Gagwe:göh sgë:nö’,
I hope everyone is doing well. June was a great weather month. With the start of summer, I’m sure everyone is enjoying sporting events, family functions and outdoor fun.
First, I’d like to congratulate the Colorado Mammoth Lacrosse team for winning the National Lacrosse League Championship! Hard work and dedication paid off, especially Seneca Nation’s Zed Williams leading the offense, they won in a tight three series match against the Buffalo Bandits. Seneca Nation’s Frank Brown led the defense for the Bandits, giving all of our communities a sense of pride, these athletes gave it their best for their teams. Way to represent! We are very proud of both players!
June is graduation month for the high school seniors. We are very excited to see the potential in these young Senecas as they cross this milestone. We send best wishes to you as you continue to excel and begin new adventures in your academic and professional careers.
The Seneca Nation sent a letter to NYS Governor Kathy Hochul requesting to begin compact negotiations. The 180-day period to engage in good faith negotiations will start. I recently attended the National Congress of American Indians mid-year conference where we spoke to leaders across Indian country seeking their support as the nation fights for fairness with NYS and our compact.
We will continue our negotiation strategy and advocacy work with NYS legislators as well as federal officials regarding the Class III Tribal State Gaming compact regulations issued by the Department of the Interior.
As we prepare for summer, please continue to practice COVID protocol. We still see active cases in our communities. Test kits are available at the ACC, CCC and Administration buildings. For vaccination and booster information contact Kim Bradley at Cattaraugus Health at 716-532-5582 or Teri Cowles at Allegany Health at 716-945-5894.
Have a great summer, stay safe, stay strong.
Dah ne’hoh dih ae’,
Matthew B. Pagels
