Save the Date: Saturday, September 27, 2025

With the official proclamation declaring September as Remember the Removal (RTR) Month, the RTR Committee is proud to present a series of events to commemorate the removal of our people from our ancestral lands.

This year’s theme is a proud declaration that though we were meant to be removed, we are still here, and will maintain stewardship of our lands for the next Seven Generations and beyond. We especially encourage the youth of our community to participate in this year’s RTR activities and learn from our educators, elders, & more. (Schedule of events posted below)

Remember the Removal Commemorative 5k

Despite the chilly weather, there was a great turnout for the Remember the Removal Commemorative 5k (pictured above) at the Allegany Community Center last Saturday, September 6th. Nya:wëh to the ACC and their staff for being great hosts, and thank you to all who came out to participate! Make sure to check out the flyer below for additional upcoming RTR events.

Film Premier – The Burning of My Coldspring Home

A film by Caleb G. Abrams

Join us for the long-anticipated premier of the film by Caleb Abrams (Seneca Nation), at the Ray Evans Seneca Theater in Salamanca, NY on Friday, September 19th, doors open at 5:30pm.

The film is based on the short story by the late Stephen A. Gordon

Onöndowa’ga:’ elder Stephen Gordon was twelve years old when his family was forcibly relocated from their home in Jonegano:h (Coldspring) as a result of the construction of the Kinzua Dam. Unlike his neighbors however, his family’s home wasn’t destroyed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers — instead, Gordon’s father set fire to it himself to prevent the Corps from doing the same. The Burning of My Coldspring Home, an adaptation of Gordon’s 2005 short story of the same name, is a meditation on grief, trauma, family, healing, and the places we call home.

The event is sponsored by the Seneca Nation Onöhsagwë: de’ Cultural Center, and is in collaboration with the Remember the Removal Committee.

SYD Sign-up Social

Salamanca School District Seneca Youth Dancers – Theme: Remember the Removal (RTR)

Students interested in joining the Seneca Youth Dancers may do so at the Remember the Removal Social & Potluck held at the Salamanca City Central School District High School cafeteria on Thursday, September 18, 2025. Dinner from 5-6pm in the HS cafeteria, RTR speeches & social dancing from 6-7:30pm. Come sign-up for this years SYD student group! We hope to see you there.

For more information, call 716-945-2400, ext. 4947 or email amiller@salamancany.org.

Remember the Removal 2025 Schedule of Events posted below.

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This year we celebrate the 50th Annual Seneca Nation, Cattaraugus Fall Festival, a tradition that began in 1975 when community members gathered to envision a fair that would celebrate Seneca culture and bring people together. Inspired by the historic Indian Fairs that began in 1860, the Fall Festival was created to carry forward that spirit of gathering, sharing, and community pride.

The then Seneca Nation President, Robert C. Hoag was a strong supporter of getting the Fall Festival established. Much of the vision was carried forward by Frank Kettle, whose efforts led to the creation of the modern Fall Festival. After his passing, his daughter Winifred (Wini) Kettle dedicated countless hours to chairing and organizing the event, helping to ensure it became a lasting tradition for the Seneca people. Today, it is still supported by the Seneca Nation.

The first festival carried the theme of uniting the “old” and the “new” – strengthening cultural pride while building connections with the wider public. It featured a parade, beauty pageant, homemaking and agricultural exhibits, art displays, and dancing, setting the foundation for a celebration that would only grow in size and meaning.

Over the years, the Fall Festival has continued to honor these roots. By the late 1970s, the event had expanded to include lacrosse games, dance and dress contests, children’s events, and arts and crafts demonstrations. In the 1980s, themes like “The Year of the Child” and “Cultural Pride of the Woodland Indian” highlighted the importance of family, tradition, and community identity.

Attendance grew into the thousands, with people traveling from across the region to take part in the festivities. By the 1990s, the Festival was widely recognized as a space where Seneca heritage could be celebrated, shared, and passed on, with artisans, storytellers, and cultural leaders helping to keep traditions alive.

