A simple ride can mean the world. Become a volunteer driver and help our Elders get to appointments, pick-up groceries, and stay connected. Mileage + stipend provided.

Eligibility: 21 years of age, Valid NYS Drivers License, Pass a criminal background check, Safe driving record & more.

Free Training: AAA Driver Improvement, CPR/First Aid Cert, Passenger Assistance, Vehicle Orientation Training.

For more information, contact Emily Nephew at 716-945-8414, ext. 3627.

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These hardworking and dedicated young ladies aged from 10 to 13 showed incredible determination, teamwork, and pride throughout the season. What makes this win even more meaningful is that these talented cheerleaders attend three local school districts – Gowanda, Silver Creek, and Lake Shore. While they could have chosen to cheer for their individual schools they came together as one to represent our people and community spirit!

Let’s give a big round of applause to our Seneca Sachems Cheerleaders for bringing home First Place and proudly representing our people and community spirit!

Head Coach: Allise Barreto Assistant Coaches: Kaylee Conklin & Trinity “Bee” Jensen
Seneca Sachems Cheerleader Roster:
Niya Coleman
Elvira Golden
Jhenali Huff
Ariah Isaac
Kinsely Langdeau Kenlynne Lay
Christine Lyons
Emma Mohawk
Lorrinda Rojas
Scottlyn Scanlan
Leilene Stevens
Sophy Stevens
Aiyana Warrior
Aaliyah White

Congratulations once again to all our Seneca Sachems Cheerleaders and Coaches for their amazing accomplishment and for ending the season on top!

-Submitted by Councillor Jonathan D. Williams

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Team Haudenosaunee U19 finished with a strong 3-2 record at the Brogden Cup lacrosse tournament last weekend, earning second place overall and reaffirming their place on the international field. “It just shows our organization, it really shows the growth and why we come, and that the goal of the program is paying off,” said coach Al Jones.

Held annually at the USA Lacrosse headquarters in Sparks, Maryland, the Brogden Cup brings together elite youth teams from across North America. For the Haudenosaunee, it also brings cultural recognition.

“It’s a great facility, first-class fields, great atmosphere,” Jones said. “I feel it’s a great opportunity for them, kind of like a taste of the international level, being against USA and Ontario.”

That unity was on full display as Team Haudenosaunee battled powerhouse programs, including Team USA and Team Ontario. One of Jones’ proudest moments came when his players took the lead over the Americans.

“Honestly, having USA down, my team being ahead of them for half the game, I don’t remember a time we did that,” Jones said. “We’re always playing catch-up against them. The first time we had the lead going into the second half of the game, that was something to me.”

Jones earned the friendship award dedicated to supporting the game of lacrosse and guiding the team’s commitment. Among the standout players, meanwhile, was Jones’ son, Darris Jones, who earned the tournament’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) award for his leadership and performance. For him, the Brogden Cup represented more than competition, it was about carrying the Haudenosaunee name and spirit across borders.

“I mean, I’m playing for my community, the nation, so it feels really good representing Haudenosaunee anywhere I can,” Darris said.

Darris said playing in Maryland, a state known as the “capital of lacrosse” was inspiring. “Visiting new places, especially Maryland, it’s always fun to go. The lacrosse spirit is really strong over there. They even have a museum at the US lacrosse facility full of cool artifacts,” Darris said.

Despite being a team of players from different regions who had never practiced together before, the group quickly found its rhythm. “I think we played great. We played hard all over the field, but specifically offensively. We were a group that just kind of got thrown together, we never practiced and with that, I think we did amazing,” Darris said.

“Off the field, just how close everyone was – we had players from everywhere, from Wisconsin, from the US, from Canada, mixed national players, but as soon as we walked on the field, we were all best friends,” Darris said.

For Darris, wearing the Haudenosaunee jersey holds deep meaning tied to identity. “Wearing that jersey means so much,” Darris said. “That name carries a huge truth, with truth and reconciliation and residential schools. It sheds light on the fact that we’re still here. Despite everything that tried to erase us, we’re still playing. This is our sport. It always has been. We treat the game as something more than just picking up a stick and having fun. There’s so much culture tied to it, and we really showed that.”

That sense of purpose continues to drive Darris in his lacrosse journey. Now committed to St. Bonaventure University, he’s realizing a lifelong dream.

“I committed to St. Bonaventure University, which is a Division 1 program, and that’s really, really big. That was my dream,” Darris said. “When you’re younger, you impersonate your favourite player, and I did too. I mean, I always try to think of myself as a Thompson. You know, when I was younger, I always had long hair my whole life. I’d always braid my hair and go down, shoot around, act like I was Lyle Thompson.

