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ALLEGANY TERRITORY, Salamanca, NY: The Red Jacket Peace Medal, an object of cultural patrimony under federal law, has been returned to its rightful home with the Seneca Nation by The Buffalo History Museum.

The medal is of central importance to the Nation and was gifted to Seneca Chief Red Jacket by President George Washington in 1792 to commemorate discussions that culminated in the Treaty of Canandaigua of 1794, in which the Seneca Nation played a crucial role. The medal is a symbol of peace, friendship, and enduring relationships among the United States and the Six Nations.

“It is both fitting and gratifying to have the Red Jacket Peace Medal back with the Nation where it belongs,” said Seneca Nation President Matthew Pagels. “An untold number of artifacts that are of cultural significance to our people – and all Indigenous communities across the U.S. – remain in the hands of private or public collections. The return of the Peace Medal underscores the need for more of these import ant objects to be returned to their rightful place”.

The Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) defines cultural patrimony as objects with ongoing cultural importance to a tribal nation, rather than property owned by an individual. The Red Jacket Peace Medal fits this description, and as such, cannot belong to any individual or museum; it is inalienable and belongs to the Seneca People as a collective.

The Seneca Nation submitted a formal request for the repatriation of the Red Jacket Peace Medal in October 2020, and it was returned early this month.

The Peace Medal stayed with Red Jacket for the remainder of his life after he received it from Washington, and he reportedly wore it every day. Upon Red Jacket’ s death in 1833, the medal was passed down to his nephew Jemmy Johnson, who wanted to sell it to the New York Museum in 1851, but the sale was intercepted by another descendent, Col. Ely Parker.

While in Parker’ s possession, the medal passed through the hands of several prominent individuals – including President Abraham Lincoln, who reportedly held the medal the day before his assassination. Parker kept the medal until his death in 1895, when it was sold that same year by Parker’ s widow to the Buffalo Historical Society, (now The Buffalo History Museum). The reality is that no individual can own an object of cultural patrimony. Though the Seneca Nation understands Ms. Parker’ s intention, it believes she was not authorized to sell the heirloom.

The Museum has served as a steward of the medal and sustained popular interest in it, Red Jacket, and all Seneca communities for more than a century.

“Pursuant to NAGPRA, the Red Jacket Peace Medal cannot belong to any individual or museum; it is inalienable and belongs to the Seneca People as a collective,” said Dr. Jo e Stahlman, director of the Seneca-Iroquois National Museum. “Like the Canandaigua Treaty, the Red Jacket Peace Medal is a represent at ion of the ongoing sovereign relationship between the federal government and the Seneca People. It has always maintained an inviolable place in our cultural memory.”

“As a steward of local history, The Buffalo History Museum must look back at its own history, reassess its collections and the circumstances surrounding artifact acquisition,” said Melissa Brown, executive director of The Buffalo History Museum. “Reassessment is not enough, however, action is imperative to ensure that any artifacts of cultural patrimony are returned- in this instance, to the collective stewardship of the Seneca people. I, and all of the Museum, were committed to repatriation of the Peace Medal. Through our continued relationship, we seek to ensure the legacy of Red Jacket and the history of the Haudenosaunee, reinforcing connections to the vibrancy of the Nation that shapes our community today.”

“I applaud the Buffalo History Museum for their decisive action to return the Red Jacket Peace Medal to its rightful owners, the people of the Seneca Nation,” said New York State Senator Sean Ryan. ”The repatriation of Indigenous artifacts is an important process in building strong, meaningful, and peaceful relationships between Native American territories and their surrounding communities. The return of the Peace Medal – an explicit symbol of this relationship – is an especially significant act, and a momentous occasion here in Western New York.”

The Peace Medal is now being held at the Onohsagwe:de Cultural Center in Salamanca. It will be available for public viewing soon. A public unveiling event is tentatively planned for May 17; details will be released in the days to come.

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Reprinted from caih.jhu.edu | April 2021

We are honored to share CULTURE FORWARD: A Strengths and Culture Based Tool to Protect Our Native Youth from Suicide. In partnership with Casey Family Programs, the Johns Hopkins Center for American Indian Health spent two years listening to Native voices from across Indian Country and scanning Indigenous literature to gather tribally-driven, evidence-and practice-based solutions to prevent youth suicide.

