia has graduated from Adelphi University in 2023 with a Bachelor of Studio Art. Within the art world Olivia is known for her documentary film photography, murals, narrative photoshoots/videos, and non-traditional multimedia Indigenous art works.

Her goal as an artist is to create influence and change within NYS and beyond using art. Olivia is also known within the Seneca Nation for lobbying and passing LGBTQ2S+ inclusive legislation within tribal government and creating the first queer SNI flag… those flags are now being flown on all territories for the month of June, also known as Pride Month.

Here are a few throwbacks of Seneca women as employees, artists, mothers, dancers, professionals and future leaders among many things. These photos are from former editor Rovena Abrams’ collection over the 30+years she served our community.

The post Women’s History Month appeared first on SNI Official Newsletter.

ALLEGANY TERRITORY, SALAMANCA, N.Y. – As a renewed effort is underway to expand interactive gaming in New York, the Seneca Nation is demanding that Native Nations within the state be given fair treatment and consideration in any discussions.

Legislation been introduced in the New York State Senate and Assembly that would allow individuals physically located in New York to play video slot games and table games such as blackjack, craps and roulette using their mobile phones and other electronic devices.

“Any discussion of new mobile gaming has to take Native Nations into account,” said Seneca Nation President Rickey Armstrong, Sr. “We can’t have a repeat of how the state ran roughshod over our Compacts with previous expansions of state-licensed gaming. The state must keep its promises that our Nations will have exclusive rights to pursue gaming within our regions of the state, and any effort to expand mobile gaming must respect that.”

New York legalized mobile sports betting in 2021. Original discussions on that legislation sought to include Native Nations, like the Seneca Nation, which operate gaming facilities. However, the approved plan, pushed by former Governor Andrew Cuomo, expressly excluded Native Nations from any ability to directly participate in the state’s platform. The platform went live in 2022, generating more than $700 million for the state, and leaving Native Nations unable to offer mobile betting options through their own facilities.

The discussions on expanding mobile betting in the state are just the latest evolution of gaming within New York since the Seneca Nation signed its gaming Compact in 2002. Since then, the state authorized the operation of Video Lottery Terminals (VLTs) at several gaming facilities and racetracks across the state, including three sites located within the Seneca Nation’s defined exclusivity area; authorized the operation of four commercial casinos across Upstate New York, including a facility located just seven miles outside of the Seneca Nation’s defined exclusivity area; and launched its mobile sports betting platform. The state is also currently in the process of accepting applications for three new commercial casino licenses downstate.

Conversely, the Seneca Nation has, to date, invested nearly $2 Billion to build, operate and expand its three casino properties in Western New York – Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino in Niagara Falls, Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino in Salamanca, and Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino in downtown Buffalo. Together, the Seneca casinos employ approximately 3,000 workers and support thousands of additional jobs in Western New York through the hundreds of millions of dollars in annual spending with local vendors and suppliers.

“We have seen New York push the continued evolution and expansion of the gaming market seemingly every day for the last 20 years, while our Compact has stood frozen in time,” President Armstrong said. “This latest expansion push in Albany underscores the need for a fair gaming Compact for the Seneca Nation that reflects the dramatic expansions of state-licensed gaming that have taken place around us over the past two decades. We are supporting thousands of jobs, individuals, families and businesses in Western New York that can’t be ignored.”

The Seneca Nation is actively engaged in negotiations with New York State for a new gaming Compact. The current Compact expires in December.

The post Seneca Nation Calls for Fair Treatment of Native Nations in Proposed iGaming Legislation appeared first on SNI Official Newsletter.

March 2023 | By Jessica Schultz | ellicottvillenow.com

How do you blend history with the present? How do you tell a story of things long passed to the newest generation? How can you make learning these things fun? The Onösagwë:dë Cultural Center has the answer. The Haudenosaunee Spring Art Show returned for its 2nd year, March 25, 2023. It was the perfect opportunity to share the culture – then and now – with all those interested.

This was a juried art show for Haudenosaunee artists ages 18 and up. The purpose of the event was to give artists a professional venue to show and market their work while also making it more accessible to the general public.

Acting Director Hayden Haynes stated, “We are making this an annual event. We hosted the first one back in 2018 and then everything with Covid happened and plans had to change. Now that things are working their way back to normal, we’re happy to bring it back. We want to thank some of our sponsors, the Seneca Nation of Indians (SNI) President Rickey Armstrong Sr, SNI Treasurer Matthew Pagels, and the SNI Council Office. Their continued commitment to supporting the cultural center in every aspect is vital to our success.”

According to Haynes, dozens of professional artists, museums, and galleries from New York and Pennsylvania were invited to the Salamanca venue. “Our goal is to stablish and sustain an annual show of exquisite Haudenosaunee arts,” he explained. “We are doing this show in the beginning of the calendar year so our guests can get a glimpse of the artists’ newest, most recent projects.”

