Irving, N.Y. (WBEN) - History was made Tuesday in the Seneca Nation, as Tina Abrams became the first woman elected president.
“I am humbled,” said Abrams. “Seneca woman have sustained our culture and identity, and preserved our traditions throughout history. Tonight, at long last, a woman will now lead our Nation as President. This is a moment inspired by generations of strong Seneca women who came before me, and one that I hope inspires generations of Seneca women who come after me.”
Abrams leads the first all-female Executive branch of government for the Seneca Nation, with Lenith Waterman winning election as Treasurer, and Bethany Johnson elected to the office of Clerk. Seneca Nation voters also elected eight new members to four-year terms on the Seneca Nation Council – four each from the Allegany and Cattaraugus territories. They will join eight incumbents on the 16-person Council.
While the Seneca Nation is a matrilineal society, women did not have the right to vote or hold elected office for more than a century. Seneca women gained the right to vote in Nation elections following a successful referendum in 1964. They won the right to hold office a few years later.
Abrams will be sworn-in as President next week.
Abrams is first woman elected Seneca president
Abrams is first woman elected Seneca president
