Nya:wëh sgë:nö gagwe:göh,
June (O:yaikeneh) is here and time for celebration as high school students prepare for graduation. It’s hard to believe what these soon to be graduates have accomplished over the last year and a half during a pandemic. Everything drastically changed overnight as schools closed and instruction went to remote learning. Many exciting things should happen during a Senior year, proms, yearbooks, skip days, but for these Seniors many school memories were created virtually. I commend our students for meeting their expectations to finalize their high school careers, I know it hasn’t been easy. From the world of Dr. Seuss, “You’re off to great places, today is your day, your mountain is waiting so get on your day!!” Jagöh!
To all school aged children and parents, great job surviving such a chaotic school year. I’m certain keeping everyone on track with zoom meetings, homework submissions and check ins has been overwhelming at times. Hopefully things will return to normal next school year.
Normalcy is what we are all aiming for and with everyone continuing to get vaccinated we get closer and closer each day. So far, the Seneca Nation has given 3,300 vaccinations and our daily Covid numbers remain low. As of Friday, June 4th we have one Covid case in Allegany and none in Cattaraugus. This is great!! Let’s keep vigilant by practicing Covid protocols and encourage the vaccination so we can get back to normal.
For children 12 – 17 parent consent is needed to receive the Pfizer vaccination. Parents can call for appointment and complete the consent form at the appointment. Please contact your Allegany or Cattaraugus Health Center to schedule an appointment.
On a more solemn note, an important discovery was made earlier this month at the Kamploops Indian Residential School in British Columbia which operated between 1890-1978. Two hundred fifteen children were found in a mass grave on the grounds of the school. Although this finding is very emotional for many, it is not new to Indigenous people. We had the Thomas Indian School and Red House Quaker school on our Territories where similar assimilation practices occurred. We honor those who experienced injustice by remembering our history. We heal by learning our language and by living in our culture. Our trauma will continue if we allow it to. Let us continue to heal.
Our libraries and museum are filled with information on our own historical path. Let’s understand it and teach our children that we are not only resilient or survivors, but that we are diverse, creative and strong individuals who can create change.
Lastly, this month’s council session is open to members, following Covid protocols as well as virtually. Please contact the Clerk’s office to set up the Go To meeting process.
As always, stay safe, stay strong.
Dah ne’hoh dih ae’.
Matt
