The Fight
In 1964 the United States government ignored prior treaties, protests, and basic human rights when they forced members of the Seneca Nation off of their land into assimilation.
Since then, many individuals from all Nations have provided efforts towards strengthening and lengthening the lifespan of the Keepers of the Western Door.
Our film is spoken through Angie Nolder, Marty Jimerson, Blaine Tallchief, and Kaycee Colburn. These are just a few of the many who have devoted their time to protecting their culture.
How to Sustain a Culture
People making an effort
Dance and Song
Marty Jimerson, Blaine Tallchief
Marty and Blaine are members of the Ingenious Spirit Dancers. Their shows can be viewed all across countless fairs held in Western New York.
Language
Angie Nolder
Angie teaches indigenous language through song and dance. Despite growing up off-territory, in the City of Buffalo, her passion for the culture bleeds through her community work.
Art
Kaycee Colburn
She is an artist, lecturer, author, and much more. Her art is displayed in exhibitions located in Lockport NY, Salamanca NY, Olean NY, and Jamestown NY.
The Creators
Jesse Blaszak
Junior, Video Production Major
My dream has always been to create films. Whether it’s sports or news, I enjoy the process of crafting an idea into a final product. My goal for this project is to provide a platform that can help bring awareness to the Nation’s modern issues.
Luis Perez
JUNIOR, Video Production Major
I love to film sports and other stories that pique my interest. Capturing this story taught me so much. I want to bring awareness to the situation so that the culture of the Five Nations lives on.
Nic Geylon
Junior, Sports Media Major
I'm SBU-TV's leading reporter on stories of diversity, equity and inclusion. This story is important because it's a lesson for all of us. What happens when our identity disappears? Can we get it back? And is it possible to agree on what it was anyway? That's what indigenous people are facing right now.
SONG AND ART
Song and education
Angie Nolder
Angie gives us insight into an educational Seneca song. A common theme used to teach basic Seneca language in adolescent education.
CORNHUSK DOLLs
Kaycee Colburn
Kaycee highlights a cornhusk doll that she had handmade. A cornhusk doll's faceless image comes from a story of how the cornhusk thought she was better than everyone else, so "creator took her face away." "A story about vanity."