Feature President

A message from President Matthew B. Pagels

Nya:wëh Sgë:nö’,

I’m thankful for our Communities everyday particularly as colder weather is approaching. Unfortunately we have already experienced a significant windstorm which knocked out large sections of both Allegany and Cattaraugus electricity on Sunday, November 15. It was necessary to open up our emergency facilities for families to seek shelter from the elements.

It is important for families to create an emergency plan for any weather related event or for the possibility of a Statewide closure due to health emergencies such as the Covid-19 pandemic. The plan can include an emergency supply list of items such as bottled water, non-perishable food and generators, an alternative meeting location should your family need to evacuate, a list of medication and health conditions and to be sure to evaluate the plan periodically with everyone in the home. If more assistance is needed reach out to the Seneca Nation Emergency Management department and they will help you create a plan for your family.

With the Covid getting into our community, I plea with all to take every precaution we can. Its to a point in which we must assume everyone has Covid and its all our goal to protect ourselves and those around us. Wear the mask, wash the hands and try to socially distance ourselves. The nation is making every effort we can to provide testing and will continue to do everything possible. Please see the dates below and register your app’s early with the guidance provided from Media.

11/30/20 Allegany 2pm-5pm at the ACC

12/2/20 Cattaraugus 9am-1pm and 4pm-6pm
12/3/20 Allegany 9am-1pm and 4pm-6pm

12/9/20 Cattaraugus 9am-1pm and 4pm-6pm
12/10/20 Allegany 9am-1pm and 4pm-6pm

12/16/20 Cattaraugus 9am-1pm and 4pm-6pm
12/17/20 Allegany 9am-1pm and 4pm-6pm

We are currently transitioning the Administration and I hope everyone enjoyed our Canvass Day luncheon drive thru as we get accustomed to providing events in this new fashion. My apologies to those that looked forward to a pre-Covid canvass day celebration, especially to the new leaders that deserved to be honored in their new capacities as Seneca Nation officials.

A Special Council session is scheduled this month on November, 30, 2020. The protocols established at the regular session should be followed, only 22 audience participants, others may register in the GoTo meeting format.

Lots of light at the end of the tunnel as vaccines look to be made soon and available shortly thereafter! With that thank you for the read and stay safe stay strong.

Nya:wëh,
Matthew B. Pagels