“Finally, it kind of came true. I mean, I’m in the position that I really dreamed of. It’s crazy when I think of it, because a few years ago, I was a little kid just playing minors, and all of a sudden, I’m here,” he said.
For both father and son, the Brogden Cup was a reminder that Haudenosaunee lacrosse continues to grow in skill and recognition.

“It makes me proud, proud that they’re getting an education, getting scholarships, and helping themselves in life,” Al said. “That’s also a big part of it. It’s not just lacrosse; it’s education and opportunity. A lot of them are putting the work in academically and athletically.

“The game of lacrosse is growing fast, especially with the Olympics coming in 2028. We’re really pushing and hoping that the Haudenosaunee will be included.”

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On October 30th, 2025, Deadiwënöhsnye’s Gëjóhgwa’ staff, Executives, family and friends gathered to celebrate and acknowledge the following in a Graduation ceremony as they’ve completed two years of study within the Deadiwënöhsnye’s Gëjóhgwa’ Adult Immersion Program;

• Holly Weston – Yenyahdë:h (She is Turtle clan)
• Sabryna Stevens – Gota:yö:nih (She is Wolf clan)
• Mason Jones – Hodae’ö:ga:’ (He is Heron clan)
• Taylore Swain – Seneca Descendant

With this celebration, we also acknowledge the commitment and dedication the students put in over the last two years. We are very happy for and proud of them and we hope that their learning and sharing of the language ripples throughout our communities. We look forward to their future endeavors and the expansion of our Seneca Language speaking community.

Additional photos available for viewing on the Seneca Media & Communications Center Facebook page HERE!

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October 31, 2025

Allegany Territory, Salamanca, N.Y. – The Seneca Nation is demanding action from City of Salamanca officials in light of a recent exchange between the City’s Police Chief and the Cattaraugus County District Attorney which contemplates hostility, and even criminal charges, against Seneca Nation Marshals enforcing Nation Executive Orders seeking to remove and exclude known drug dealers and users from Nation lands.

In a recent email exchange, Salamanca Chief of Police Jamie Deck asked Cattaraugus County District Attorney Lori Rieman whether the Salamanca Police Department could entertain potential charges “for Kidnapping, etc.” against Seneca Nation Marshals if they forcefully removed individuals who are the subject of Nation Exclusion Orders from Seneca territory.

Rieman replied “I think we can definitely charge them with crimes if they remove them.”

“The communication between the Salamanca Police Chief and Cattaraugus County District Attorney shows a blatant and complete lack of respect for the sovereignty of the Seneca Nation and I won’t stand for it,” said Seneca Nation President J. Conrad Seneca. “The Police Chief and the District Attorney should be communicating and working with the Nation as partners. Instead, they were scheming on potential actions that would be severely detrimental to the relationship between the City, the County and the Seneca Nation.”

The email exchange came just weeks after a Seneca elder was murdered in his Salamanca home, with rumors that the suspect was under the influence of illegal drugs. President Seneca and his predecessors have issued multiple Executive Orders excluding known drug dealers and users from Nation territory and have moved to evict tenants at several properties on Nation lands where criminal activity is known and proven to have taken place.

“The Seneca Nation will stop at nothing to eliminate illegal drug activity on our territories, including in Salamanca, which is on our land,” President Seneca continued. “The drug trafficking activity, the drug dealers and those who support them are a threat not just to the Seneca people, but to our neighbors as well. The law enforcement leaders of Salamanca and Cattaraugus County should assist us in stopping what is going on here. Instead, they’re discussing ways to line up against us. What will it take for them to wake up – more crime and violence?”

Upon learning of the exchange between Deck and Rieman, President Seneca sent a letter to Salamanca Mayor Sandy Magiera demanding action from the City’s leaders.

“I want to be crystal clear with you,” the letter states. “Neither I, nor the Nation’s Council, will tolerate interference by the City or the City police in the internal affairs of the Seneca Nation government to remove drug traffickers from our territory. The Nation has many options available to prevent Chief Deck and his police force from interfering in our sovereign right of self-government. We expect that you will take corrective action against Chief Deck – who appears to be running interference for drug traffickers – and provide an assurance that the Nation’s efforts to protect the people of the Allegany Territory will not be disrupted.”

While the Nation continues its fight against the wave of illegal drug activity on its territories, it is still waiting for New York Governor Kathy Hochul to sign a key piece of legislation that would strengthen the Nation’s efforts.