For fifty years, the Fall Festival has been more than just an event – it is a gathering place for family and friends, a showcase of arts, foods, and traditions, and a living expression of Seneca identity. From its beginnings in the Saylor Council Room in 1975 to today’s large community-wide celebration, the Festival continues to remind us of the strength, creativity, and unity of our people.

Join us on September 13 & 14, 2025 on the Cattaraugus Territory, for the celebration of the 50th Fall Festival.

Images descriptions – see slideshow below:
The first “Indian Princess” winner, Penny Seneca (pictured above)
Arial view of the 1st Fall Festival
Hot air balloon at the first Fall Festival
Hoop dancing in the Saylor Building gym at the first Fall Festival
Cover of the program of the first Fall Festival
Schedule of events for the first Fall Festival
Francis Kettle acknowledgment from the program of the first Fall Festival

Fall Festival Schedule of Events

Visit the Seneca Media & Communications Center Facebook Page for the latest updates.

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Sen. Gillibrand’s staff were also able to meet with the Seneca Mothers Against Drug Dealers (SMADD) to hear how this grassroots organization has worked to ensure the safety of our communities and our Nation. SMADD members spoke about their experiences combatting drug trafficking and how those efforts have been hindered by the lack of aid or resources from outside law enforcement agencies. Senator Gillibrand’s staff listened intently to SMADD’s presentation and offered to help the Nation find ways to obtain federal funding to support local community organizations such as SMADD.

Senator Gillibrand’s staff’s visit is part of President Seneca’s broader effort to engage state and federal government officials to advance the Seneca Nation’s interests.

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By Norah Stevens, Reporter

With the upcoming premiere of “The Burning of My Coldspring Home” – a film Directed and Produced by Caleb G. Abrams at the Ray Evans Seneca Theater (10 Main St., Salamanca, NY 14779) on September 19, 2025, SNI Newsletter reached out for an interview.

Caleb G. Abrams, a local Ohi:yo’ hometown native, has shared some insight into his film about the late Stephen “Steve” Gordon. Producing this film was not an easy journey, his evolution as a filmmaker reflecting in this cinematic endeavor. He knew that he had an important message he wanted to convey and set a standard that he wanted to achieve.

The origin of the film started back in 2011 when Caleb was working for the Kinzua Dam Relicensing Commission. KDRC was established in 2010 to pursue an expiring electricity license, to get it relicensed to own and operate the Kinzua Dam. Caleb’s job at KDRC was to interview Seneca elders who had lived through the relocation caused by the dam. His supervisor at the time, Wendy Huff, had offered up a story written by Stephen Gordon that he had only shared amongst friends, colleagues and the KDRC.

Unfortunately, the relicensing did not go in the Seneca Nation’s favor. However, the experience led Caleb to Steve Gordon’s story – a first-hand account of the tragedy 60 years ago. Upon initially reading Steve’s story, Abrams was blown away because it had such a raw, honest and intimate account of how the relocation felt. Stephen’s writing had an enormous impact on Caleb. It was different from hearing elders quietly share their experiences or the acknowledgements at the Remember the Removal events. It was the polished work of someone who was really digging into the emotions and made the reader feel empathetic to his trauma

The Burning of My Coldspring Home honors Steve’s life story, an honest and unique experience. The film has been in production for 14 years, nearly half of Caleb’s life. Over the years, other film projects took priority, but this one was always very special. Caleb wanted to do it justice and had patience. After Stephen’s passing Caleb said he felt a greater responsibility to tell his story. Steve would be proud to reclaim that history and truth.

Starting out small, Caleb laughed, recalling that the first original take was shot on an iPhone in 2011. From there, a second take was done on a better recorder, the third attempt was an even better one. Eventually leading to 2019 when he brought Steve to a studio in Buffalo, New York with a professional studio setting and all the necessary equipment. He appreciated Steve’s patience and understanding that as a director and producer Caleb had a vision of how he wanted to portray his experience and give his story justice.

