Greetings,
Since becoming President of the Seneca Nation and knowing first-hand the challenging issues that need to be handled in the best interest of our Seneca Nation and its Members, I am grateful for all the support from our Seneca communities. By attending public meetings, being involved with committee meetings, participating in events, volunteering your time, attending sport activities, lending a hand to neighbors, reflects our Seneca communities in a very positive way and I am grateful to all.
Seneca Nation Gaming Compact
We continue to work toward the completion of our next Gaming Compact which expires the end of this year. Seneca Nation Officials have spent many months of planning and implementing the negotiation process with New York State, and we have agreed in principle.
The New York State Senate has passed the Bill authorizing the Governor to execute a compact, however, the Assembly has not yet voted on it over Rochester concerns. We will forge ahead to do what is in the best interest of the Seneca Nation and Members. We also trust that the enormous positive economic impact we have had on all Western New York will be recognized and appreciated by the continuation of a fair process in completing our gaming compact with New York State Officials and Governor. A new compact will provide us with the continued financial stability to maintain services for our Seneca youth, families, and elders. Public meetings will be held for Seneca members on the compact before referendum is held.
Safe Homes Project
The Safe Home pilot project started several years ago as an initiative from President Armstrong. The intention is to replace 20- to 30-year-old manufactured homes, that are of unsafe and hazardous conditions with a new manufactured home. Applicants who qualify agree to voluntarily surrender their annuity. The number of years depend on the cost and site work for payback. Inspectors play a major role in identifying homes that need replacement. The replacement could take several months, depending on the Seneca member providing the paperwork that is needed. Llona Leroy is the contact for the Safe Homes project at the Seneca Nation Housing Department, 716-532-5000, ext. 7730.
Agricultural Programs Recognized
Gakwi:yo:h Farms was recently recognized by WKBW, Buffalo with an article that described how the “Gakwi:yo:h Farms is working to encourage healthier lifestyles while reconnecting with practices of the past.” The article shared how the 62-acre farm is focused on food security and food sovereignty. Also, the Farm teaches traditional practices of gardening and agriculture focusing on many of the foods that once grew on the land naturally. To volunteer or learn more about the Farm you can call (716) 532-3194.
Cornell Akwe:kon Healing & Honoring Garden
Leslie Logan, Associate Director of the American Indian and Indigenous Studies Program, Cornell University shared that the newly developed Healing and Honoring Garden was recently featured in the Cornell Chronicle along with a coinciding video. Students from the American Indian and Indigenous Studies Program (AIISP) shared the idea of a medicinal garden to students and staff from Cornell Botanic Gardens Learning by Leading program. Together, they established a garden with native plants and traditional plants planted in the design of a medicine wheel. The article shares that some benefits of the garden project included: connecting Indigenous culture with the land, an opportunity to build community with each other along with learning techniques of gardening. A fascinating feature is that the garden signposts will include QR codes that will link information about the plants Indigenous uses.
Congratulations Graduates
I commend and congratulate all students that have graduated with a College degree, a High School diploma and/or received Certificates from training programs. You have achieved a goal in your lives that will carry you to the next step of your life plan. I recognize your commitment, self-discipline, and the work it took to achieve your graduation. There will be many celebration events and parties so please be safe and enjoy your victory.
Upcoming Activities and Events
Summer is a busy time of the year for families and there are many summer activities for youth of all ages to join such as Recreation programs, Leadership programs, Summer Youth Job Training and Sport teams. There are also many events being planned for the rest of the year such as the Marvin “Joe” Curry Veterans Pow-wow, Remember the Removal, Golfing tournaments, Casino concerts and possibly more over time.
For information on these activities and events and more, look for postings in the Seneca Nation Newsletter, website: SNI.org and Facebook: Seneca Media & Communications.
Respectfully submitted,
Rickey L. Armstrong, Sr.