Earlier this year, the Nation presented and advocated for legislation amending Chapter 8 of New York Indian Law. The bill (S8127/A8289), which passed both the New York State Senate and Assembly, is aimed at strengthening state laws authorizing the removal of non-Native intruders from Nation lands.

“What’s the hold-up? Why are the Seneca Nation and our people again forced to wait on the back burner for Governor Hochul to take action,” President Seneca asked at a morning press conference. “The bill passed by the Legislature would be a significant step forward in our ability to protect our people. All the Governor needs to do is sign it so we can move forward in partnership with local law enforcement in getting the drug dealers out of our community.”

Other recent steps the Nation has taken to strengthen law enforcement on its territories include:

• Advocating for changes to federal law 25 U.S.C. 232, which the federal government used in 1948 to give New York State criminal jurisdiction over non-natives on Native Nation territory within the state’s boundaries, over the objection of the Seneca Nation. The amendments being proposed by the Nation seek to elevate federal law enforcement responsibilities on Nation lands by a compact with the Nation, and to modify jurisdiction as needed to allow growth of Nation law enforcement self-government.
• Pursuing law enforcement services agreements with the Erie County and Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Departments to provide enhanced law enforcement coverage for the Nation’s Cattaraugus and Allegany Territories
• Working with the Erie County Sheriff and Cattaraugus County Sheriff to establish confidential tip lines for residents of the Nation’s Cattaraugus and Allegany Territories to report criminal activity
• Hosting day-long summit with a delegation of federal officials from the Department of Justice and the United States Attorney’s Office, the Department of the Interior and Bureau of Indian Affairs, and several state and local law enforcement agencies, focused on combatting illegal drug activity and drug trafficking on the Nation’s sovereign territories
• Funding the cost of narcotic detection K9s for both the Erie County and Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Offices
• Gifting seven surveillance cameras to the City of Salamanca, which were placed along the Penssy Trail to enhance monitoring and crime prevention efforts

“We have positive, productive relationships with the Sheriffs in Erie, Cattaraugus and Chautauqua counties, but we’re met with adversarial inaction in combatting illegal drug activity in the city of Salamanca, which is located on our Allegany Territory,” President Seneca said. “Protecting our people and the people of Salamanca is our main priority and our ultimate goal. We won’t let a City police chief or a County District Attorney stand in our way. The Seneca Nation will make every effort to make sure all people on our territories are safe.”

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Pictured above L to R: Outfit designed by Darice Sampson, modeled by Halsey Jimerson; Model Skylar Evans, dress by Karlene Familo, quillwork by Jamie Jacobs; First Lady Nicole Seneca in shoes designed by Jon Anne Capasso.

The third annual Seneca Indigenous Fashion Show – Where Tradition Meets Trend was a cultural display of creativity, bold designs, and traditional inspirations highlighting Indigenous excellence at its finest. Modern styles, rich fabrics, beadwork and quillwork graced the runway of the Seneca Niagara Casino on November 1st, 2025. Indigenous talent produced every aspect of the event from the hosts, organizers, runway, music, hair, make up and beyond.

The Seneca Resort and Casino hosted a platform for Indigenous designers and models to showcase their talents and artistry, celebrate their heritage, and inspire future generations. Organizers aim to build partnerships and opportunities that uplift Indigenous communities while preserving and honoring cultural traditions.

The event brought together eleven Indigenous clothing designers and three accessory designers from across Turtle Island along with featured artists and special guest models. Karlene Familo (Seneca), Pidabinikwe (Christial Pratt, Algonquin Anishnabe), Kreations by Kehala (Kehala Smith, Tuscarora), Carly Koban (Seneca), Tisha Thompson X K. Francisbrand (Tisha Thompson & Karen Francis, Mohawk), The Snipes’ Nest (Darice Sampson, Seneca), Bruno Henry (Cayuga), Homer Couture (Mary Homer, Oneida), Cami Jones (Seneca), Shineymoon Creations (Jennifer Benally, Oneida), Queena Ribbon Designs (Tina Bradley, Mohawk) were the featured clothing designers this year.

Carly Koban shared her first year experience as a designer. “My cousin, Devonne Gardner, reached out to me for the first show and she said, “You need to apply as a model or a designer.” I didn’t think I had it in me to take on the designer role, so I took a chance and applied as a model and fell in love with the atmosphere. It was being there with everyone that pushed me to try and I’m proud of myself for following through.”

Each fashion show is an opportunity to share art, culture, and talent. Each designer has their own story, community, and heritage. “It is one of the greatest feelings to represent the Seneca Nation and to look into the audience and see our Nation cheer you on. That moment of pure love, pride and being embraced is priceless,” shared designer Darice Sampson.