During the development of the film, Caleb often thought about how he wanted to make something that survivors could watch and say, “That is what it felt like!” or “That is what it looked like!” and connect with it. Caleb’s grandchildren and future generations will not get the chance to know someone who lived through the relocation. This film is an attempt to bridge the gap for future generations who will never get to speak with survivors of the removal. It took balance to create a visual piece based on trauma and education. It is a tragedy portraying the destruction of our communities, which is heavy but educating cannot shy away from the difficult parts.

Caleb also expressed that he wanted to be very clear with the viewers of this film, especially Seneca viewers – Kinzua era relocation survivors in particular – this film is going to be a tough watch. It is very emotional. As an artist and a filmmaker, he stands by his decision to include the brutality of the story – one day you are living in a house and the next day you come home from school to invaders setting fire to your house, along with the longhouse, churches, and cemeteries. As a child, radical change and overwhelming experiences can leave trauma that carries to the next generation. Being displaced in a new home miles away and everything is different was a jarring life-changing experience for many Seneca survivors. Unfamiliar experiences with electricity, indoor plumbing, and doors with various rooms caused distress. The brutal reality of our loss and severe toll it took on the Allegany River and its survivors is the message he hopes to carry forward to the future generations of Senecas. His hope is to give non-Senecas education and clarity on the historical and generational trauma that carries on.

Caleb’s vision was to infuse both humanity and beauty into the production. Knowing the tender moments are heavy, grief counselors will be available at the premiere to talk with along with other resources available for people to schedule appointments in the following week.

It was a tough decision to include sensitive topics in the film. It is not Caleb’s intent to upset the crowd, but he feels brutal honesty is critical to the film. Steve’s narrative may become one of the few definitive accounts of what the removal experience was like for those that will never hear it firsthand.

Caleb shares that it was a gift to be able to learn, work and spend time with elders through this experience. It’s important to tell our own stories from our own perspective. As a filmmaker and documentarian, Caleb takes that role seriously and will continue to tell our stories authentically and respectfully.

Back when this all started, he was just “Rovena’s grandson” along with Caleb’s attempts to Steve to ask “Hey, you know that story you don’t share with anybody? Can I make that into a movie?” To which Steve had agreed and from there a real friendship and mentorship was formed. Looking back, Caleb viewed Steve as a grandpa, an uncle and formed a bond that developed into a production. It has been a privilege for Caleb and his team to produce this film, and it would not have been possible without the help of so many locals and beyond.

The credits in this film are quite long but he wanted to thank and give credit to everyone who helped whether it was finding pictures, staying late, doing interviews. He also wanted to give a special thanks to the Seneca-Iroquois National Museum, the Remember the Removal Committees over the years, and so many others.

“I am thrilled to announce that my new film, The Burning of My Coldspring Home (#mycoldspringhome) will be premiering at the Ray Evans Seneca Theater in Ohi:yo’ on Friday, September 19! Program details forthcoming.

I’m so proud of this work. It’s an intimate, patient, and I think, beautiful ode to Joneganoh, the ancestors, the elders, our families, our future, and of course, my dear friend, teacher, and collaborator, Steve Gordon geo. I cannot wait to finally share this film with the world, beginning with Ohi:yo’

What a privilege it has been. Stay tuned for posts announcing future screenings and opportunities to view the film in the coming weeks and months, shared Caleb Abrams.”

FILM PREMIERE:

The Burning of My Coldspring Home a film by Caleb G. Abrams at the Ray Evans Seneca Theater 10 Main St., Salamanca, NY 14779 on September 19, 2025 :

5:30pm – Doors Open
6:00pm – Ganönyok & Opening Remarks
6:20pm – Film Screening
7:00pm – Closing remarks
7:15pm – Reception
8:15pm – End of program

Based on the short story by Stephen A. Gordon

• Free Admission
• Sponsored by the Onöhsagwe:de’ Cultural Center
• Light Refreshments will be provided

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By Norah Stevens, Catt. Newsletter Reporter

On Tuesday, August 26, 2025, the Cattaraugus Seneca Strong held an open house to showcase their new location at 86 Iroquois Drive, Irving, NY 14081. This is located behind the Seneca Nation Housing Authority Laundromat.

