Feature President

A message from President Matthew B. Pagels

Hello everyone. Gagwe:göh sgënö’.

Reflecting on Indigenous Peoples Day, we appreciate the invaluable contributions our ancestors and current leaders make to protect our sovereign rights by safeguarding our land, language and cultural traditions.

Our local school districts recognize this day as Indigenous Peoples day, but New York State does not. There may be movement in the State Legislature toward designating the second Monday as Indigenous Peoples Day in NY. It would indicate a movement toward understanding and appreciation for all Indigenous people have contributed to the State.

Seneca Nation representatives were very busy during October attending various national conferences such as United South and Eastern Tribes (USET), Native American Finance Officers Association Finance and Trial Economies (NAFOA) and Global gaming. At each event we shared information about the Stand With Seneca campaign, and the importance of having fair dealings with New York in all regards specifically with our gaming compact. We are getting the word our as much as possible. You can follow the campaign by visiting the website StandWithSeneca.com.

Our compact discussions are progressing and our team is moving forward in presenting very prepared and specific information. We fully expect the discussions to move at a very deliberate pace and focused on more substantive issues and areas of the compact. Our goal is to achieve a comprehensive and fair agreement that meets the needs and objectives of our Nation and gaming business.

All Senecas living on the Allegany Territory who utilize the garbage pickup service must renew their application with the Clerk’s office and also provide a current utility bill or lease agreement. Garbage pickup is for residential members only.

Applications and stickers are available from the Clerk’s Office during business hours. If you have questions please call 716-945-1790 ext. 3072.

The Seneca Gaming Corporation will be holding celebrations for Native American Heritage Month through November at both Seneca Allegany and Seneca Niagara Resorts and Casinos. Native vendors who are interested in selling your crafts during the Seneca Market events should contact Nikki Seneca at 716-807-2704 or by email at NSeneca@SenecaCasinos.com.

Any one interested in vending for the Native Food Dinner and Social on November 16 at Seneca Allegany Resort and Casino please contact Devonne Gardner at 716-255-4427 or email at DGardner@SenecaCasinos.com

Our current COVID numbers for the last 10 days are at 42 active cases, 22 Allegany and 20 in Cattaraugus. These numbers reflect those tested at the health centers or through Bluestone Testing. Our numbers could be larger for at home testing or off-site location testing. Please continue to monitor yourselves and your loved ones. Get tested if you are experiencing symptoms and follow COVID protocols.

The Seneca Nation Health System has COVID vaccinations and boosters available as well as flu vaccines available for all eligible individuals and age groups. To make an appointment, please call Kim Bradley at Cattaraugus Health at 716-532-5582 or Teri Cowles at Allegany Health at 716-945-5894.

Have a Happy Halloween. Stay safe, stay strong.

Dah ne’hoh dih ae’.
Matthew B. Pagels