The Urban Gaiyowah (Jon Anne Capasso, Seneca), Beads by Arielle (Arielle Leighton, Tuscarora), and Mary Jacobs Designs (Mary Jacobs, Seneca) accessorized model jewelry, bags and shoes. Designers paired up with each to complete their looks.

Jon Anne Capasso found her niche in the fashion world with beaded her shoes and bags and is excited for next years show. She wants to continue networking and creating traditional art with a contemporary twist.

Cree and Salish artist Tia Wood gave a soulful performance during intermission. From the Saddle Lake Cree Nation, Wood is now signed to Sony Music. Her performances continue to echo the songs of her people and honor her heritage. Special guest models Charlie Rae Hill (Seneca) and Skylar Evans (Oglala Lakota) fresh off the runways of NYC sashayed in various designs throughout the night. Local Seneca artists 438 Gang provided swift beats on the dance floor after the show.

Seneca models featured in the show; Alyana Abrams, Destiny Alvardo-Sampson, Allise Barreto, Inez Buffalo, Dakota Familo, Layla Gamble, Hailey Haynes, Eli Himelin, Emerald Jock, Alex Kennedy, Michaelynn Leccerdone, Isabella Lemke, Ari Logan, Molly Nephew, Rylee Nephew, Sarah Nephew, Crystal Noise, Carlie Olson, Melanie Ross, Nicole Seneca, Stevieana Seneca, Doby Steeprock, Obrigh Tallchief, Heather Ward, and Raeanne White.

“Every time I step on that runway, I’m carrying my culture, my community, and the generations of strength and creativity that came before me. The show was truly powerful; Indigenous artistry continues to shine and inspire. Each designer’s work told a story — one of resilience, identity, and pride — and being a part of that storytelling was deeply meaningful.

Representing Indigenous designs on a large platform is more than just fashion; it’s visibility and empowerment. It’s showing the world that Indigenous people are still here, thriving, and evolving while staying rooted in who we are,” shared model and owner of Indigenous Glamour LLC, Inez Snow – Buffalo.

Not only are the designs custom to Indigenous culture but inclusive of the sizes and shapes of Indigenous models. Runway designs featured models from straight size, to mid size and plus size. “I appreciate positive and realistic body image representation; fashion is for everyone,” shared First Lady Nicole Seneca. In her first runway experience, she never imagined walking for designers at her height of 5’2″, she was chosen by three designers to represent their fashions.

The anticipation for next year’s November 21, 2026 show is already building. Designers are excited to create new collections, and collaborate with new connections. Artists value this shared experience on a large platform. “I want to give other artists a chance to showcase their work, moving beyond just being seen behind a glass case. By doing this, I hope their pieces can be appreciated in a new way, even worn and celebrated,” shared Karlene Familo. Karlene collaborated with quillworker Jamie Jacobs on a show stopping outfit that included a quilled head piece, cuffs, hairpiece and gown, closing out the event.

The commitment, dedication, and focus to design, sew, and bead is a passion all artists share and understand. “Take care of yourself, say “no” to drugs. Stay fit and eat healthy. Do well in school. Set goals and dreams to focus on the future,” shared Darice Sampson. “If you ever have an opportunity to experience or learn something new, say yes whenever possible, shared First Lady Nicole Seneca. “Stay connected to your roots,” shared Carly Koban.

Dreams come true for rez kids too.

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There will be an exclusive movie screening of the documentary “The Burning of My Coldspring Home,” hosted by the Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino on Thursday, November 20, from 5:30pm to 8pm. Doors open at 5pm. In addition, a Q&A session will follow with Seneca filmmaker Caleb Abrams. This event is free and open to the public.

Check out the Native American Heritage Month November 2025 Schedule of Events below or visit https://senecacasinos.com/native-american-heritage-month/ for more information.

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On October 15th DEC, in partnership with the Seneca Nation of Indians and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, stocked 1,000 eight-inch lake sturgeon into Cattaraugus Creek for the first time!
This stocking represents the first step of a 25-year plan to reestablish a spawning population of adult lake sturgeon in the creek. Following stocking these fish will leave the creek and head to Lake Erie for several years before (hopefully) returning to spawn as adults. Historically, Lake Erie supported at least 19 spawning populations of lake sturgeon, including Cattaraugus Creek, but today only two populations remain. Due to low populations, fishing for lake sturgeon is prohibited in New York State.

Capable of living more than 100 years, lake sturgeon are one of New York State’s largest freshwater fish, sometimes reaching lengths of seven feet and weighing more than 300 pounds!

