Borrello honors Seneca Nation councilwoman at Seneca Nation Veterans Powwow

SALAMANCA – State Sen. George Borrello honored Seneca Nation Councilor Tina Abrams as the 57th District’s 2026 New York State Senate Woman of Distinction during the opening evening of the Seneca Nation Veterans Powwow at the Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino.

The tribute featured remarks by dignitaries as well as a celebratory Honor Dance to recognize Abrams' leadership, service and historic selection for this statewide distinction.

The ceremony followed the Powwow's Grand Entry and included remarks from Borrello and Seneca Nation President J. Conrad Seneca. Alan Dowdy, who coordinated the Honor Dance, explained its significance before leading the song and drum. Abrams then participated in the dance alongside Borrello and Seneca, followed by her family, friends and members of the community. A group of young Seneca girls dressed in traditional regalia, also joined Abrams for the celebration. The Iroquois Veterans presented a special recognition to Borrello during the ceremony.

Abrams made history earlier this year as the first Indigenous woman selected as a New York State Senate Woman of Distinction. The annual recognition was established in 1998 to honor women whose leadership, volunteerism and public service have made a lasting impact on their communities.

While she received the statewide honor during the Senate's Women of Distinction ceremony in Albany in May, Friday's presentation provided an opportunity to celebrate her achievements at home, surrounded by her family, fellow Seneca Nation members and the community she has served for more than two decades.

“Tina Abrams has devoted her life to serving the Seneca Nation and advocating for Indigenous communities with integrity, compassion and unwavering determination,” Borrello said. “It was especially meaningful to recognize her here at the Seneca Nation Veterans Powwow, where she has long played a leadership role and where so many who know her best could join in celebrating this well-deserved honor.”

First elected to the Seneca Nation Council in 2001, Abrams, a member of the Seneca Nation's Wolf Clan, made history in 2012 as the first woman appointed Co-Chair of the legislative body. Throughout her career, she has championed Native American rights, strengthened relationships among tribal nations, advocated on state and federal issues affecting Indigenous communities, and worked to preserve Seneca culture and traditions.

"Senator Borrello's recognition of Tina Abrams speaks volumes of his sincere appreciation for what the Seneca Nation means to Western New York," said Seneca Nation President J. Conrad Seneca. "In coming to Seneca territory to present this well-deserved award to Tina, Senator Borrello is not only showing his respect for all that Tina has accomplished, he is also sending a powerful message of respect for our nation, our people and our history to our entire community, as well as to his colleagues in New York state."

Her commitment to service extends well beyond elected office. Abrams serves as chairperson of the Seneca Nation Veterans Powwow, helping honor Native American veterans while preserving cultural traditions for future generations. She also serves on the Remember the Removal Committee, the Cattaraugus County Planning Board, and the Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center Board of Directors and previously served as Northeast Region Vice President of the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI). Her leadership has earned numerous honors, including recognition as one of the Erie County Commission on the Status of Women’s “Living Trailblazing Women” and the Brooks Patterson Community Leadership Award.

"I am grateful and moved beyond words that Senator Borrello visited our Allegany Territory to celebrate this honor with me in front of our Seneca community," Abrams said. "Being recognized during our annual Powwow is especially meaningful to me as a Seneca Wolf Clan mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin and community member. Sharing this moment at home, surrounded by my family, my community, young Seneca women and the many people who traveled from near and far to participate in our Powwow, is a special memory I will hold dear for the rest of my life."

The Seneca Nation Veterans Powwow is one of the Northeast’s largest annual celebrations of Native American culture and traditions, bringing together veterans, dancers, drummers, artists and visitors from across the United States and Canada. The annual gathering honors the service of Native American veterans while celebrating the enduring heritage and traditions of the Seneca Nation.

"The Women of Distinction program is about honoring women whose leadership, service and example have made a lasting difference in the lives of others," Senator Borrello said. "Tina Abrams represents the very best of that legacy. Her work has strengthened the Seneca Nation, advanced the interests of Indigenous communities and helped preserve the culture and traditions that are so central to the identity of Western New York. It has been a true privilege to recognize her in Albany and even more meaningful to celebrate her here, surrounded by the people and community she has served for so many years."