Feature President

A message from President Matthew B. Pagels

Nya:wëh sgënö’ gagwe:göh,

We’ve had a few very nice days this month reminding us that spring is just around the corner. I know everyone is looking forward to getting outside. With the COVID situation continuing to improve in and around our communities we can get back to normalcy.

However, the Nation continues to offer COVID testing in both Allegany and Cattaraugus. CTS testing at the ACC from 11-6pm, Seneca Fire #2 from 1-6pm for both rapid and PCR tests. Blue Stone testing is still available for enrolled Nation members at Seneca Fire Allegany and Seneca Fire #1 Cattaraugus. To schedule a test call 716-220-2442. Be aware location sites and times may change within the month. If so, notification will be sent by our social media outlets and newsletters. Again, for more information contact Emergency Management Director, Mike Gates at 716-244-0820 or go to the website at sni.org.

Vaccination appointments are still available at our Health centers. Please contact 716-532-5582 or 716-945-5894 to schedule your initial vaccine or booster shot. You may also visit the SenecaHealth.org/vaccine for an online form. Please continue to do your part to keep our community safe.

As mentioned in the PSA, construction season will be upon us very soon and one of our major projects is the Clear creek bridge, “Bucktown” bridge, in Cattaraugus. It is projected to take two years to complete. A public meeting will be announced in a few weeks for any input or questions regarding the project. If you have any information or pertinent questions please contact Ben Anderson from the Nation DOT at Benjamin.Anderson@sni.org or at 716-945-1790. We are excited for this to start.

The Seneca Gaming Corporation is extending their reach for anyone interested in career opportunities. Outreach specialist, Nikki Seneca has hours every Wednesday at the William Seneca Building in Cattaraugus. Call to make an appointment at 716-807-2704 or at NSeneca@SenecaCasino.com for more information. There are plenty of opportunities at our Gaming facilities.

The Nation had an opportunity to recognize Pete Jemison, who recently retired as the Historic Site Manager of the Ganondagan State Historic Site in Victor, NY. Pete dedicated 36 years sharing Haudenosaunee culture and heritage with visitors of all ages. The 569-acre site offers a full-sized Seneca longhouse, the Seneca Art & Culture Center, and three interpretive trails, which help to educator visitors. Nya:wëh Pete for sharing your wealth of knowledge with others and preserving our culture. Ja:goh.

Stay safe, stay strong.

Matthew B. Pagels

Councillor Tina Abrams read a message on behalf of President Pagels on the cultural value of Ganondagan and presented him with a gift for his years of dedication and preservation of our culture. Seneca Leadership met with NYS Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation at Ganondagan.