Native American Community Services of Erie and Niagara Counties Inc.

12/14/2022

Good Mind Reminder...

12/14/2022

12/09/2022

Corn Husk Flower Bouquets

Cool idea for Corn Husks....

12/09/2022

Under Par Planning - Real financial planning for people who love golf

Native American Heritage Month may be over, but we still have one last Native Business to promote...

As we get to the end of the year and people start thinking of their financial goals, today's spotlight is on:

Jeff Wolniewicz (Enrolled Seneca Nation Member) and his company...Under Par Planning

Under Par Planning help's people who love golf connect what they do with their money and what they want out of life

Who is Jeff Wolniewicz?

Personally, golf is a huge part of my life. I'm a member of Crag Burn Golf Club where I serve on the Board of Governors as the Vice President. Spending time at Crag Burn is how I maintain balance and it is absolutely my happy place. Prior to co-founding Under Par Planning, I played golf for the Binghamton University Bearcats which ultimately led to one of my proudest accomplishments — being inducted into the Binghamton University Athletic Hall of Fame in 2018. While at Binghamton, I earned a Bachelors’s Degree in 2007 as well as an MBA in 2009. Following Binghamton I pursued my dream of becoming a professional golfer and played on mini tours for a couple years. You are reading my bio here and not seeing me compete against Tiger Woods so it didn't work out as I dreamed, but it was an unbelievably rewarding experience that I grew and learned from.

Outside of golf, my family and friends mean the world to me. I would not be the person I am today without their love and support through the good times and not so good times. They're awesome. You can also find me playing with my puppy Thor, having drinks somewhere, watching sunsets, listening to live music, or some combo of all those things!

Professionally, after pursuing professional golf I moved home to Buffalo, NY and began my career as a financial planner, earning and becoming a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®️) in 2014, a Retirement Income Certified Professional (RICP®️) in 2015, an Accredited Estate Planner (AEP®️) in 2019, and a Registered Life Planner (RLP®) in 2021. Personal and professional development is a huge part of who I am and I continually strives to become the best version of himself for his friends, family, and clients. I bring the same dedication and commitment to excellence to our real financial planning work that I did the golf course.

https://underparplanning.com/

*NACS does not endorse any business or their outcomes, we are simply making Native Businesses known.

Real financial planning for golfers.

12/06/2022

https://www.facebook.com/BuffaloSabres/posts/pfbid0p1GpHnJ47hW2bPonHTFPC2Dwo8xbUyLHwzte2bqh89LyRnzZKqh6HN3YTgYi3wt6l

12/06/2022

Native American Heritage Feature

https://www.nhl.com/sabres/video/native-american-heritage-feature/t-277437090/c-14085130

Proud Seneca activist and artist Jocelyn Jones focuses on healing the effects of historical trauma through art, dance, language, and sport

12/03/2022

Just a reminder, that THIS SATURDAY (12/3)...

There will be a Freightrain Reunion concert at the Rapids Theater in Niagara Falls, NY. Robert “Freightrain” Parker for years has done concerts around the holidays to collect toys for kids in need. NACS has and will be a recipient of toys again this year, so we appreciate getting the word out. Support the concert and bring some toys to support the community. You can feel good listening to some great music, knowing you did good by helping kids have a Christmas this year.

Freightrain is led by bassist Robert “Freightrain” Parker, the first Native American to be inducted into the Buffalo, NY Music Hall of Fame. Parker has made a name for himself over the years touring internationally with many big names in the blues world including Rock Bottom, Sherman Robertson, Chief James Billie, and Paul Reddick. His current project Freightrain, based in Buffalo, NY, is a culturally diverse, soulful band that possesses a distinctive and energetic approach to American Roots.

Tickets can be purchased at the link below...
https://rapidstheatre.com/events/freightrain-with-opener-michael-delano/

12/01/2022

Sabres, Seneca Resorts and Casinos to host Native American Heritage Night

https://www.nhl.com/sabres/news/sabres-seneca-resorts-and-casinos-to-host-native-american-heritage-night-december-4-2022/c-338176538?fbclid=IwAR2T9ADGaq-CGYzeEoeY-fscVq17yAT0MV045-i0wWM3ZYPMOeAYmDyqA38

The Buffalo Sabres are proud to partner with Seneca Resorts and Casinos for Native American Heritage Night on Sunday when the Sabres host the San Jose Sharks at KeyBank Center.

12/01/2022

Good Mind Reminder...

12/01/2022

2022-23 Theme Nights // TICKETS

The Buffalo Sabres celebrate
Native American Heritage Night
Sunday, Dec 4 vs SJS | 7:00pm

The Sabres will devote this game to celebrating Native American cultures and bringing awareness to indigenous stories.

You can get tickets through the link below...

