Editor’s Note: A Remarkable Year for Indigenous News in New York

The year 2021 has been another hectic and equally chaotic year in Indian Country.

As FingerLakes1.com continues distinguishing itself as the leading digital news source of Indigenous issues across New York State, we step back to reflect on a year’s worth of coverage and the major stories of significance that wielded measurable and meaningful impacts among our Native and non-Native readerships alike.

Chronicling the Cayuga Nation Police Department

Not much was known about the Cayuga Nation Police Department. Nation officials are unresponsive to routine media requests from our newsroom while local and county employees are left without any answers either.

Public records are helping fill in the gaps. While our understanding of the Nation’s police department isn’t complete or intact, we promise to continue fiercely covering the Nation, solely based on the facts, as we enter the new year.

Highlights: 

• “Investigation reveals arrests never happened, raising questions about Cayuga Nation police, court system“

• FL1 DAILY: Wanda John talks about Cayuga Nation arrests after last year’s violent weekend

• “REPORT: Bureau of Indian Affairs revealed Cayuga Nation never possessed public law contracts for law enforcement, tribal court“

• “Grand jury concluded: Charles Bowman charged with criminal trespass, assault by SFPD“

• “Cayuga Nation Police Department doesn’t have any cross deputation agreements in place, state says“

• “Supervisors request special prosecutor for Charles Bowman and an investigation of Cayuga Nation Police Department in a new letter to the state’s Attorney General“

Keeping Track of State-Funded Sustainability Projects

Tackling the effects of climate change is coming at the expense of Native communities in New York. As the state prioritizes publicly-funded investments in sustainability projects, Indigenous voices are being left out of the conversation altogether.

Highlights: 

• “Senecas continue calling upon state to reconsider Cuomo’s massive NYSERDA solar project after relics, remains found“

• “Tonawanda Seneca Nation’s newly-filed Article 78 lawsuit alongside Earthjustice poses threat for Plug Power in Alabama“

• “A settlement with Tonawanda Seneca Nation seeks to ‘permanently protect’ more than 200-acres from project“

Acknowledging an Atrocity: The Wounded Knee Massacre

A recent racial reckoning has awakened Americans to reflect on the historical legacy of the nation’s founding; and the Wounded Knee Massacre is no exception either.

Contrary to popular opinion, plenty of New Yorkers participated in the mass killing of hundreds of Lakota people on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota.

Our team sought to remain mindful, alerting readers and listeners alike to the massacre that took place on December 29, 1890.

Highlights:

• “Remembering a Massacre: A Roundtable on Wounded Knee“

• “Family of Medal of Honor recipient comes to terms with ancestor’s role during Wounded Knee Massacre“

Showing Why Representation Matters

Our newsroom isn’t afraid to tackle the complicated and equally controversial newsworthy topics.

Highlights:

• “Change the Calendar: Columbus or Indigenous Peoples’ Day?“

• “Repatriation of Red Jacket Peace Medal returns to Seneca Nation“

• “Buffalo Sabres host first-ever Native American Heritage Night, honoring Seneca Nation“

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Gabriel Pietrorazio( Indigenous Affairs Reporter )

Gabe covered health and indigenous affairs in the Finger Lakes between 2019 and 2022. His award winning coverage was cited by the federal government and provided residents with an invaluable service during the coronavirus pandemic.