Attending the open house, we had the opportunity to speak with Dawn Colburn, Opioid Response Director, who has been with the department since 2015, along with Seneca Strong Cattaraugus staff. She did share that the staff has grown as new members joined the team. All staff members have recently completed their Peer Recovery Certification Training. Since moving to the new location, they have had the opportunity to help more community members get back to the path of recovery and have plans to rebrand how they can support those who need it and help them heal their traumas as that is one of the roots of these challenges with addiction. This approach stems from understanding the ongoing healing of trauma for true wellness, resilience and lasting recovery.

We also had the opportunity to meet with Lauryn Williams, Seneca Strong Supervisor, who has been with the program since 2020. Lauryn mentioned that she has noticed many improvements in the department in the last six months alone through new activities and programming. She wanted to convey the message that Seneca Strong is here to help. They are not here to force or mandate anything but when you are ready, they are here to support your journey in getting you where you need to be. She believes that doing more outreach on territory and surrounding areas is important as to educate the community on these topics and try to destigmatize addiction as support is critical. Going on to say that the end goal is to maintain and sustain recovery.

Seneca Strong has an expansion in the services they can offer as healing opportunities for all community members. The following is what they offer:

• Talking Circles: Supportive gatherings for sharing, listening and mutual encouragement.
• Traditional Music, Dance, and Ceremony: Reconnecting with ancestral practices to restore balance and joy.
• Cultural Arts and Crafts: Creative expression as a path to self-discovery, pride and emotional release.

The program always has some creative services they will be implementing in the future:

• Creative Writing & Storytelling: Safe spaces to process and share person experiences, fostering understanding and connection.
• Cultural Education: Workshops on tribal history, values, and resilience to strengthen identity and community bonds.
• Indigenous Foodways and Land-Based Healing: Nourishing body and spirit through traditional foods & reconnecting to the land.
• Language Revitalization: Reclaiming language as a source of strength.
• Trauma Informed Support: Services designed to address grief, loss, violence, and other forms of trauma regardless of whether addiction is present or not.
• Family Healing at Home: Practical guidance and support for how to heal family relationships within your own four walls. Workshops and resources focus on communication, forgiveness, setting healthy boundaries, and creating a nurturing home environment where healing can begin and grow.

The current hours for the program are Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm. Seneca Strong added that hours of operation will be extended into evenings and weekends as they have more trained staff, be on the lookout for those changes.

For more information you can contact them at: (716) 582-0815, 86 Iroquois Drive, Irving, NY 14081.

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/share/16Mr723Pkz/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Women’s & Men’s Talking Circle

Check out these upcoming events at the Buffalo Creek Office hosted by Seneca Strong

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Pictured above: Cattaraugus Planning Board Members: Terry Hahn, Mike Zaprowski, Paul Mager, Tina Abrams, Mark Smith, Al Ormond, and Jim Valent

ALLEGANY TERRITORY, SALAMANCA, N.Y. – Seneca Nation Councilor Tina Abrams was recently recognized for her outstanding community leadership when she was presented the Brooks Patterson Community Leadership Award by the Cattaraugus County Planning Board during its annual awards dinner. She is the first Seneca Nation member to receive the honor.

Presented annually since 1999, the Brooks Patterson Community Leadership Award recognizes leaders who exemplify the outstanding spirit and example that longtime community leaders Torrance Brooks and Donald Patterson set during their lifetime of dedicated service to their communities. Award recipients are leaders and volunteers who make lasting contributions to the people and communities of Cattaraugus County and the region.