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Buffalo, NY – November 14, 2025 – According to American Bar Association data from 2022, of the 1.3 million attorneys in the United States, only 0.5% were Native American.  This means that there are only approximately 6,500 Native American attorneys in the entire United States. Today, there is one more.

In a historic action, the New York Appellate Division, Fourth Department, granted the posthumous bar admission of Ely Samuel Parker, a highly accomplished Seneca leader, Civil War general, and a fierce advocate for his people. Parker is the first Native American posthumously admitted to the bar in United States history, and one of a small number of aspiring attorneys of color to ever be so honored.

Parker was a trailblazer whose influence and advocacy for Native American rights shaped the course of history not only for the Seneca people and all Native Americans, but also for the United States. His long overdue admission marks a major step forward toward equity in the legal profession and rectifies his shameful denial from practicing law in the 1840s solely because, as a Native American, he was not considered a U.S. citizen.

“Today, Ely S. Parker joins the ranks of admitted Attorneys at Law, righting the historic wrong of denying him the opportunity for admission due to the fact he was Native American,” said Justice Mark A. Montour, Associate Justice for the Appellate Division, Fourth Department.

“Ely Parker’s posthumous bar admission is the first step in the long march for justice for Native people,” added Lee M. Redeye, a Seneca attorney and Deputy Counsel for the Seneca Nation of Indians, who helped lead the effort for Parker’s admission. “This historic event not only rights a profound wrong from our past but also serves as a powerful example for future generations of Native attorneys by showing them that we do not have to accept injustice. We can, and we will, fight for our people, for our nations, and for our future generations.”

Born on the Tonawanda Seneca Reservation in Western New York, Parker’s achievements spanned engineering, diplomacy, military service, and public administration.

As a young man in the 1840s, Parker “read the law” for three years in the Ellicottville law offices of Angel and Rice. Despite completing his training and meeting all the requirements for admission to the bar, he was never admitted to practice law in New York because at that time only natural-born or naturalized citizens could be admitted. Native Americans would not be granted U.S. citizenship until the Citizenship Act of 1924, decades after Parker’s death. Despite this ironic injustice, Parker played a pivotal role in protecting Seneca lands through successful lawsuits that included victories in the New York Court of Appeals and the U.S. Supreme Court.

Parker’s legacy was etched into American history when he served in the U.S. Army as a military secretary to General Ulysses S. Grant during the Civil War.  In one of his many monumental achievements, Parker drafted the terms of surrender of Confederate General Robert E. Lee at the Appomattox Courthouse in 1865. In recognition of his honorable and meritorious service during the Civil War, Parker was brevetted brigadier general. He would later fight to implement reforms aimed at improving U.S.–tribal relations when President Grant appointed him to serve as Commissioner of Indian Affairs, the first Native American to hold that position. Parker’s distinguished service and contributions to the United States make his denial into the New York State Bar a stark reminder of the systemic barriers faced by Indigenous people.

Parker’s posthumous admission to the bar is the culmination of a years-long effort that is both historic and deeply personal. John G. Browning, former justice, Texas Fifth Court of Appeals, initially contacted Al Parker, a direct descendant of Ely Parker, with the concept. They worked together on the effort for several years before Al Parker’s passing in 2022. Al Parker’s daughter, Melissa Parker Leonard, then helped carry the effort forward.

“Ely Parker’s denial from the New York State Bar was not just prejudice, it was part of a larger strategy of legal exclusion that sought to remove Seneca people from their land, and those consequences were generational,” Parker Leonard said. “My father dedicated his life to preserving this history and ensuring it would never be forgotten. Correcting the record is an important step toward acknowledging past wrongs, because when injustice is named, healing can begin.”

In addition to the leadership of Browning, Redeye, Parker Leonard, and Montour, the effort for Parker’s posthumous bar admission was further supported by the National Native American Bar Association, the Native American Rights Fund, the Minority Bar Association of Western New York, the U.S. Department of the Interior, the  National Park Service, the Buffalo History Museum, the Appomattox County Historical Society, renowned author Laurence M. Hauptman, the Western New York Civil War Society, and the Echoes Through Time Learning Center.

Parker’s posthumous admission follows similar actions in New York State, underscoring the New York Court System’s commitment to acknowledging past injustices in the legal system and taking meaningful corrective measures. It also serves as a reminder of the progress made since the 1840s and sheds light on the ongoing efforts to address the lack of Native American representation in the legal profession.

“Ely Parker’s admission not only rights a historic injustice to him, his family, the Seneca people, and Native Americans everywhere, it shows that justice has no expiration date,” said Browning.  “It is always the right time to do the right thing.”

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