Buffalo Sabres promotions games tickets

11/29/2022

Good Mind Reminder...

11/29/2022

Supporting Native Businesses for Native American Heritage Month...

Today's spotlight is on:
Real Estate Agent, Jordan Summers

Looking to change your Home address?...
Jordan Summers is a Mohawk from Six Nations, Turtle clan. He is a Real Estate Agent, and is very familiar with the Buffalo area, but he can help anyone in WNY buy, sell, or rent a home that they love!

11/29/2022

From Tonawanda...

11/29/2022

From Murisa Printup....

We are now ready for vendor sign ups! Stop by Tuscarora Woodworks during business hours. $25 (due when you sign up) per 8ft table and 2 chairs. Vendors can reserve more than one table. All proceeds from table fees will be donated to Nęyękwawęta'θkwáhshek Tuscarora Language Program and the Tuscarora community egg hunt.

***We will be following any COVID guidelines put in place by our Nation’s Council. Masks may be required but I’ll keep vendors updated. In case event is cancelled, vendors will be refunded their table fees.

Join Tuscarora Holiday Boutique! 🎄⛄️❄️

11/29/2022

Donate to Native American Community Services

It's Giving Tuesday!! Please consider a donation to NACS amongst your gifts today. Your support is greatly appreciated!!

Here is the link to donate through PayPal...

https://www.paypal.com/donate/?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=KF4JWUT9EH5TJ

NYA:WEH! (THANK YOU!)

Help support Native American Community Services by donating or sharing with your friends.

11/28/2022

Reminder - Erie County, your deadline for registering is coming this Friday (12/2)...

11/28/2022

Just a reminder, that THIS SATURDAY (12/3)...

There will be a Freightrain Reunion concert at the Rapids Theater in Niagara Falls, NY. Robert “Freightrain” Parker for years has done concerts around the holidays to collect toys for kids in need. NACS has and will be a recipient of toys again this year, so we appreciate getting the word out. Support the concert and bring some toys to support the community. You can feel good listening to some great music, knowing you did good by helping kids have a Christmas this year.

Freightrain is led by bassist Robert “Freightrain” Parker, the first Native American to be inducted into the Buffalo, NY Music Hall of Fame. Parker has made a name for himself over the years touring internationally with many big names in the blues world including Rock Bottom, Sherman Robertson, Chief James Billie, and Paul Reddick. His current project Freightrain, based in Buffalo, NY, is a culturally diverse, soulful band that possesses a distinctive and energetic approach to American Roots.

Tickets can be purchased at the link below...
https://rapidstheatre.com/events/freightrain-with-opener-michael-delano/

11/28/2022

Home - Elite Cleaning Helpers

Supporting Native Businesses for Native American Heritage Month...

Today's spotlight is on:

Elite Cleaning Helpers

Need help getting your house clean again after having everyone over for Thanksgiving, or are you hosting celebrations in your home or business for the holiday season? Try using a Native American owned and operated business - Elite Cleaning Helpers! Community member Pattie Cook has built a successful business by having and upholding high standards. Her team can do Residential, Commercial, or if you have an Air BnB property you want professionally cleaned after each guest, moving in or out of home, post construction clean up - whatever the need, you can call Pattie to discuss. Please see her website below for more information or to inquire about her services.

We are Customized Cleaning Service located in Buffalo, New York. We provide cleaning services for Commercial, Residentail, Air Bnb servicing all of Western New York. We provide a variety of Custmizable cleaning services at afforadable rates such as Deep cleaning, Standard cleaning, special event cle...

11/28/2022

Good Mind Reminder...

Don't be too hard on yourself. Life happens to everyone. We all will face moments of loss, anger, fear, disappointment, embarrassment, feeling inadequate, etc. Having those things happen to you does not make you special or different, as many go through those same things...it's called life. We're human, we make mistakes. What makes you special is not letting those situations cloud your Good Mind. Take control of protecting your Good Mind and let go of some of those things that are holding you back or holding you down. Don't be so hard on yourself, by keeping a Good Mind you will find a quicker path out of those situations and not let them define you.

11/28/2022

Supporting Native Businesses for Native American Heritage Month...

Today's spotlight is on:
Indigenous By Design Collective
Featuring three independent vendors Jessica Brant, Sam Hill, and Sarah Hill

NACS participated in their Small Business Saturday event and are appreciative of their partnership and efforts. You can check out their social outlets for more information and pictures of their art and products available...

11/26/2022

Don't forget to also support Native American businesses in your area for Small Business Saturday.

**IMPORTANT UPDATE - NEW LOCATION***

For those in the Buffalo area, please attend the Indigenous By Design event TODAY (11/26) originally set for being at Pasteurized Tees, is NOW AT Hyatt's All Things Creative at 1941 Elmwood Ave. from 10am-3pm. (More Info below) NACS Executive Director will also be there, so please feel free to stop by and say Seh:kon (Hi).