BACKGROUND

Prior to CULTURE FORWARD, the majority of published literature and resources about American Indian/Alaska Native youth suicide tended to be problem- and deficit-based, missing essential understandings of Native communities’ capacity to promote unique cultural strengths and traditions to protect youth. Every single listening session the Johns Hopkins Center for American Indian Health conducted across Indian Country with Native youth, tribal leaders, Elders, traditional healers, grassroots leaders, and others highlighted the vital importance of cultural strengths to prevent suicide. We responded to this call from stakeholders by designing CULTURE FORWARD with a vision to flip the dominant narrative and elevate Indigenous knowledges, findings and resources that represent strengths- and culture-based approaches to prevent suicide and promote healthy Native youth development.

COLLABORATIVE DEVELOPMENT

CULTURE FORWARD was developed through an iterative, collective effort to include as many Native voices as possible across Indian Country. We spent six months conducting listening sessionswith more than 60 Native stakeholders, including tribal leaders, Native youth leaders, grassroots leaders working to prevent suicide in their communities, two-spirit leaders, Elders, traditional healers, and Native veterans/military service members. From these listening sessions, five core themes emerged to form the guiding principles and chapters of CULTURE FORWARD.

We also convened a national advisory editorial board (NAEB) to review, edit, and ensure CULTURE FORWARD was fully shaped by Native perspectives. NAEB members shared valuable feedback and input that shaped the final CULTURE FORWARD guide.

NAEB Members

Mikah Carlos (Onk Akimel O’Odham, Xalychidom Piipaash, Tohono O’Odham), GOYFF Project Coordinator, Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community
Colbie Caughlan, MPH, Project Director at the Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board’s Tribal Epidemiology Center
Francys Crevier (Algonquin), Executive Director, National Council of Urban Indian Health
Pamela End of Horn (Oglala Lakota), MSW, LICSW, Federal Agency Representative, National Suicide Prevention Consultant, Indian Health Service
Ashleigh N. Fixico (Muscogee (Creek) Nation), Native Youth Representative
Robert Flying Hawk (Yankton Sioux), Chairman, Yankton Sioux Tribe
Johnnie Jae (Otoe-Missouria/ Choctaw), Founder, A Tribe Called Geek & #Indigenerds4Hope
Josie Raphaelito (Diné), Health Planner, Seneca Nation Health System
Rory C. Wheeler (Seneca Nation), Youth Commission Co-President, National Congress of American Indians

INFORMATION & ACTION

CULTURE FORWARD is designed with implementation in mind. It includes actionable steps that community leaders can take and links to resources containing a wealth of additional knowledge from across Indian Country. We hope this new resource will provide elders, youth and tribal leaders, health and human service providers and other change agents with carefully researched ideas and solutions to leverage unique strengths within tribal communities to protect youth against suicide. We also see this as a first step toward building a national coalition to advance a strengths-based Indigenous movement to promote tribal youth well-being.

This report was made possible in collaboration with Casey Family Programs, an operating foundation committed to supporting tribes in strengthening tribal nations’ capacity to keep children healthy, safe, and connected with their families, communities and cultures.

New Report from Center for American Indian Health Will Support Culture-Based Suicide Prevention

• Download the report: bit.ly/CultureForward
• Learn more about the collaborative effort: caih.jhu.edu/programs/cultureforward
• Watch Deb Haaland discuss CULTURE FORWARD: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZOQsGA9sVE

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By Lyndsey Rice | Reprinted from unomaha.edu | April 30, 2021

Emergency Management and Disaster Science student, and soon-to-be graduate shares her experience of why UNO, the College of Public Affairs and Community Service, and Emergency Management were the perfect choice for her undergraduate career.

Meet Sara Bowen-Isaac, a May 2021 recipient of a Bachelor of Science in Emergency Management with concentrations and minors in Tribal Management and Emergency Services and Criminology and Criminal Justice. Sara also earned a certificate in Tribal Management and Emergency Services.

Armed with her bachelor’s and certificate, Sara plans to start applying for positions working with the Emergency Management department for the Seneca Nation.

Tell us about your experience as a totally online student the Emergency Management and the Tribal Management and Emergency Services programs?

My experience was amazing. Even when COVID hit and everyone at UNO had to switch over to totally online the instructors still worked through the required topics and were available at any time. Everything that I could have learned in a traditional classroom I feel I learned online. I enjoyed getting my degree online and would recommend to anyone.

What was most beneficial to you about your Emergency Management degree?

Having the Emergency Management degree and the certificate opened the door for more opportunities in the Emergency Management field. This concentration covered many topics including the history and legal issues for tribal emergency management.

How will your Emergency Management degree benefit you in your career?

This degree will benefit my career by giving me the skills and knowledge I need to better understand the process for different phases of the emergency cycle. Having the education and experience from being an EMT has prepared me for the career I chose.

What did you enjoy most during your time in the Emergency Management program?

