The Buffalo Bills marked Native American Heritage Month with a series of activities both throughout November and during their Week 11 game against Tampa Bay. These efforts aimed to honor the contributions and culture of Native American communities.
Before the game, the team recognized flag football players and coaches from the Seneca Nation Community Centers on the field. This group was celebrated for their involvement in the first Seneca Nation flag football program, which received a $20,000 grant from the Buffalo Bills and Nike. To support this initiative, the Bills hosted flag football clinics on November 6 at the Seneca Allegany Community Center and on November 11 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center. The events featured appearances by former players, mascot Billy Buffalo, and current team members.
Members from Allegany and Cattaraugus Seneca girls lacrosse teams—the Ohiyo’ Storm and Seneca Heat—along with community representatives from Native American Community Services served as flag holders before kickoff.
The color guard duties were performed by members of American Legion Iroquois Post 1587 from Seneca Nation Territory, led by Post Commander Ron Cook Jr.
At halftime, Gëjóhgwa’ performed a traditional Native American social dance in full regalia for fans in attendance.
During the third quarter break, Sergeant Joshua Howard was honored for his military service. Howard began his career in 2005 with deployment to Operation Iraqi Freedom between August 2006 and November 2007 as a Military Intelligence All-Source Analyst. He received several awards including the Joint Service Commendation Medal and completed his service in 2009.
Reflecting on these events, an official statement from the organization read: “As we reflect on the month and what it means, the Bills are proud to honor the past and celebrate the future this Native American Heritage Month in and around New York State. There is a rich shared history with Native American people. The Buffalo Bills acknowledge this land as the traditional territory of the Haudenosaunee people – made up of the Sovereign Six Nations – the Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, Seneca, and Tuscarora. Each nation retains its own language, culture, traditions, and governments. To this day, the region is still their home, and the Bills are grateful for the opportunity to live, work, and play football in this territory.”
