Greetings,
For a while, it looked like we might have a mild, green winter. I hope the kids are enjoying our recent snowfall and getting outside to play. Thank you so much to our DPW staff for keeping us plowed out and safe!
During the summer of 2020, a grassroots effort began on the Cattaraugus Territory, with the intent of making an impact on the drug epidemic present in our communities. The Seneca Drug Task Force was formed and we went to work developing systems of deterrents and community initiatives to deal with the epidemic. At that time, I was serving as President and began holding meetings to discuss ways that the Nation could help. These meetings have continued into my term as Treasurer. We discuss a wide range of issues, which have multiple moving parts and will all require administrative and community input and support. We have considered various ways to strengthen our Marshals’ enforcement capabilities and authority. This is an ongoing effort which will include face to face discussions and coordination of efforts with local outside law enforcement agencies. Our ultimate goal, is for local law enforcement to recognize and support Seneca Nation laws, ordinances, exclusion orders and other regulations. We are confident we will reach an agreeable arrangement that works for all involved. In addition, we are researching drug dog programs as a deterrent to assist with this issue. There are a variety of options available, which range from ownership, to contracting with a private company. Another serious topic of discussion has been the noticeable increase of questionable activity of medical transport vans on our territories. The Drug Task Force is also responsible for the anti-drug dealer billboards and new Seneca Nation Territory boundary signs installed in the past couple of months. As I said, there are many moving parts to consider and no decision comes easy. We will continue to stay focused on establishing deterrents and working on solutions to make an impact on the drug epidemic on our territories. My staff reminds me, we are not alone in this battle – this has become a national topic of conversation and concern.
We have been dealing with a global pandemic for several months now; and with the new vaccine programs available, there is hope on the horizon for returning to a degree of normalcy in the coming months. The spring thaw will be here before we know it. Get those lacrosse sticks ready – I sure have missed attending lacrosse games!
Respectfully,
Rickey L. Armstrong, Sr.