“I am incredibly grateful to the Cattaraugus County Planning Board for this recognition,” Councilor Abrams said. “I love this community, which is our shared home. The Seneca Nation plays an important role in Cattaraugus County and in the economy of the entire Western New York region. I believe it is important to be a voice for our shared interests and to champion advancements that will benefit the entire community.”

A voice of leadership within the Seneca Nation for decades, Councilor Abrams has been a member of the Seneca Nation Council since 2001 and was the first woman appointed as the Council’s Co-Chair in 2012. She plays a leadership role in the oversight of all Nation enterprises and monitors and advocates on federal and state legislation and policy that impact the Nation and all Indian Country. Within the Seneca community, Councilor Abrams also serves as chairperson of the annual Marvin “Joe” Curry Veterans PowWow, is a member of the Remember the Removal Committee and is chairwoman of the Seneca Nation Athletic Commission.

“The Nation is proud that Cattaraugus County is recognizing Tina for her leadership,” said Seneca Nation President J. Conrad Seneca. “She is a vocal advocate who has represented our entire region with strength and passion for many years.”

Beyond Seneca Nation Territory, Councilor Abrams has held roles on the Cattaraugus County Planning Board since 2002, and on the Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center Board of Directors since 2021. She also served as Northeast Region Vice President of the National Congress of American Indians and served on the organization’s COVID Task Force.

“Tina Abrams exemplifies the values of community leadership, integrity, and service, reflecting the traditional teachings of her people,” the Cattaraugus County Planning Board stated. “Her diligent efforts have made a lasting impact on her community.”

A member of the Seneca Nation’s Wolf Clan, Councilor Abrams was raised on the Cattaraugus Territory and has lived on the Allegany Territory for more than 40 years.

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“It was the greatest honor of my life to serve.”

These words, attributed to my grandmother Marcella LeBeau, feel like the essence of who she was. Whether spoken aloud or simply lived through her actions, they reflect the heart of a woman who dedicated much of her life to her community, her country, and her people.

This fall, the Sioux Falls School District in South Dakota opened its 24th elementary school: Marcella LeBeau Elementary. It is a rare and powerful moment. Across the country, very few public schools are named after individuals, and even fewer honor Indigenous people. For our family and for Indigenous communities across Turtle Island (a term many Indigenous peoples use to refer to North America), this is more than a name on a building. It is a recognition of a life devoted to healing, leadership, and quiet strength.

Marcella LeBeau, a proud member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, attending an Indian boarding school as a child. She later served as a nurse in World War II, worked for decades in Indian Health Services, and held office as a tribal council member. She was also a founding member of the North American Indian Women’s Association, one of the first national organizations dedicated to empowering Indigenous women. Her life bridged tradition and progress, history and hope.

At the ribbon-cutting ceremony, more than forty members of our family stood together. My cousin, Ryman LeBeau, now Chairman of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, spoke of the values she passed down: humility, strength, and service. Seeing her name etched into the foundation of a school was surreal. It was a moment of visibility, of affirmation, of history being rewritten.

Though my grandmother did not live in the community I have always called home, her teachings and those of my mother, a proud member of the Seneca Nation, continue to guide me here in the heart of the Seneca Nation. Living on Haudenosaunee land, I try to carry forward the values they instilled in me. I support our girls’ lacrosse teams, contribute to the Title IV Parent Committee to advocate for our children and families at the school level, and participate in our local Turtle Island chapter of NAIWA. I also advocate for families at the community level, working to ensure that our voices are heard and our needs are met. These roles are more than responsibilities. They are rooted in love, tradition, and the belief that healing and service can ripple forward for seven generations.

My grandmother taught us that education is sacred. That healing comes through kindness, courage, and connection. My mother showed me how those teachings live in everyday choices in how we care for our families, show up for our communities, and honor those who came before us.

