NIAGARA FALLS, NY – Seneca Resorts & Casinos have announced a vibrant, month-long celebration of Native American Heritage Month. The celebration began with the annual Community Dinner & Social on Nov. 1 in the Seneca Niagara Event Center at Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino, and will continue with a full schedule of special events and attractions throughout November.
“Native American Heritage Month is important because it is a time to focus on and celebrate our history, and our traditions that have sustained our people across centuries and, like our people, remain vibrant today,” said Kevin Nephew, Seneca Gaming Corporation President & CEO. “All of that is reflected and carried forward in the many events we have planned at our properties throughout November.”
Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino will host two very special events on Friday, Nov. 10. At 4:00pm, invited guests will enjoy a special screening of the documentary film Lakota Nation vs. United States in the Bear’s Den Showroom. The film tells the story of the Lakota’s land back movement and describes how sacred land was stolen in violation of treaty agreements. A New York Times critic’s pick, Lakota Nation vs. United States chronicles the centuries-long quest of Očeti Šakowiŋ to reclaim their sacred land of the Black Hills, and provides a provocative, visually stunning testament to a land and a people who have survived removal, exploitation, and genocide. Directors Jesse Short Bull and Laura Tomaselli will be in attendance and will participate in a Q&A session immediately following the film.
The same evening, Seneca Niagara will present the inaugural Indigenous fashion show at 8:00pm on the casino mezzanine. A total of 11 designers and 25 models from across Indian Country will hit the runway and showcase their style at the event, which will feature a beautiful blend of traditional and contemporary original designs. Adam Beach, a noted and award-winning Canadian actor best known for his roles in films such as Windtalkers, Flags of Our Fathers and Smoke Signals, will serve as special guest host for the evening. Beach, who currently hosts A Cut Above on the Discovery Channel, is a member of the Saulteaux Anishinaabe.
“Native people are making wonderful creations and contributions in every industry, just as we have throughout history,” said Nephew. “We are excited to give these incredible designers and models a platform to showcase their talents and to celebrate how our traditions and culture are living on through their designs.”
In addition to the special one-night-only events, Seneca Gaming Corporation will host a Seneca Market, with items from Native artisans and crafters, and performances by Haudenosaunee dancers at scheduled times throughout the month.
Seneca Market times in the hotel lobby at Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino are scheduled for Nov. 3-5 and Nov. 10-12 from 9:00am to 5:00pm. A Seneca Market is also scheduled in the hotel lobby at Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino on Saturday, Nov. 4 and Saturday, Nov. 11 from 9:00am to 5:00pm.
Haudenosaunee dancers will perform at Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino on Nov. 3 and 4 and Nov. 10 and 11 at 5:30pm and 6:30pm; at Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino on Saturday, Nov. 4 and Saturday, Nov. 11 at 5:30pm and 6:30pm; and at Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino on Nov. 9 and 16 at 5:00pm.