Feature President

A message from President Matthew B. Pagels

Nya:wëh sgë:nö’ gagwe:göh,

I hope you are all well and enjoying the leaves as they change color. It is such a beautiful time of year.

With the weather changing many of us will move our activities indoors. It’s very important to keep on top of COVID protocols. Cold and flu season are also upon us, which have very similar symptoms to COVID. Sticking with social distancing, hand washing and mask wearing will keep us safe and healthy. Our COVID case numbers is currently at 17, 10 in Allegany, 4 in Cattaraugus and 3 detected at Blue Stone. Reminder Blue Stone testing will wind down at the end of October. The COVID Task Force will assess the need to continue with Blue Stone moving forward. Alternate testing can be scheduled at the Health Center or at your local Rite Aid store.

Cases continue to increase locally and nationally each week with increased hospitalization for those unvaccinated. Many cases are reported by younger individuals. Let’s work together to keep our numbers down and encouraging younger members to get vaccinated. If they have questions or would like to make an appointment, contact Allegany Health at 716-945-5894 or Cattaraugus Health at 716-532-5582. Please note any local calls will need to include the area code starting on 10/24/21. This will be important when calling any Nation direct line.

Our Judicial election is scheduled for November 2nd. Voting will be held at the William Seneca and the Seneca Administration Building from 9am – 7pm. Please have your Nation ID available at the polling site if needed. Contact the Clerk’s office for more information on the upcoming election.

We had a few special events take place at the end of October. A Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk/run was held as part of Breast Cancer Awareness on Friday, October 22nd. The Seneca Nation and the Seneca Gaming Corporation collaborated in a “One Buffalo Sports Day” at the ACC, with Representatives from the Buffalo Bills, Sabres and Bandits. Participants learned some skills in football, hockey and lacrosse with members of these organizations.

Many Halloween fun activities will be held around the Territory. See the Nation calendar for a list of these fun scares. Everyone please be safe and have a Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween!

On November 11, we will honor our Seneca Veterans at Cattaraugus Seneca Fire Hall on November 11th, Veterans Day starting at 11am. This year we will honor Leland Hemlock and Marvin Abrams. A to-go lunch will be provided.

Stay safe, stay strong, Dah ne’hoh dih ae’,

Matt

Veteran’s Day Event