• Community Dinner & Social – November 15th (see flyer below)
• Rock Your Mocs promo – November 11th-17th
• Seneca Market & Traditional Dancers – All month long, see schedule under special events (link below)
• Celebrating Native American Cuisine – All month long, see schedule under special events (link below)

Check out the Native American Heritage Month SPECIAL EVENTS HERE!

The post Native American Heritage Month appeared first on SNI Official Newsletter.

Join Highbanks Campground on Saturday, November 9th as they PREVIEW their newest attraction, a professional Disc Golf Park!

About this tournament

The Twin Tiers Disc Golf Club is excited to give you a sneak preview of Highbanks Disc Golf Park, a co-designed course between Disc Golf World Champion – Avery Jenkins, and local native – Ben Anderson. Located on Seneca Nation Allegany Territory, in Steamburg, New York – The lands are a portion of the oldest American treaty protected lands (George Washington Treaty) that were flooded sixty years ago due to the construction of the Kinzua Dam. This course is a means to reconnect with the lands lost and showcase the beauty of Ohi:yo’.

Bring $5 cash donation & be among the first to play the future Highbanks layout on portable baskets. The format of the event will be a casual singles round focusing on learning the layout and if you’re new to the sport, maybe even learning about disc golf in general! Singles tee times will be on a first come, first serve basis. All ages and skill levels welcome. Tee Times are available from 10am – 3pm.

To register, follow the QR code posted in the flyer below, call 716-354-2177 or email pamela.craig@sni.org OR Register HERE.

The park is slated for completion by May 2025.

The post Highbanks Disc Golf Park Preview appeared first on SNI Official Newsletter.

Join us Wednesday, November 13th from 5pm-7pm at the ACC-MPR for a spaghetti dinner, social and to learn about the services we offer.

The social will be held from 6:30pm-7pm | Table Vendors from 6pm-6:30pm

Please RSVP by Monday, November 11, 2024.

• Door prizes
• Community Survey
• Attendance incentive Information

The post Family Engagement Night appeared first on SNI Official Newsletter.

Join us at the Wini Kettle Senior Center on Saturday, November 30th for a CHRISTMAS BAZZAR from 10am-3pm. There will be crafts, food, and raffles. The AOA quilt raffle will be drawn at 2pm.

See you there!

The post Christmas Bazaar appeared first on SNI Official Newsletter.

Where: Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino
Tickets: $20 | 21+ Only

Experience brands like Grey Goose, N8iV Beauty, IT Cosmetics and Cheekbone Beauty, plus more!

Tickets are still available, but they won’t last long. Get yours at: https://bit.ly/4hhvMo0

The post Seneca Indigenous Fashion Show appeared first on SNI Official Newsletter.

We salute our Veterans. Nya:wëh for your service.

The post Veterans Day Events appeared first on SNI Official Newsletter.

Program Includes:

• Learn about applying to UB
• Learn about the Department of Indigenous Studies, University at Buffalo
• Learn about Indigenous student support and cultural programming
• Meet Indigenous faculty & staff
• Meet current UB students
• Campus tours

See flyer for details:

The post University at Buffalo Native American Student Outreach Day appeared first on SNI Official Newsletter.

Groundbreaking was held yesterday for a first-of-its-kind wound treatment center on the downtown medical campus, opening next year in Buffalo General Medical Center/Gates Vascular Institute. This critical hospital expansion will provide patients with advanced treatment for persistent wounds that do not respond to standard medical care.

The Seneca Diabetes Foundation is supporting the launch of the Center through a generous donation to the Kaleida Health Foundation.

Don Boyd, CEO of Kaleida Health, hosted the groundbreaking. Michael R. Militello, Vice Chairman of the Seneca Diabetes Foundation, also spoke, explaining how Kaleida Health has positively impacted health care for the Seneca Nation community.

The Center will be called the Geraldine Memmo Comprehensive Center for Wound Care, named after the matriarch of the Seneca Nation and Seneca Diabetes Foundation co-founder who passed away in 2008.

The post Seneca Diabetes Foundation Supports First-of-its-kind Treatment Center appeared first on SNI Official Newsletter.

September 26, 2024 | msutoday.msu.edu

Rory Wheeler (pictured above) is a third-year student in the MSU College of Law.

As a proud citizen of the Seneca Nation, Turtle Clan and a descendant of multiple tribes, including the Mandan, Hidatsa, Arikara Nation, Cayuga Nation, Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, and the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, my identity is deeply intertwined with the history and culture of Indigenous peoples. Growing up on the Seneca Nation Cattaraugus Territory near Buffalo, New York, I was raised with the teachings of our elders, who emphasized the importance of language, culture, and community service. These teachings instilled in me a profound sense of responsibility to honor the seven generations that came before me and to protect the well-being of the seven generations to come. My journey into advocacy began at a young age, driven by a passion for uplifting underserved communities and enhancing the well-being of Indigenous Nations.

At just 15 years old, I embarked on my journey as an advocate for tribal issues, interning in the Seneca Nation government. This experience opened my eyes to the intricacies of tribal governance and the critical issues facing our communities. My dedication to advocacy was further solidified when I was selected as a White House Tribal Nations Youth Ambassador under President Barack Obama. This role allowed me to represent Native youth at the national level, collaborating with the National Congress of American Indians and gaining invaluable experience in tribal policy.

