Treasurer

From The Desk Of The Treasurer

Greetings,

We’ve had a little rain and we’ve had some sunshine. This is the time of year I like to be outside as much as I can – whether I’m fixing something, doing yard work or watching a lacrosse game. This is also the time of year for graduation celebrations for our area high schools and those that are graduating from college. Congratulations to all of our graduates!

Last Friday, May 20th, 2022, the Seneca Nation commemorated the Buffalo Creek Treaty of 1842, at the Burchfield Nature and Arts Center in West Seneca, NY. The Master of Ceremonies was Becky Bowen and Ansley Jemison delivered a speech about the history of Buffalo Creek, on behalf of his father, Pete Jemison. The Men’s Ceremonial and Women’s Ceremonial departments performed the welcome dance, as well as a few social dances. The Buffalo Creek Treaty of 1842 is also known as the Third Treaty of Buffalo Creek, which restored title back to us for the Allegany, Cattaraugus and Oil Spring territories. This treaty holds particular significance for us because it is the only one of the three Buffalo Creek treaties which specifically addresses the issue of taxation. Article IX of this treaty provides an assurance by the federal government to intervene on behalf of the Seneca, by stating: “The parties to this compact mutually agree to solicit the influence of the government of the United States to protect such of the lands of the Seneca Indians, within the State of New York, as may from time to time remain in their possession from all taxes and assessments for roads, highways, or any other purpose until such lands shall be sold and conveyed by the said Indians, and the possession thereof shall have been relinquished by them.” To this day, we do not sell any of our land to non-Indians within our territorial boundaries and we assert our right to freely engage in tax-free business practices within the boundaries of our territories. The event was well-attended and included a barbeque lunch to go for all those in attendance.

Highbanks Campground camping season will officially begin Friday, May 27th, 2022. The first 100 check-ins will receive a free gift. Then, on Saturday, May 28th, from 11a to 1pm, they will have hotdogs, prizes and fun at the lodge. Highbanks Campground is planning a few other events throughout the month of June, which you can learn more about by checking their website at: camphighbanks.com.

Also, on June 14th, from 4p-6p, our H.E.R.O. Committee will be hosting their annual Father’s Day event at the gazebo behind the ACC, which will include a cookout, a 4-wheel excursion, corn hole, horseshoes, music and food.

For those interested in getting their COVID-19 vaccines or booster shots, you may call Teri Cowles at (716) 945-5894 (Allegany); or Kim Bradley at (716) 532-5582 (Cattaraugus). Please help to reduce the spreading of this virus in our communities.

Respectfully,
Rickey L. Armstrong, Sr.