I enjoyed working with the instructors so very much! Each of them was a wealth of knowledge and it was reassuring to know that we could reach out to them at any time.

What was your favorite aspect of the Emergency Management program?

The Emergency Management program was amazing!! Right from the beginning my Advisor, Lyndsey Rice, was right there. I thought that I was going to have to wait until the Fall semester to start classes, but she had me scheduled to start the very next week. As I progressed through the classes, she brought up the Certificate program and I was extremely interested. She has been an amazing part of my educational journey here at UNO. The faculty and staff have been amazing as well. I was never afraid to ask a question or ask for more clarification on any subject. When COVID hit and everyone who attends UNO had to switch to online, but it did not affect my courses too much. It was my instructors that had adjust from doing in person to totally online. They were amazing during this change and kept up with all assignments and syllabuses without missing a beat.

What was your favorite Emergency Management class and why?

There was not one class that I favored more than the next. Each course I enrolled in covered different areas of Emergency Management and gave an amazing insight to the different areas of Emergency Management.

What advice do you have for students considering the field of Emergency Management?

My advice for those who are considering this field of work is to just go for it. This field makes you use your critical thinking skills to plan for complex situations and the result is rewarding, knowing that you helped your community survive and rebuild after a disaster.

Sara also gave a special shout out to the Emergency Management and Disaster Science:

Getting to know your instructors can be hard during a semester, especially when classes are totally online. Through my journey at UNO there have been a few staff and faculty members that have been more than amazing to me. Dr. Thomas Jamieson was easy to talk with and when I had a question, he would take the time to explain and make sure that I completely understood the topic. Jordan Zendejas is full of knowledge when it comes to the legal history of indigenous peoples and emergency management. Her classes and information were easy to follow. Her recorded lectures were full of information that made me want to keep digging deeper into the history. Lyndsey Rice was by far the best advisor any college student could ask for. It did not matter what the question was or what she had going on, she was always there to listen and to offer guidance and help. She was a huge part in my journey here at UNO and I am forever grateful for her.

Interested in learning more about UNO’s Emergency Management and Disaster Science or Tribal Management and Emergency Services programs? Check out our New Students page.

Source: https://www.unomaha.edu/college-of-public-affairs-and-community-service/news/2021/05/may-2021-graduate-spotlight-sara-brown-isaac.php

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The Class of 2023 will host a 5k Run/walk in memory of Mrs. Cindy Mohr, retired SCCSD teacher who recently passed away. The fundraiser will establish a scholarship in her name to be awarded each year.

Please join us Sunday, June 6, 2021 for a 5k run/walk and chicken BBQ to help raise funds.

Information about registration can be found on our website https://www.salamancany.org/…/page/cindymohr-scholarship

If you wish to donate, please mail a check to:

Salamanca High School Class of 2023
Attn: Mindy John
50 Iroquois Drive, Salamanca, NY 14779

Questions: MJohn@salamancany.org, MRedeye@salamancany.org, JNorkus@salamancany.org

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Submitted by Marilyn Anderson

May 9th was Mother’s Day when we honored mothers, grandmothers, sisters, aunts and other women in our life who have provided us with guidance and love. At the Four Corners church we remembered the mothers who have passed and were an influence on the growth of the church and our lives: Delphina Mt Pleasant, Mamie Williams, Mrs. Windsor Pierce, Frances Jemison, Eleanor Lavis, Lois Jimerson, Girlie John, Ruth Abrams, Lena Pierce, Lori Nephew and Alicia Jemison. We are thankful to them for sharing their lives and wisdom with us.

Our Bible study group continues to study Exodus and the story of Moses. We meet on Wednesday nights at 6:30 in the Four Corners Fellowship Hall. Everyone is invited to join us as we learn more about the Bible. We enjoy the fellowship (and snacks)!

You and your family are invited to join us for word and song on Sunday mornings. We have fellowship time at 8:30 and begin our worship service at 9 a.m. You can contact Pastor Holly directly at the phone number or e-mail address listed above if you have questions about the church or need spiritual guidance. We look forward to seeing you on Sunday. Peace be with you.

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Everyone is welcome to join us for in person Church services at 9:30 A.M. every Sunday. We have Holy Communion on the first and third Sundays and a Morning Prayer service on the other Sundays.

If you have a loved one buried at Good Shepherd, please come down whenever you can and help remove fallen branches, dead flowers, etc. We would like to keep the cemetery looking nice for Memorial Day. Also, please consider giving a donation to our cemetery fund to help with lawn mower maintenance and gas costs. Checks can be mailed to The Church of the Good Shepherd, P. O. Box 179, Irving NY 14081 or an electronic donation can be made here https://onrealm.org/EpiscopalDioces/-/give/wnynwpa (click on Irving on the fund drop down menu) on our Diocesan website. Thank you!

