Feature President

A message from President Matthew B. Pagels

Nya:wëh sgë:nö’,

Happy Holidays! I’m thankful you are well hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Our community is very family oriented and my hope is that we keep the spike in illness to a minimum. Let’s all do our part and stay home as much as possible. The surrounding counties are near to closing businesses as in early April. With Christmas around the corner we’ll have to get more creative and tech savvy if ordering on-line.

This year has proven to be most trying for many as we continue to suffer through the effects of this pandemic. I will continue to offer information regarding testing and other significant information concerning health and safety to our members.

One area I feel is very important during this time is the education of our children. Remote learning proves to be very challenging for most students. This is an unconventional way of learning and many students will need support. Parents have the ability to get on their child’s learning platforms to see assignments, attendance and completed work. If you need assistance the Education Departments on each Territory will host a training session for parents on December 14 -16. Please contact the Education Departments for more information.

A highlight we are excited about this season is the release of our new bison herd to Sunfish, located in the Steamburg area on the Allegany Territory. This is part of self-sustainability plan to grow and develop a way to provide substance within a world of consumerism and pre- packaged processed food. Self-reliance is the new way to move forward especially since we want to be more conscience of climate changes and food safety issues.

As the year winds down please make sure everyone in the family has registered for the Nation’s direct benefits at the Clerk’s office. We have a significant number of members yet to register. Please contact the Clerk’s Office for questions regarding the registration process.

Finally, we commemorate the Seneca Nation’s 172nd Birthday on December 4th. This day is designated to honor the foresight of our leaders to forge a new form of elective government in 1848. Our Nation has evolved into an economic mindset providing multiple services, healthcare, and business to our community. We will continue to find ways to sustain benefits to our members through sovereignty and strength.