Submitted by: Seneca Nation Councillors
The drug epidemic has ravaged families within our community resulting in far too many untimely deaths and causing considerable heartbreak and sorrow. Council is committed to confronting this epidemic and we believe that a broad community-based approach is necessary to stop the death, destruction, and anguish. Council has taken action through passing some recent council resolutions:
Council Resolution R-08-08-20-08 does two things: 1. It makes Nation members convicted of drug-related felonies ineligible to receive their annuity payments during the duration of their sentences, and 2. It makes Nation members ineligible to receive annuity payments for up to a one-year period if they are found aiding or abetting non-members who are subject to an exclusion order due to drug activity on territory. The forfeited annuity funds based on #1 and #2 above shall be deposited into a special account to be used for the purpose of drug rehabilitation and treatment of Seneca Nation members.
Council Resolution R-08-08-20-09 adopts an expedited foreclosure and eviction process to be used against mortgagors who are convicted of drug-related criminal offenses while participating in the Seneca Nation Mortgage Program.
Council Resolution R-05-08-21-08 authorizes the Law Enforcement Commission to develop agreements with local outside law enforcement agencies to investigate drug overdose deaths that occur on territory as possible homicides.
Additionally, Council recently directed the Nation’s Salamanca lease administrator to send notices of default to three different leaseholders in the City of Salamanca for drug activity that was occurring on their leased parcels. When these leaseholders responded that it was their renters who were involved in the activity, a subsequent notification was sent by the Nation to the leaseholders demanding that they evict the renters immediately or the leaseholder risked Seneca Nation cancellation of the lease due to nuisance and illegal activity. All leaseholders quickly complied, evicting their renters who were involved in drug activity. These leaseholders are now required to institute criminal background checks on future renters. The Nation will continue to utilize the option of notices of default, up to and including lease terminations, to combat drug activity in Salamanca.
Council appreciates all of the community input and strong support in confronting the drug epidemic. Please continue to tell us your personal stories and to offer us your suggestions. We must continue working diligently, together, to eradicate the drug trafficking and drug abuse in our community; and to make certain that all those who want treatment receive it.
