Powerful voices: Anderson-Lee Library to host speakers for Native American Heritage Month
SILVER CREEK — Anderson-Lee Library, located at 43 Main St. in Silver Creek announces the schedule for the annual speaker series in honor of Native American Heritage Month. All programs are free and open to the public.
Please register for the programs by calling 716-934-3468, stopping by the library, or visiting our website at www.andersonleelibrary.org, and clicking on the events tab. All programs on Tuesday and Thursday evenings start at 6 p.m. and Saturday programs begin at noon. Saturday programs are for children and their grownups.
— Thursday, Nov. 7, 6 p.m.: Caleb G. Abrams, “Presentation of Film Works by Caleb Abrams.” Join us for a presentation of film works by Onondowa’ga:’ (Seneca) filmmaker, Caleb G. Abrams including the American Museum of Natural History commissioned works, Seeds to Stories (2024) and Haudenosaunee Country (2024) as well as a special preview of his forthcoming short film, The Burning of My Coldspring Home (2024). Q&A/discussion to follow the screening.
Abrams is an Onondowa’ga:’ (Seneca) filmmaker, artist, and public media producer based out of present-day Brantford, Ontario and Buffalo, New York. Raised on the Onondowa’ga:’ territory of Ohi:yo’, his work pushes back against settler-colonial narratives of place and power while creating space for Indigenous stories of truth, community, and connectedness. Visit calebgabrams.com for more information on Abrams’ work.
— Saturday, Nov. 9, noon: Darelyn Spruce, “I’m a Little Smoke Dancer.” Join us for Spruce’s reading of her newly published book, “I’m a Little Smoke Dancer,” which will be followed by an activity.
Spruce grew up on the Cattaraugus Seneca Territory and is a graduate of Silver Creek Central School. Spruce teaches a variety of classes locally, including dancing, singing, creating water drums, and horn rattles. Spruce also performs with the Newtown Women’s Singing Society, is an antler and bone carver, and enjoys working and spending time with the elders in her community.
— Tuesday, Nov. 12, 6 p.m.: Dr. Lori Quigley, “Thomas Indian School: My Mother’s Story.” Drawing from the experience of her mother, Marlene Bennett, who at the age of 5was designated an orphan and ward of New York state and placed in the Thomas Indian School, Quigley will discuss the creation of Native American residential boarding schools whose purpose was to “civilize” Indigenous youth. She will also describe the trauma that resulted from these schools and its continued impact across Indigenous communities to the present day.
Quigley, Seneca Nation, Wolf Clan, currently serves as professor and department chair for the Leadership and Policy Doctoral Program at Niagara University. Quigley is also an educational consultant and advisor to many school districts and colleges/universities in areas ranging from curriculum development to strengthening diversity, equity, and inclusionary policies and practices. Dr. Quigley’s research interests include multigenerational trauma, Indigenous language reclamation, and culturally relevant pedagogy from an indigenous lens. A winner of multiple awards and designations, Quigley is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, and giving back to the community.
— Thursday, Nov. 14, 6 p.m.: Viewing of “Native American Citizenship and Suffrage” Part of a discussion series on Native American voting rights, hosted by the U.S. Capitol Historical Society. This session focuses on the 1924 Indian Citizenship Act, which made Native Americans U.S. citizens, and the law’s impact. A facilitated discussion will follow.
— Saturday, Nov. 16 at noon: Bernadette Scott and Marcie Kane, “Make a Corn Husk Doll”. Children and youth ages five and older are invited to attend this interactive workshop. You will go home with a corn husk doll that you have made yourself!
Scott, Seneca Nation, Deer Clan, earned a B.S. in Audio/Radio Production with a minor in American Indian Studies from SUNY Fredonia and a M.A. in American Studies from the University of Buffalo. Currently the Artist in Residency at the Seneca-Iroquois National Museum in Salamanca, NY, Scott has won many awards for her braided corn husk moccasins and dolls and leads demonstrations and workshops throughout NY and PA.
Kane, Seneca Nation, Deer Clan, is an accomplished artist creating beadwork, dance clothing, and corn husk dolls and has been sharing her craft for over 30 years. As a lifetime member of the Buffalo Creek Dancers, she has performed all over Turtle Island, including at the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, DC.
— Tuesday, Nov. 19, 6pm: Flip White, “A Way of Thinking Peace”. White, Seneca Nation, Wolf Clan, has previously served as a Tribal Councilor for the Seneca Nation, is the former Director of Career Development at Seneca Gaming as well as a former Education Director for the Allegany Territory. A military veteran, Mr. White is now retired and was elected to the Salamanca City Central School Board and continues to work with the non-profit Agwadeyesta’ Do:ge:h which means “We learn together.”
— Thursday, Nov. 21, 6 p.m.: Richie Sasala, “The Doctrine of Discovery: Decoding a 1000 Year Old Western Legal Principal. “Sasala, Cayuga Nation, Turtle Clan, has dedicated his career to preserving and sharing Native American history, working extensively in education, oral history, and storytelling. Sasala has made a significant impact on education in local Native communities, as well as teaching Native American Film, Haudenosaunee Studies, and Social Studies in local school districts.
Sasala, Cayuga Nation, Turtle Clan, has dedicated his career to preserving and sharing Native American history, working extensively in education, oral history, and storytelling. Sasala has made a significant impact on education in local Native communities, as well as teaching Native American Film, Haudenosaunee Studies, and Social Studies in local school districts.
— Saturday, Nov. 23, noon: Ari Logan, “Speaking and Singing Seneca with Ari Logan”. Join us for an introductory lesson on speaking and singing Seneca with teacher Logan. This program is best for ages 5-10, although older children may enjoy it as well. Logan, Seneca, Hawk Clan resides on the territory with her family and instructs students of all ages at the Sully Huff Heritage Center.