Gagwe:göh sgë:nö’, agajëgwah gagwe:göh jöhiyoa:je’ o’tgwahno:nyö’,
I’m thankful you are all well. We are inching closer to Spring every day. We sprang forward to longer days this month and hopefully some warmer weather.
As more people are able to enjoy the outdoors, social distancing restrictions can be loosened. Our current cases continue to decline on both Territories. Great work by the community to stay vigilant with COVID-19 protocols. Our vaccination clinics are currently taking calls from all Seneca’s, patients, and members of Seneca households. Please see the link at senecahealth/vaccine.org for more information. Vaccinations are critical to overall covid response.
Like most of the world we are looking to reach Herd immunity. Herd immunity determines the percentage goal to reach of those vaccinated against the disease not by exposure to the pathogen that causes the disease. Although this is the ideal response to diseases already in existence, it may be a little difficult to gauge with COVID-19 but it is recommended to reach at least 70% of the population to be vaccinated.
The Health System welcomes all eligible individuals to establish as a new patient or to re-establish eligibility with the Health center for access to the on-Territory vaccination. Please call the health center and ask for patient benefits to get started. The Health system also recommends updating your contact information periodically as they are experiencing a high number of inactive or wrong numbers.
Thank you again to the Health system for their hard work, leadership and dedication in trying to get the vaccination to our communities. If you have a question or concern regarding the vaccine discuss directly with your primary care doctor. The next update community session is scheduled for March 24th and April 7th at 3pm. Moving forward the meeting will run every other week. Email to SNgotomeet@sni.org with your name, nation ID number, and phone number to participate.
We have exciting precedent setting news out of Washington, DC. March 15th marks the first Native American confirmed as the Secretary of the Interior. Congratulations Debra Haaland from Pueblo of Laguna. Her confirmation was historic and precedential as she will manage the Department which oversees the government to government relations between the Federal Government and Native Nations. The Interior Department’s mission is to partner as sovereigns with Native Nations to uphold, defend and honor the treaties with the United States. With Secretary Haaland’s experience regarding sovereign rights to self-determination, we look forward to more equitable opportunities regarding Native issues.
As mentioned in the last article the broadband initiative in Cattaraugus is well underway. This is a greatly needed service, as the year has shown. I would like to pass along some reminders to those using our free wireless service.
First, Seneca Solutions is providing this service to allow students critical access to email, and the ability to participate in Zoom and Google classroom activities, and do online research for school assignments. The service does have limitations, in both speed and connectivity, and does not allow for streaming movies or online gaming.
If you are having wireless issues with the service, you can call 1-866-415-5191, or, if possible, send an email to SenecaSupport@TilsonTech.com
Lastly, an update from SN Conservation regarding Allegany fishing season status. Fishing is open to all enrolled individuals and will open for others after May 1st. Any questions can be forwarded to (716)945-2779 SN Dispatch.
As always, stay safe, stay strong.
Dah ne’hoh dih ae’.
Matt
Eldest member celebrates 99 years!
Eloise Kennedy (Cattaraugus Territory) turned 99 on Tuesday, March 23rd, 2021. She is the eldest living Seneca woman on territory!
Happy 99th Birthday Eloise and nya:wëh for your contributions to the Seneca Nation!
Schedule your vaccine appointment!
