Indigenous Affairs Beat

While much of Canada celebrates Victoria Day, for Six Nations of the Grand River — the largest First Nation in Canada — it's Bread and Cheese Day. Still rooted with Queen Victoria, it's a day of friendship, admiration of Haudenosaunee contribution and lots of cheese.

The treaty is still hailed by some Seneca leaders as a triumph in ensuring Seneca people were able to maintain traditional lands at a time of American expansionism.

The New York State Board of Regents voted unanimously in April of 2023 to ban the use of Native mascots and imagery for school sports teams, with little exception. Something the state education department had already advised districts to do as far back as 2001 under Republican Governor George Pataki. But now President Donald Trump and the U.S. Department of Education is looking to weigh in.

About 35 miles of the Allegheny River, or as Senecas call it, Ohi:yo`, flows through the nation’s territory in the Southern Tier. Millions of raw sewage has been discharged over the years form Olean due to heavy rainfall. But the issue decades-long issue may be finally nearing an end, as the two governments are convening a joint task force to facilitate upgrades to the city’s wastewater system.

Among the progress Seneca Nation President J.C. Seneca said was made in Albany, is framework to address New York’s role in the Native residential boarding school system. But for many Haudenosaunee, "apologies seem quite hollow."

The act of giving thanks is deeply rooted in Haudenosaunee culture and tradition.

J.C. Seneca took the oath office to become the new president of the Seneca Nation this week. He hopes to bring new life into the office – a different way of doing things.

The Turtle Building isn’t just significant to the Haudenosaunee as a convention center; the entire area of Niagara Falls is an important part of the Six Nations culture and history.

The Indigenous Studies at University at Buffalo is continuing to put research and its forefront. The department re-launched its Haudenosaunee Research Symposium to present the work done by its professors.

The Haudenosaunee flag is flying proudly over Niagara Square today – raised in honor of Native American Heritage Month.