The Spring Art Show featured five categories for artists to enter in: Paintings, Drawings and other Mixed 2D Media; 3D Fine Art (like sculptures); Beadwork; Basketry; and Traditional Arts.

“Art is rooted deep in our culture. The story of our peoples cannot be told without including the things our ancestors made,” said Haynes. “Their contributions to our culture (especially before historic record), coupled with oral history are the reasons why we have the understanding of who we are today. That is why art is important. We honor and remember our ancestors’ contributions by showcasing our art and culture in the present.”

Prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd in each category, a best of show award and the juror’s choice award. The total purse was well over $10,000 dollars.

Roughly 30 artists showcased their works. If you didn’t make it, the museum is open Monday through Friday, 10:00am-4:30pm daily, closed Saturday and Sunday. You can always reach out by calling 716-945-1760 to book a private tour.

Visit senecamuseum.org to keep up-to-date on new exhibits and other upcoming events.

Winners

Best in Show – Kiera Pyke (Mohawk) New Beginnings

Jurors Choice – Anna Thompson (Mohawk) Modern Bandolier

2D Winners
1st- Candace Snook (Mohawk) Aonönhkwa’- Her Medicine
2nd- Victoria Ransom (Mohawk) Eagle in Flight
3rd- Marjorie Skidders (Mohawk) My Ancestors are Strong

3D Winners
1st- Katsitsionni Fox (Mohawk) Shohiiakhon – He has Gone Back to Pick Fruit
2nd- Brennen Johns (Seneca) Yadënöta’
3rd- Jodi Lynn Maracle (Mohawk) Caroline Parker Didn’t Ask for This

Basketry Winners
1st- Holly Pyke- (Mohawk) Blue Waves
2nd- Kimberly White-Atkins (Mohawk) Black Hearted Valentines Vase

Beadwork Winners
1st -Sayokla Kindness Williams (Oneida) Uplifting Skana in 2022: The Year of Genocide
2nd- Alyana Jimerson (Seneca) I Can Buy Myself Flowers
3rd- Karlene Familo (Seneca) A Set for a Queen

Traditional Arts Winners
1st- Tsyoy^thu Adriana Poulette (Oneida) Seed Saver
2nd- Rohsennase Dalton Labarge (Mohawk) Tsâ:ta Nihâ:ti Tehatinonniâhkhwa Kaion:ni (The 7 Dancers Belt)
3rd- Darice Sampson (Seneca) Onondowaga Treaty Shirt 1794

Honorable Mentions
Linley Logan (Seneca) Neo:ge’ in the Matrix (Linoleum Print)
Sayokla Kindness Williams (Oneida) Takwehya:lak: Remember Us All (Ancestors)
Sam Jacobs (Seneca) The Champ
Penelope Minner (Seneca) Cornhusk Turtle
Cliff Redeye III (Seneca) Rise

Ja:göh to all that entered!

The post Haudenosaunee Spring Art Show appeared first on SNI Official Newsletter.

This annual week-long event is packed full of fun activities for the whole family sponsored by Seneca Nation Departments. Join the festivities and various departments and learn what they have to offer the community.

Follow Seneca Media & Communications Center Facebook page for updates and additional fliers regarding daily Community Fair 2023 activities!

For more information, contact the Education Department at 716-532-3341.

Note: Schedule is subject to change. All Seneca Nation Offices and Buildings will be closed Friday, April 7th for Unity Day.

The post Community Fair 2023 appeared first on SNI Official Newsletter.

Meaka Garlow, Court Clerk, Ext. 5486
Kristen Sedar, Court Clerk, Ext. 5492
Ian Jimerson, Court Bailiff, Ext. 5482
Larry Henhawk, Court Bailiff, Ext. 5490

Either court clerk is our point of contact. To be seen in person, the court bailiff is situated on the first floor to clear all visitors for entry to the building. State your name to the bailiff and the court you wish to conduct your business. Be prepared to show identification if the bailiff asks for it.

The clerks will meet you on the 1st floor for paperwork, collection of fees, filing, etc. The bailiff may accept paperwork in absence of the court clerk by placing your item(s) in a sealed envelope to the attention of this court if you choose to do so.

Note: Monday’s and Friday afternoons are designated court days for hearings, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Friday mornings are peacemaker court hearings and Wednesdays for the Court of Appeals.

Please leave a message on our voicemail if no one answers.

Nya:wëh.

The post A Message From The Surrogate appeared first on SNI Official Newsletter.

I suppose that saying about winter coming in like a lamb and going out like a lion might be true for this part of the country this year. Wondering if we got enough snow for our snow snake crew to build another track. Doesn’t seem like there has been enough snow for snow snake games this winter.

