Climate Struggle and the Fight for the Tonawanda Seneca Way of Life (Central Library)

The Tonawanda Seneca Nation is fighting the construction of a mega-industrial site on the border of the Nation’s present-day reservation territory in Western NY. This development would irreparably harm lands and waters where Tonawanda Seneca citizens continue to hunt, fish, and gather traditional medicines, posing an existential threat to the Nation’s collective continuance on their homelands. We’ll hear from a Tonawanda Seneca Nation citizen and non-Indigenous ally and learn how this struggle is linked to the statewide movement for environmental justice and a livable climate.

Speakers:

Christine G. Abrams is a citizen of the Tonawanda Seneca Nation, Beaver Clan, and, first and foremost, a mother, grandmother, and aunt. Christine had worked for the Council of Chiefs for 27 years and currently serves as TSN Office Administrator. Christine is active in the community and several organizations.

Sarah Howard (they/them) is a settler ally living on unceded Onondaga Nation homelands in Syracuse, NY. Sarah works for the Tonawanda Seneca Nation Council of Chiefs, organizing allies to act in solidarity with the Nation in their fight against the Western NY STAMP mega-industrial site. Additionally, they work as the Student Coordinator for the Center for Native Peoples and the Environment at the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry. Sarah holds an MS in Environmental Science from SUNY ESF and is happiest in the forest.

Ryan Madden (he/him) is a settler ally living on unceded Lenape and Canarsie homelands in Brooklyn, NY. Ryan is the Climate & Energy Campaigns Director for the Long Island Progressive Coalition where he leads efforts for energy democracy and climate justice in the region and across the state. Ryan is also the Co-Chair of the Indigenous Engagement Committee for NY Renews where he organizes coalition members to act in solidarity with the priorities of various Nations in the territory of NYS. Ryan holds a BA in Political Science & Environmental Studies from SUNY Binghamton.

350Brooklyn is a volunteer-driven group that mobilizes people to take effective local action to address the climate crisis. We are committed to pursuing solutions that both reduce climate pollution and ensure that low-income New Yorkers and environmental justice communities participate fully in the benefits the shift to renewable energy will bring.