Gagwe:göh sgë:nö’,
Hi, I hope all are well. Last week’s snowfall finally made it feel like winter. Although for many, winter makes for difficult driving, cold chilling temperatures, but winter is good for the earth, plants and for people. It helps plants rest in preparation for spring and it also means climate change hasn’t overtaken us yet.
The Nation has developed a task force to work on climate change initiatives. Climate change is evident in weather and temperature changes and occurs over time. Climate change is increasingly becoming more crucial to the environment globally. We have set this as priority to preserve our Mother Earth. The committee’s goal is to create an adaptation plan to address strategies and approaches to changes in the environment. This will be done through data collection and outreach. A survey tool will be coming in the near future and you can do your part by completing the survey.
Changes are coming in many other forums as well. The United States has selected a new Administration with President Joseph E. Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. Many significant historical events occurred during the 59th Inauguration ceremony. Vice President Kamala Harris is the first black woman and of South Asian descent to be elected into this position. Amanda Gorman, the youngest Poet Laureate gave a powerful reading challenging change. A brief look at her words… “Where can we find light in a never-ending shade?… We strive to forge a union with purpose to compose a country committed to all-cultures, colors, characters and conditions of man… and so we lift our gazes to not what stands between us but what stands before us…”
President Biden’s 100 day agenda includes executive orders and getting cabinet members confirmed. One order looks to re-establish the Paris Climate Accord, which addresses climate change and the commitment of the United States to do so through economic and social transformation. Another confirmation of interest to our Nation is the selection of Representative Deb Haaland of the Pueblo of Laguana Nation to lead the Department of the Interior of which the Bureau of Indian Affairs falls. This historic appointment offers better representation and sensitivity to Native issues. In an early interview President Biden recognized the critical role for upholding the government to government relationship with Native Americans. With this we wish to have a progressive working relationship with the new administration and bid them much success.
In our community the coronavirus continues to be one of our priorities. As of last week we had 22 positive cases in our community, a slight decrease from previous weeks. Please continue to be vigilant with Covid-19 protocols including mask wearing, social distancing, and wash and sanitize your hands often. Limiting personal interactions is equally important.
Testing will continue into February. Monday testing dates are the 1st, 8th, 15th and 22nd at the Cattaraugus Firehall and Tuesday the 2nd, 9th, 16th and 23rd at the Allegany DPW building from 3-5pm each day. As always preregistration is recommended.
Vaccinations will be coming from Indian Health service soon and the next group designated are 60 years and older as well as those with multiple chronic health conditions also known as comorbidities. Our Health systems will be reaching out those individuals as soon as more vaccines are available. You may seek vaccination appointment at the county as well, but they are also experiencing supply limitations. Please stay patient and stay persistent.
We are continuing the weekly Covid-19 and vaccine update virtual sessions every Wednesday from 3-5pm. Enrolled members can utilize the SNGotomeet@sni.org to register.
As always, stay safe and stay strong.
O’tgwanö:nyö’
Matt
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