Photos by Seneca Nation Newsletter & Seneca Media
On Saturday, May 8th, Seneca Mothers Against Drugs (SMAD) hosted a Drug Awareness Slow Roll that was held on the Cattaraugus Territory. The main purpose of the event was to have the community come together and take a stand against drugs and drug dealers as well as remember and honor loved ones who have succumbed to their addiction. ATV’s, motorcycles and motor vehicles were all included in the lineup which began behind the American Legion Post 1587. Attendees were encouraged to create posters to show off during the slow roll. A number of signs that were graciously donated by Nicole Seneca from It Takes a Tribe, were spread throughout the territory.
Before the vehicles left, Sharon Patterson spoke a few words: “I am proud to be a part of SMAD. We are fighting. A lot of these drug houses… there’s more than you realize. We have so many in our community affected right now. We said a prayer before we got started today so this event will be successful and peaceful.”
Seneca Nation Chief Marshal Travis Jimerson was also in attendance to lead the slow roll along with showing his support. “I am in full support of SMAD and their efforts and reasons for existence. My heart goes out to the families that have lost loved ones.” He spoke about the partnership between the Marshals and the Erie County Sheriffs to help combat the drug epidemic. They were also in attendance to help lead the slow roll. Patterson then let everyone know about a known drug dealer’s confiscated truck that would be showed off during the slow roll.
The procession of motor vehicles began at the Legion and headed west down Route 438 to the Irving roundabout then back down Route 438. They headed down Brant Reservation Road, turned onto Cayuga Road to Versailles Plank Road. Took a loop around Snow Road and Seneca Road to make their way back to Versailles Plank Road. The final stretch of the slow roll included Ozarks, Bush Road and lastly Pinewoods.
Attendees gathered back behind the Legion where they enjoyed a complimentary Chiavetta’s chicken dinner, heard more words from various speakers, were able to gather information and resources from Seneca Strong and TERC as well as participate in a free Narcan training given by Seneca EMS.
A thank you was posted to their Facebook event page that read: “We want to give thanks to all those who helped with making our Drug Awareness Event a huge success! Thank you; to all of our Guest Speakers, SMAD, ERW, Nicole & JC Seneca, SNI Marshals, SNI Presidents Ofc., Seneca Media & Communications, Seneca Strong, Seneca EMS, SNI TERC, SNI Crime Victims and all those who showed their support whether you participated or cheered us on as we road by. We couldn’t have done it without you all. It was an AWESOME turn out! A special thank you goes out to our SNI Marshals & ECSD for escorting and conducting the slow roll. You guys did an outstanding job in making sure of our well-being and safety! Many Nya:wëhs for all your support! A stand against drugs & drug dealers! Taking our Territory Back!”