I have some updated news on our compact negotiations. We held two educational and informative meetings – one on both Cattaraugus and Allegany territories. The presentation’s primarily focused on informing our membership about who our compact negotiation teams are and various “what if” scenarios. There were some very good questions which came from the audience and some in depth discussions. One point that was stressed to our membership at the community meetings was how important it is that we “keep our hand close to our chest”; and how damaging it can be when our membership post internal dialogue on social media. When our members participate in that, we significantly weaken our opportunities – especially when dealing with the state of New York. We must proceed with caution and bear in mind that we are fighting a worn battle with a new, unsympathetic governor. Our team met with NYS negotiators again, on Thursday, March 16th, and Friday, March 17th, in Albany. Attending the meetings on behalf of the Nation were Treasurer Pagels, Councillor Waterman, and myself along with our legal team. We had a productive two days of meetings and made substantial progress on several issues. We have agreed in principle to 8 of the 17 sections and are close to an agreement on a number of additional sections. We have several key issues left to negotiate and are hopeful we will resolve them. The all-day, in-person meetings have helped to move items along towards resolution. We are scheduled to meet with the State negotiators virtually in the next couple of weeks as needed; then, we’ll host a two-day meeting in April at one of the Nation’s facilities. Much of the upcoming meetings will focus on the exclusivity fee. Rest assured, there is a mutual recognition between the Seneca Nation and the State that the current exclusivity rate is too high. Therefore, we have retained an expert to provide economic justification for whatever rate we end up at; and the State has retained a SUNY think tank to do the same on their behalf. Finally, we have also had additional meetings with the Department of the Interior, and expect they will be providing technical assistance in the next month, on an as needed basis. I will do my best to keep everyone informed as our negotiations with the State continue.

Even though it may not seem like it today, it won’t be long before spring and summer are here. I’d like to ask our membership to be mindful while playing and/or working down at Low Banks on our Allegany Territory. Our members have several different pieces of property in that area of the Allegany territory. Some of those properties get rented out seasonally to non-Senecas. For the protection and safety of anyone who enjoys hanging out down there, please be respectful of riding 4-wheelers on the trails or hiking through other members’ property. Yes, this is Seneca Nation sovereign land, but we should all be mindful to respect our own members, as well as our visitors. This applies to lessees of SNI lands in recognizing Seneca members are the ultimate landowners.

It will be wild onion soup and fry bread season before we know it! Don’t forget to check in on your elders and see if they would like a quart. I’m sure they’ll appreciate that someone was thinking of them.

Respectfully,
Rickey L. Armstrong, Sr.

The post A message from President Rickey L. Armstrong Sr. appeared first on SNI Official Newsletter.

ALLEGANY TERRITORY, SALAMANCA, N.Y. – With Edward Kindt scheduled to be released from prison, Seneca Nation President Rickey Armstrong, Sr. signed an Executive Order this afternoon banishing Kindt from all Seneca Nation Territories for one year, effective immediately.

Kindt, who is Seneca, was convicted of the 1999 murder of Penny Brown of Salamanca, which is located within the boundaries of the Nation’s Allegany Territory. Kindt was a resident of the Allegany Territory at the time of the murder.

President Armstrong publicly called on the New York State Board of Parole to reconsider its decision to grant Kindt parole release, and sent a letter to the Board stating the Nation’s objection to Kindt’s parole.

“We do not believe that this individual should be allowed to re-enter the same community that was traumatized by his heinous actions,” President Armstrong said. “The State Parole Board’s decision to grant his freedom is a potential threat to many vulnerable, innocent people. We cannot allow the safety of the Seneca people and our community to be threatened or compromised in any way.”
According to the Executive Order, Kindt will be removed from Nation Territories, with the cooperation of local law enforcement, if he returns. The exclusion will be reassessed before its expiration next year

“We will always act in the interest of our people’s safety,” President Armstrong added. “The scars inflicted on our community by this individual’s criminal actions will only be reopened by his return to our territory. Our people will not be forced to live in fear.”

The post Nation President Issues Executive Order Excluding Convicted Killer From All Seneca Territories appeared first on SNI Official Newsletter.

I’m thankful you are well. High School spring sports are starting, and seniors are getting very close to graduation day.

It is also time for the Nation to begin our annual budget process with the 2024 budget “kick-off”. This is a very intensive process beginning with a look at some of the assumptions on our estimated revenues, including our Nation enterprises and subsidiary revenues. We also take a look at our preliminary expenditures to see what our spending trends are compared to previous years. We then compare to our goals and objectives for the year as well as ways to save over the year.

Some saving goals recently discussed were limiting appropriations, attrition, wage gaps and possibly creating an endowment. Anyone of these ideas would create cost savings to the overall budget. This is a quick overview of how the budget process works as we move forward planning the budget for next year.

The annual Community Fair takes place this year on April 3-6, 2023. See Seneca Media for the weeks schedule filled with many fun and exciting things for families during spring break. See schedule posted below as well.

As always,
Stay safe and stay healthy
Dah ne’hoh dih ae’

Community Fair Schedule

The post From The Desk of The Treasurer appeared first on SNI Official Newsletter.