E3communications

As the United States celebrated its 250th anniversary over the weekend, The Buffalo News published a Sunday Viewpoints op-ed authored by Seneca Nation of Indians President J. Conrad Seneca looking at the experience of Native nations and Native people over the past two and a half centuries.

This land is our land – Native reflections on US 250 Broken treaties and promises have been as commonplace in the United States as the barbeques and other celebrations that have been taking place throughout this weekend.

Last year, New York Governor Kathy Hochul made a historic visit to the Seneca Nation’s Cattaraugus Territory to formally apologize for the state’s role in the operation of the Thomas Indian School on the Cattaraugus Territory from 1875-1957. Thousands of Native children were forcibly removed from their families and forced to attend the school, where they were stripped of their traditional language, culture, and customs.

A year after the Governor’s apology, Seneca Nation President J. Conrad Seneca is calling for the state to support the construction and operation of two immersion schools on Seneca territory to help revitalize the traditional language the Thomas Indian School tried to destroy.

Commentary: N.Y. tried to destroy our language. Now it can help repair the damage. Over decades, facilities like the Thomas Indian School tried to erase Native culture. Now the Senecas want the state's help to build language immersion schools.

Hops for HOPE, which is intended to raise awareness of the programs and services offered by Catholic Charities of Buffalo, recognize volunteers and supporters, and promote Appeal 2026, continues today and Saturday.

The Hops for HOPE beer is a special rebranding of Resurgence Brewing’s popular Lil’Mo. Six-packs of Hops for HOPE will be available for sale for a limited time in the tasting room at Resurgence, located at 55 Chicago St., Buffalo. A portion of the proceeds benefits Appeal 2026.

Interview: "Hops For HOPE" supports Catholic Charities Interview: "Hops For HOPE" supports Catholic Charities