As a way to celebrate and honor Native American Heritage Month, a trio of Mohawk artists are coming together to host a pop-up event outside of Pasteurized Tees on Elmwood Avenue on Saturday, November 26, from 10a-3pm. The three artists hosting the event Jessica Brant, and Sarah and Sam Hill (both Mohawk of the Grand River) – are doing so as part of Native American Heritage Month and Small Business Saturday. The Indigenous by Design (IBD) event is intended to raise awareness of Native American culture and heritage, by promoting artists and creators, and their art, music, poetry, etc.

The IBD pop-up shopping event will feature an acoustic music performance by the Hills, three indigenous business owners tabling, and Native American Community Services (NACS) will also be present. The group is raising money for NACS via an IBD t-shirt sale, with screen printing provided by Pasteurized Tees.

11/24/2022

Creating a "Good Mind": The Power of Giving Thanks: Michael Martin at TEDxBuffalo

Good Mind Reminder...

Michael Martin is an Onondaga of the Beaver Clan from the Six Nations of the Grand River territory in Southern Ontario, but was born and raised in Buffalo. I...

11/24/2022

40th Annual Thanksgiving Service

On this Thanksgiving, we share the Multi-Faith Thanksgiving service presented by the National Federation of Just Communities of WNY (NFJC) and the Network for Religious Communities (NRC), that included some remarks from youth voices from different faiths, along with some opening remarks from NACS' Executive Director, Michael Martin...

https://vimeo.com/773947625?fbclid=IwAR1S-fQaN93dQX3emCXcRiC8pcS7-VDVKrIEWMc0S4sQRvE3io_rqyRppL4

This is "40th Annual Thanksgiving Service" by NFJC of WNY, Inc.; on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.

11/22/2022

Tuscarora WoodWorks

Supporting Native Businesses for Native American Heritage Month...

Today's spotlight is on:

TUSCARORA WOODWORKS

A Native-owned and operated business located on the sovereign Tuscarora Nation, near Lewiston, NY. They specialize in unique Native art and craft items. Most all of their items are made right in their shop, but they do carry items made elsewhere too. Operated by two Tuscarora Artists, Murisa Printup and Robert D'Alimonte, Tuscarora Woodworks has gained a national and even international following with their items sold around the world, and in several different gift shops across North America. In addition to being successful artists and entrepreneurs, they are also committed to their Nation and broader Native community, often offering workshops and classes as well as assisting and advocating for several different issues and initiatives.

Please help support their work, you can visit their website below for more information and to make a purchase for your friends, family or a little something for your self!...

Unique Native-made Products including Art, Crafts, and Personalized Items

11/22/2022

Good Mind Reminder...

Keeping a Good Mind is also about protecting your Good Mind and knowing that the only person you control is yourself. How you see things, how you react and respond is up to you. Holding grudges, actually holds you back because you're letting something in the past affect your present and future. Expecting someone to change or waiting for an apology only side tracks your own pursuit of happiness. Letting it go and forgiving sets you free to continue to live your life to the fullest and be in a perspective gratitude for what you have, rather than worrying about what you don't have. You have the power to control that, don't give it to anyone else or anything by holding that grudge. Forgiving doesn't mean you have be friends or allow them to be close to you again, that's a different decision, but forgiving allows you to put it in the past where it belongs and not let it impact your future. It allows you to keep your Good Mind and your power...

11/21/2022

Good Mind Reminder...

11/21/2022

Inaugural Small Business Saturday event by Indigenous by Design - Buffalo Rising

NACS supports local Native Businesses and in this week and next, the start of the holiday shopping season we will be spotlighting some local Native businesses you can also support. We are proud and honored that some of those businesses have also decided to support us through their efforts...

As a way to celebrate and honor Native American Heritage Month, a trio of Mohawk artists are coming together to host a pop-up event outside of Pasteurized Tees on Elmwood Avenue on Saturday, November 26, from 10a-2pm. The three artists hosting the event Jessica Brant, and Sarah and Sam Hill (both Mohawk of the Grand River) – are doing so as part of Native American Heritage Month and Small Business Saturday. The Indigenous by Design (IBD) event is intended to raise awareness of Native American culture and heritage, by promoting artists and creators, and their art, music, poetry, etc.

The IBD pop-up shopping event will feature an acoustic music performance by the Hills, three indigenous business owners tabling, and Native American Community Services (NACS) will also be present. The group is raising money for NACS via an IBD t-shirt sale, with screen printing provided by Pasteurized Tees.