Today, as a law student at Michigan State University College of Law, I feel incredibly blessed to be part of an institution that prioritizes the education of future advocates for Indigenous rights. The opportunity to learn from esteemed faculty members, such as Professors Wenona Singel, Kate Fort and Zeke Fletcher, has broadened my understanding of federal Indian and Tribal law. Their mentorship has been instrumental in equipping me with the tools necessary to address the complex legal challenges that Indigenous communities face.

MSU Law has not only provided me with a solid foundation in legal education but has also fostered a community of passionate advocates. The Indigenous Law and Policy program has produced numerous alumni who are making significant contributions to tribal governance and advocacy, inspiring me to continue on this path. My recent trip to the Blackfeet Nation with the Indian Law Clinic was a transformative experience that further reinforced my commitment to tribal empowerment. We served as law clerks to the Blackfeet Nation Court of Appeals, assisting with legal research and writing. This engagement taught me about the unique sovereignty challenges faced by the Blackfeet people and the importance of collaboration in fostering community empowerment.

The most rewarding aspect of my work with tribes is witnessing the tangible impact we can achieve together. Whether through legal advocacy, youth leadership development, or community engagement, seeing our people uplifted and empowered fuels my passion for this work. Each opportunity to meet with tribes across the country, from Washington to Louisiana, has deepened my appreciation for the resilience and diversity within Indigenous communities.

The decision to pursue a legal degree was not one I took lightly. During the summer before my senior year of high school, while interning in the office of the Seneca Nation President, I received invaluable advice from the President’s legal counsel, Martin E. Seneca, Jr. He encouraged me to consider a legal education focused on Native American law, a suggestion that initially felt daunting, as there were no lawyers in my family. However, his belief in my potential ignited a desire within me to amplify the voices of our people through the legal system.

My undergraduate experience at Niagara University further solidified my commitment to this path. I engaged in Native American advocacy and policy roles in Washington, D.C., working alongside seasoned practitioners who inspired me to pursue law school. With the guidance of mentors like Professor Kevin Hinkley, I applied to MSU Law and participated in the Native American Pathway to Law Program, where I discovered a community of like-minded individuals dedicated to advocating for Indigenous rights.

After earning my Juris Doctor, my aspirations include continuing to work in federal Indian and tribal law, with a focus on advancing tribal sovereignty, environmental rights, and public service. My ultimate goal is to create legal frameworks that empower tribes to navigate contemporary challenges while honoring our traditions and cultures. My time at MSU Law has emboldened me to pursue this path, reinforcing my belief that public service is a noble calling.

For those considering a legal degree, I encourage you to prioritize time management and set clear goals. Engage in activities that resonate with your passions and seek support from peers and mentors. Balancing academics and extracurriculars can be challenging, but finding this balance is essential for personal and professional growth.

My journey has been shaped by a commitment to serve my community and advocate for Indigenous rights. Through my education at MSU Law, the mentorship of remarkable faculty, and the inspiration from fellow advocates, I am more determined than ever to make a meaningful impact. As I continue my journey in law, I carry with me the teachings of my elders and the unwavering spirit of my ancestors, striving to uplift my community and ensure that the voices of Indigenous peoples are heard and respected for generations to come.

Source

The post Student View: Empowering Indigenous Voices appeared first on SNI Official Newsletter.

October 14, 2024 | By Derek Heid | wkbw.com

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Celebrating Indigenous Peoples Day in Western New York. 7 News is amplifying the voices of Native Americans and asking them “What does this day mean to you?”

Chef Lorinda John from the Seneca Nation spent her holiday cooking Native American-inspired food at the Cornelia restaurant inside the Buffalo AKG Art Museum.

“It means to me that we are celebrating the people that were here before the settlers came,” John said. “Just like everything else, it is new. it’s a new name for a day that was already established prior. I think with anything new, it takes time for change, but with change, there is good things that can happen.”

Alana Jimerson from the Oneida Nation and Julie John from the Seneca Nation spent Monday selling their artwork to people at the AKG Art Museum.

“It feels good to be recognized instead of being shoved under the rug most of our lives,” Jimerson said. “I’m so proud of it. I’m so proud to say I am indigenous. I love when people talk to us and ask us questions about our culture.”

“I’m proud of who I am. I am a Seneca Indian, and I am very proud of this day,” John said.

Mary Jacobs from the Seneca Nation, Turtle Clan made free bracelets for people stopping by the AKG Art Museum that taught them about the Six Nations of the Grand River.

“[The day recognizes] the native people that live in this territory… We were the original caretakers of this land,” Jacobs said. “We have the opportunity to teach whoever is willing to come and learn.”

Jennifer Touchine from the Navajo Tribe’s Water’s Edge Clan organized a walk in hopes of reopening the long-closed Turtle Building on Rainbow Boulevard in Niagara Falls.

“I am proud every day to be indigenous, but this is a day that everyone can enjoy and share,” Touchine said.

Source

The post ‘It feels good to be recognized’: appeared first on SNI Official Newsletter.