Marcella LeBeau Elementary is more than a school. It is a promise. To be part of a school that carries an Indigenous name is not just symbolic it’s a living act of remembrance. In a country where more than 500 Indian boarding schools once operated, many designed to erase Indigenous identity, this school offers something rare: a place where our heritage is not only acknowledged, but honored. For those of us who work to uplift the message of Every Child Matters, this moment is deeply connected. It affirms that our children deserve spaces where they are seen, valued, and protected. A place where they will learn not just math and reading, but the power of compassion and the strength of their heritage. For Indigenous families like mine, it is a reminder that our stories matter. That our ancestors’ sacrifices are not forgotten. That the spirit of service can ripple forward for seven generations.

Service does not have to be loud to be powerful. It lives in quiet moments in listening, in showing up, in choosing care. My grandmother’s example continues to guide me. I hope to continue their work and pass that spirit of service along.

“It was the greatest honor of my life to serve.”

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It’s finally installation day for the reproductions of Carson Waterman’s artwork at Shop ‘n Save. Carson and lovely wife Deb came over from Salamanca to hang out with us. (The top section of this mural took a collective 176 hours w/volunteer painters and over 3 weeks to complete. Thanks to Mark Schindler for the generous donation of a boom lift to help get this completed!

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Above – OBSERVER Photo by Braden Carmen Seneca Language and Culture Teacher Jordan Cooke Sr., left, is pictured with Silver Creek Superintendent Dr. Katie Ralston.

SILVER CREEK — The increased focus on Native American education programming at Silver Creek Central Schools has been a source of pride for Superintendent Dr. Katie Ralston. She said as much at a recent meeting of the Board of Education as the district appointed its latest teacher in the field.

Jordan Cooke Sr. was appointed as the district’s new Seneca Language and Culture Teacher. His four-year probationary appointment commences this week.

“I’m extraordinarily grateful for this opportunity,” Cooke said. “On behalf of my family and the community we come from, we are really appreciative of your efforts to make space for our life ways as part of your community. I’m honored to be the person to be able to do that.”

In recognition of Cooke’s 14 years of experience in the field, he will receive a salary of $61,700 for the 2025-2026 school year.

While Cooke will be joining the district’s efforts with Indigenous representation, a leader in the district’s efforts is sticking around on a more permanent basis. Amanda Austin, Native American Education Program Coordinator, was granted permanent status of employment after successfully completing the probationary period of her employment.

The Board of Education also held the first reading of a district policy for a land acknowledgment to be read along with the Pledge of Allegiance each morning. The first reading of several other policies were also held, including the use of internet-enabled devices during the school day.

At the recent meeting, five employees resigned from their current roles, including Seneca Language and Culture Teacher Elton Logan, School Psychologist Nick Gerard, Middle School Social Studies Teacher Christopher Smerka, Teacher Aide Sarah Pfleuger, and Summer Clerical staff member Lindsey Rice.

Additionally, Pamela Postle, Account Clerk II/Transportation Assistant, submitted her resignation for the purpose of retirement after 22 years of service to the district.

In addition to Cooke’s hiring, three others were appointed to probationary positions within the district. Kathy Kelley was appointed as a Registered Nurse; Wes Bolton was appointed as a Teacher Aide; and Melissa Haight was appointed as Clerk II. Additionally, Dawn Seekings received permanent status of employment as a Bus Monitor.

Several extracurricular advisers, volunteer coaches, and substitutes were approved by the Board, including former substitute Principal Sharon Huff. Department chairpersons were also appointed, as well as community instructors and various tutors.

Sameli Avila, a Social Work student at Roberts Wesleyan University, was approved as an unpaid intern in the Social Work Department under the direction of Karielle Case and Shannon Matson. Joshua Sadler was appointed to the special assignment role of Technology Instructional Coach.

The Board also approved a contract with the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office for the 2025-26 school year to continue with its School Resource Officer, Wes Johnson. An extension with Personal Touch Food Service, Inc., of Buffalo, was also approved for the 2025-26 school year for meal services.

The District-wide School Safety Plan was also approved for the 2025-26 school year, as was the tax warrant for the upcoming year.

Source

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