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Submitted by Charlie “Catman” Redeye

British Colonel Bouquet was in Philadelphia when he was ordered to assemble as large of an army as possible and cross the Alleghenies with a convoy of provisions and ammunition for the Western forts.

He reached Carlisle on June 1st. At this point we were called to attention to a suggestion made by General Sir Jeffrey Amherst, then Commander and Chief of the British forces in America.

Evidently learning that small pox had broken out at Fort Pitt, Amherst wrote Colonel Bouquet:

“I wish to have no prisoners! Should any of the villains be met with arms…could it be contrived to send the small pox among those disaffected tribes of Indians?”
Bouquet replies:

“I will try to inoculate them with some blankets and take care not to get the disease myself.”

As it is a pity to expose good men against them, I wish we could use the Spanish method, to hunt them with English dogs would, I think, effectually extirpate or remove that vermin.”

Amherst replies:

“You will do well to try to inoculate the Indians by means of blankets, as well as to try every other method that can serve to extirpate this exorable race.”

On June 24th, Captain Ecuyer, Commander at Fort Pitt, wrote this in his journal:

“Out of regard to ‘Turtle Heart’ and the other Delaware Chief, we gave them two blankets and a handkerchief out of the small pox hospital. I hope it will have the desired effect!”

The incompetent Commander Sir Jeffrey Amherst who suggested the enlisting of small pox under the Banner of England, did not realize the seriousness of the situation.

Fast forward to today.

The Coronavirus that is effecting the entire world is not going to defeat us as a people, no matter what your lineage.

We are fighting for our existence right now, but the enemy is invisible and the enemy cannot be hit by a hatchet or shot by a bullet. But this is not the first “Poison Blanket” we have burned.

After the American Revolution an outbreak of smallpox killed 10 Onondaga Chiefs and extinguished the fire. The confederacy hung in the balance.

But we are a resilient people and the fire at Onondaga burns brighter than ever.

Handsome Lake and Jesus Christ were both Healers and they brought hope, peace, love and understanding into a world of crisis.

So walk on faith and trust in love.

As I go through life and start to realize my mortality, I refer back to my grandfather, Chief Cornplanter, who spoke in front of U.S. Congress and said “I am concerned for the lot of my little ones”, which means “peace”.

Mother Nature has put us in the “time out” chair for having no respect and treating her poorly.

But like any good mother she loves us regardless and will always care for us.

But! You don’t want to hear her say….”Wait until your father gets home!!!”

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The New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) advised motorists today to expect lane closures on Interstate 86 between exits 17 and 20 within the Seneca Nation of Indians Allegany Territory, in the towns of Coldspring, Red House, Salamanca and the City of Salamanca in Cattaraugus County, weekdays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., beginning Monday, May 17, 2021.

The lane closures are necessary to facilitate a pavement rehabilitation project that is expected to continue through the end of July 2021, weather permitting.

Beginning on May 17, the eastbound left lane of Interstate 86 will be closed for approximately three weeks. Afterward, the westbound left lane will be closed followed by the eastbound and westbound right lanes. Work will also take place on the exit and entrance ramps but they will remain open.

Motorists are reminded to Move Over a lane, if safely possible, or slow down significantly whenever encountering roadside vehicles displaying red, white, blue, amber or green lights, including maintenance and construction vehicles in work zones.

Motorists are urged to slow down and drive responsibly in work zones. Fines are doubled for speeding in a work zone. Convictions of two or more speeding violations in a work zone could result in the suspension of an individual’s driver license.

For up-to-date travel information, call 511, visit www.511NY.org or download the free 511NY mobile app.

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ROCHESTER, NY — Senior attackman Larson Sundown (Basom, NY/Akron) was named Liberty League Men’s Lacrosse Offensive Player of the Week for the week ending May 9, 2021.

Sundown helped RIT to its ninth straight Liberty League title tallying 10 points on five goals and five assists. Wednesday, he scored three goals and added three assists in an 11-9 win over Union in the semifinals. He scored two goals and had two assists in Saturday’s 19-6 win over St. Lawrence in the title game. He shot 12-of-13 (.923).

RIT received the first round bye and will play the winner between SUNY Cortland and UMass Boston in the second round of the NCAA Division III Men’s Lacrosse Championship on Sunday, May 16 at 4 p.m. at G. Larry James Stadium on the campus of Stockton University in Galloway, N.J.

11 Larson Sundown | A 6′ 1″ 180 lbs Senior

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