The Buffalo Bandits will host Native American Heritage Night in partnership with Seneca Resorts & Casinos during their home game against the Philadelphia Wings on Saturday, February 7. The event aims to recognize Indigenous heritage in Western New York and highlight the origins of lacrosse, a sport developed by Native American tribes as early as the 12th century.
Players will wear special jerseys designed by Bandits forward Clay Scanlan, a member of the Seneca Nation. The uniforms feature two wampum belts symbolizing the unity of the Six Nations that form the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, as well as other elements representing strength, unity, and cultural identity. Proceeds from an auction of these jerseys and shorts will support youth lacrosse programs for Allegany, Newtown, Tonawanda, and Tuscarora communities.
Fans attending can enter a sweepstakes at the Seneca Resorts & Casinos stand for a chance to win a suite at Fan Appreciation Night on April 11. Another sweepstakes features a custom Bandits lacrosse head created by Zayne Blacksnake and commissioned by Ryan Jimerson, owner of Fierce Lacrosse—a Native-owned store based on Seneca Nation territory in Collins, New York. Fierce Lacrosse focuses on promoting lacrosse across all ages and skill levels.
A ceremonial faceoff will be conducted by Allie George, chairman of the board at Seneca Gaming and member of the Seneca Nation’s Wolf Clan. George has supported local youth sports organizations for over two decades through various roles including coaching and organizing events.
Layla Seneca, an enrolled member of the Seneca Nation’s Turtle Clan, is scheduled to perform both U.S. and Canadian national anthems before the game. She will be joined by members of Iroquois Post 1587 Color Guard representing different branches of military service.
Entertainment for the evening includes performances by Indigenous Spirit Dancers inside KeyBank Center before the game and during halftime. The Jeremy Keyes Band will provide blues music throughout the night while DJ Philip Rotschild from Lowe Mohawk Turtle Clan performs on Level 100. The halftime show also features participation from the Seneca Heat youth lacrosse team.
After the game, fans are invited to attend a postgame party at Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino.
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