As a way to celebrate and honor Native American Heritage Month, a trio of Mohawk artists are coming together to host a pop-up event outside of Pasteurized Tees on Elmwood

11/21/2022

Our “Traditional Teachings of the Good Mind” workshop previously scheduled for Monday has been POSTPONED due to weather conditions and school closures tomorrow. Please stay posted for a rescheduled date! Native American Community Services of Erie and Niagara Counties Inc. and Erie County Restorative Justice Coalition

11/18/2022

Climate Warriors – Serena

For Native American Heritage Month, we raise awareness on Climate and Environmental issues affecting our communities, here is just one story...

Climate Warriors is a four-part docuseries that explores the stories of inspiring young climate leaders across Canada. Visit www.climatewarriorsquiz.ca to find…

11/18/2022

Reminder for winter driving...

It's better to drive too slow and wish you were driving faster, than to drive too fast and wish you were driving slower.

It's even better to not go out unless absolutely necessary!

Take it easy, stay safe, make sure you get home to those that love you!

11/18/2022

ALL tryouts for NAIG teams have been canceled this wknd due to the weather

Volleyball & Basketball have been rescheduled for next wknd Sunday November 27th, 2022 same times and place (CCC)

** NOTE: NACS is not directly involved with the tryouts, but each community should have a contact, if you are one of those contacts, please feel free to note that in the comments.

11/17/2022

PLEASE NOTE: Due to Lake Effect Storm Warnings and travel advisories, NACS' offices in Erie and Niagara Counties will be closed tomorrow, Friday (11/18). However, our staff will be working remotely and our main number will be checked throughout the day for any messages.

Also, as a reminder, our Social that was scheduled for Niagara Falls on Saturday (11/19) has also been postponed due to the weather.

11/17/2022

https://fb.watch/gRiITc-Syp/

11/17/2022

THIS SUNDAY (11/20)...

11/17/2022

Rock Your Mocs

Don't forget it's "Rock Your Mocs" Week!!! Show your pride by posting you wearing your moccasins!! Let's go, let's see some pics!!

Worldwide Social Media Event | 2022 November 13 - 19

11/16/2022

NACS is honored and proud to congratulate our very own Pete Hill on 30 years of service to our organization and community! Many know Pete for his caring and kindness, but also his wisdom and knowledge. Pete started with NACS as a client and worked his way up to become our Director of Special Initiatives - a role created just for him. Many partners in the community and across the state know Pete for his cultural competency trainings and long list of topics that he can present on. All focused on making the systems, organizations, programs, and people that serve, better able to do their jobs and increasing positive outcomes for those the lives that come into their care. Pete has left his mark on many and we're so thankful to still count him as one of colleagues. We benefit from his presence everyday. Here's to the next 30 Pete!!!! :) Congratulations on a great milestone and NYA:WEH for who you are and all you do!!

11/16/2022

Good Mind Reminder...

Be a positive force for those around you. Everyone's journey is different. Have compassion and empathy, and understand better by trying to put yourself in their shoes. Use kind, soft words when speaking to others. Be encouraging and empowering to others. Be a light for someone who may be in their journey out of darkness. Steps in the right direction, are still in the right direction. Their journey may be longer, but help them stay on it.

11/16/2022

After reviewing various forecasts, we are deciding to POSTPONE the Social that was planned for this Saturday (11/19) at Indigenous Attractions in Niagara Falls. The latest models have the snow band moving north into the Niagara Falls area Saturday afternoon into evening, right when we would be having the Social.

It’s a difficult decision because we were all looking forward to it. However, our first responsibility to keep everyone safe and out of danger to the best of our ability.

We will look to reschedule it and make it even bigger and better another day! Thank you for your understanding as well as assistance in getting the word out.

Please review the weather alert below for the Lake Effect Snow Warning in the Buffalo area. Be safe, make sure you have needed supplies, check on your Elders to make sure they have what they need, otherwise stay home, and avoid any unnecessary travel.

11/09/2022

Good Mind reminder for today...

As we say to our youth, "If you surround yourself with Good Minded people, good things will happen! If you surround yourself with people with clouded minds, you might not like the result." We are taught not to judge other people with clouded minds, however we are suppose to be aware of those with clouded minds. Although, we can't control others, we can protect ourselves by who we keep company with. Put yourself in positive environments, with positive people. Be careful around those that cloud their minds with drugs or alcohol, or that try to cloud yours with the same. Like the memes below point out...Find those that lift you up and not put you down. Find those that speak well of you and not spread rumors. Find those that celebrate your success and not be jealous of it. Find those you feel positively charged with, not those that are negative and bring you down. Find those that fill your cup, not drain it. You don't have to take ownership of other peoples issues and those things that cloud their minds. Know your value, know your worth! Protect your Good Mind, that's your power, and that's your path for your own peace, health and wellbeing.

11/09/2022

Ron Lafrance's Cornwashing Workshop

A little corn washing teaching for Native American Heritage Month...

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=677760450453121