• Celebrate Native American Heritage Night with the Buffalo Sabres – Click HERE for more info.
• Native American Heritage Day Basketball Game with UB Men’s Basketball – Click HERE for more info. 
• Join Seneca Casinos as they celebrate at all three Seneca Resorts & Casinos locations – Click HERE for more info.
• Join the Anderson-Lee Library as they host their 9th Annual Speaker Series this November – Click HERE for their schedule of events.
• Indigenous Makers Faire – Monday, November 10th at Lake Shore Senior High School from 5-7pm. Make & Take Event for all ages featuring Indigenous Arts, Cultural Presentations, Dance Demonstrations, dinner & much more. See flyer below for for more info.
• Dinner & Story Telling presentation by Cattaraugus Education – Wednesday, November 12th from 5-7pm. See flyer below for details.
• Indigenous Foodways and Art with Chef Lorinda John at Penn State University Park – Click HERE to view their upcoming events this November.
• Join the Buffalo History Museum on Thursday, November 12th from 6-8pm for a special conversation honoring the life and legacy of Ely S. Parker (1828-1895). See flyer below for more info.
• Seneca-Iroquois National Museum Onödowa’ga:’ History Series – Buffalo Creek – A presentation by Melissa Parker-Leonard – November 20th starting at 6pm. See flyer below for more info.
• Check out the Learn Seneca activity below.

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

Submitted by Stephanie John & Brittany Seneca

Stop down to the Allegany Senior Center or the Wini Kettle Senior Center and enjoy daily activities throughout the month of November. For more information call Stephanie John at (716) 945-8990 (for Allegany) OR Brittany Seneca at (716) 532-5777, ext. 5501 for Cattaraugus.

Please note: Calendars are subject to change.

Note: Allegany schedule unavailable at the time of print.

Schedule of events listed below:

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Scan the QR Code or Click Here: https://ow.ly/58xq50Xm0Zi

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You’re invited to attend a community presentation about Physiologic Insulin Resensitization or PIR.

Thursday, December 4th from 6-8 pm

Cattaraugus Territory Volunteer Fire Department Community Center

12879 Rt. 438, Irving

Refreshments will be provided

Please visit thecellcenter.com prior to the event to learn more about PIR, and submit questions. Please bring additional questions and health insurance information with you when you attend the meeting. See flyer below for more information.

They are also hiring Medical professionals – see ad below!

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On Sunday October 12, 2025, a special recognition ceremony was held in honor of Salamanca alumni Amos Whitcomb, who was recently drafted to the Roc Knighthawks! We can’t wait to see your talents on field this season as you represent Ohi:yo’!

The post The Seneca Nation Hosted the First Annual<br>“Great Hill Cup” appeared first on SNI Official Newsletter.

Date: December 6th at 2pm

Location: Alumni Arena

Join us for an exhilarating evening of basketball as UB takes on St. Bonaventure! This isn’t just any game; it’s a celebration of culture and community. Experience the dynamic energy on the court while also embracing the rich traditions and heritage of Native American culture. From thrilling gameplay to cultural showcases, it’s a night of unity and excitement you won’t want to miss!  Come for the game, stay for the culture! 

Scan the QR code in the flyer below or visit HERE for discounted tickets!

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October 22, 2025

BUFFALO, N.Y. – Leaders from the Seneca Nation gathered with elected state and local officials from throughout Western New York to discuss a very powerful and important topic – the Nation’s critical role in the region’s economy.

According to an independent report prepared for the Nation, the Seneca Nation has an overall economic impact of nearly $2 billion on the economy in Western New York, including thousands of jobs, hundreds of millions of dollars in local wages, payroll taxes and other benefits.

“Our economic reach across our ancestral homelands is wide and growing,” said Seneca Nation President J. Conrad Seneca during a press conference following an afternoon meeting with invited elected officials at Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino on the Nation’s sovereign territory in downtown Buffalo. “The Seneca Nation’s continued presence and leadership in Western New York provides important fuel to the region’s economy. Moreover, we provide for and help sustain the livelihoods of thousands of individuals and families who, like us, call this region home.”

Nation officials presented the findings of a report commissioned by the Nation to quantify the economic and fiscal impacts the Nation’s government operations and business enterprises have on the Western New York economy. The report was prepared by Meister Economic Consulting.

Among the report’s findings, the Seneca Nation and its business enterprises directly and indirectly contribute and support:

• $1.9 Billion in economic output
• 8,014 jobs (FTE)
• $542.7 million in wages

Combined, the Seneca Nation’s government and business operations provide a total of 4,623 direct full-time and part-time jobs in the region (4,102 FTE), making the Nation the 12th largest employer in Western New York. The Nation and its business enterprises also spend millions of dollars with a wide network of vendors, suppliers and businesses across New York, further supporting thousands of additional jobs. In total, the report states that the Seneca Nation supports more than 8,000 total direct and indirect jobs and more than $542.7 Million in wages throughout the region.

While the Nation’s largest and most visible business enterprise may be its three casino properties – Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino, Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino, and Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino, which collectively employ approximately 3,000 workers – its total portfolio of businesses is far more diversified. The Seneca Nation operates 34 businesses across a wide range of industries, from gaming and entertainment, convenience stores and fuel operations to banking and finance, information technology, federal government contracting, and professional sports.

“Today’s study confirms what we already knew: the Seneca Nation creates jobs and drives growth – all without taxpayer dollars or subsidies,” said Seneca Nation Councilor Odie Porter. “Our goal is simple—keep building our future for Senecas and for Western New York, free of outside government interference. We’re not outsiders. We don’t need to be lured into investing here. This is our home, and we’re not going anywhere. We’re going to make it better.”

As the Nation’s economy has grown, so has its economic reach. The report looked at the Nation’s economic impact across a 16-county region, extending from Western New York to the Genesee Valley and parts of the Southern Tier, an area that encompasses approximately 11,441 square miles and includes the boundaries of the Nation’s ancestral homelands, much of which was lost and taken throughout history.

Earlier this year, the Seneca Nation made a significant investment and acquisition in Rochester, when it acquired the National Lacrosse League’s Rochester Knighthawks franchise, securing the team’s future in Rochester. Rather than potentially being sold to an out-of-town interest and relocated, the team is now preparing for its first season under Seneca ownership, recruiting and hiring staff, finalizing its roster, energizing its fan base, and preparing to compete for a world championship.

“We are here and we are forever committed to this region,” President Seneca added. “The Seneca Nation has helped move the Western New York economy forward in a significant way that few others can match. With each step we take and each investment we continue to make, the benefits we deliver to our people improve and the economic impact we have here in Western New York grows stronger.”

Elected officials and their representatives in attendance at the meeting included a wide breadth of federal state and local offices, including: the Congressional offices of Reps. Timothy M. Kennedy and Claudia Tenny; New York State Senator George Borello and staff from Senators April Baskin, Sean Ryan, Minority Leader Robert Ortt; New York State Assemblyman Angelo Morinello and staff from Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes and Assemblywoman Karen McMahon; Chautauqua County Executive Paul “P.J.” Wendel; Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz; Niagara Falls Mayor Robert Restaino; Salamanca Mayor Sandy Magiera; Erie County Legislator Lawrence Dupre; and Buffalo Common Councilmember Mitch Nowakowski.

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The Allegany Marshals want to remind everyone to stay safe while traveling along Old Route 17. Please drive carefully and help us take care of this important road.

Speed Limit
The speed limit is 25 miles per hour. Marshals will be watching. If you go over the speed limit, you will be pulled over. Please slow down and drive safe.

Vandalism
Anyone caught damaging signs or property will face charges.

Littering
Throwing trash on the ground is a violation of the Seneca Nation Conservation Law. Anyone caught littering will get a ticket. Please keep our land clean.

Daily Patrols
Marshals patrol Old Route 17 every day to make sure these rules are followed.

If you have questions or concerns, call (716) 801-3155.

To report an incident, call Seneca Nation Dispatch at (716) 945-2779. Dispatch is available 24 hours a day. Please drive safely, respect the road, and help keep our community safe.

Old Route 17 isn’t just a road – it’s a part of our history. Below is a message from Rebecca Bowen, Seneca Nation Archives, sharing what this road means to our people.

Rebecca Bowen, Archives Manager
Seneca Nation Archives – October 20, 2025:

The “old road” is a vital artery here at Ohi:yo’. For Senecas younger than 60 years of age it has always been known as the “old road” but for older Senecas it is a connection to our past, to another time, to parents, grandparents, loved ones now long gone, to precious memories.

Many of us lived along this major thoroughfare that was then known as Route 17. When Kinzua came many of our homes were burned to the ground and we were forcibly removed.

Federal and state agencies had planned to remove the road and the bridge, but Seneca leadership of that day believed it was important to keep the road and bridge intact.

Our leaders said the new 4-lane expressway that was planned would only serve to further sever our family, community and cultural ties as we were now relocated into two distinct “relocation areas.” Those new relocation areas, Jimersontown and Steamburg, were 13 miles apart but for us it could have been a million miles.

Today we are blessed to see the “old road” and the old bridge get new life. And we hope one day it will again connect Seneca families who have resettled along the way. So we hope that this road and this land be held in respect. Respect for those who came before us and lived their lives along this road and for Senecas who one day will live down the old way.

Respect the land. Respect our past. Respect our future. Respect one another. Respect the speed limit!

Nya:wëh,
Dave Isaac
Allegany Chief Marshal

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Pictured above: L to R – SNI President J.C. Seneca, Deputy Ray Diebel, K9 Zero, Sheriff John Garcia, SNI Councillor Klint Nephew.

SENECA NATION OF INDIANS – The Erie County Sheriff’s Office is teaming up with the Seneca Nation of Indians to combat narcotics trafficking across all of Erie County. Thanks to a generous donation from the Seneca government, the Narcotics and Intelligence Unit has an important new tool at its disposal.

Earlier this year, the Nation donated $19,000 to the Erie County Sheriff’s Office for the purchase of a narcotic detection K9. The remaining funding was used to upfit the patrol vehicle of Deputy Ray Diebel, who is the K9’s partner. Thanks to this contribution, K9 Zero is now an important part of the Erie County Sheriff’s Office. He earned his certification in July and is now on the streets of Erie County helping deputies seize dangerous narcotics.

Deputy Diebel and Sheriff John Garcia visited the Seneca Nation on Monday to introduce its leadership to K9 Zero.

“Seneca Nation of Indians President J.C. Seneca and I share a common goal,” said Sheriff Garcia. “We want to keep everyone – those living in the Cattaraugus Territory and across all of Erie County – safe from poisonous drugs that have wreaked havoc across our community. Thanks to this donation, we have another important tool at our disposal in K9 Zero.”

The Erie County Sheriff’s Office and Seneca Nation of Indians continue to collaborate on ways to enhance public safety for our community.

Source

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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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