Greetings,
Here we are in the month of September, a time that brings about many changes for everyone. Children have started back to school and it is an exciting time for all the students and their families. It’s a brand-new experience for the little ones beginning their school journey in kindergarten and for all grades up to the older ones who are completing their high school years as seniors. There are also many Senecas attending college ranging from those starting their freshman year to the ones completing their bachelor, masters, and doctoral degrees. We are very proud of all of you and sincerely wish you success in meeting your goals.
Soon, the hot summer weather will end, and the temperature will be a bit cooler. The beginning of Fall is just around the corner and some of the tree leaves are already beginning to change colors. It is truly a beautiful sight when the fall colors are in full bloom.
COMPACT PUBLIC MEETINGS
Seneca Nation Officials had earlier announced that we would hold public meetings regarding our Seneca gaming compact. This past week, members from the Seneca Nation Executive Offices, Seneca Nation Council, In-house legal department, Seneca Gaming Commission and Seneca Casinos representatives hosted several meetings throughout the Nation territories including Erie and Buffalo. The meetings were well attended with a lot of sharing and discussions. In order to reach as many community members as possible, rather than having one large meeting, presenters held meetings at various local communities at one designated time. During these meetings it was overwhelmingly related that these types of meetings were preferred, to allow voices to be heard in a respectful Seneca manner. We appreciate everyone who attended and will announce any further public meetings as we continue the negotiation process.
ELDERS EVENT
Our Seneca Elders are the foundation of our Nation who possess rich cultural, historical, and governmental knowledge. There are several activities and program services that we provide to our Elders recognizing their many contributions to our Nation. One event that we all look forward to is the Annual Elders gathering held at the Seneca Allegany Casino. Elders that attend are from various locations and the event provides an opportunity to visit and to meet new people. This year, the entertainment was a class act with Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra impersonators. There was also a Marilyn Monroe and Frank Sinatra look-a-like contest. I always look forward to this event and enjoy visiting with everyone.
TERC GED GRADUATION
My office was invited to share the opening speech for this occasion. Congratulations to the new GED graduates and to your families and friends that have all supported your efforts. Your achievement reflects your commitment and determination to reach new goals and we wish you continued success.
SENECA NATION FLAG LOGO PRSENTATION
It was any honor for me to recognize Gordon (Gort) Jimerson (from Allegany Territory/ Steamburg), as the Seneca Member who designed the Logo for our Seneca Nation flag. A logo contest was held in 1975 when the Seneca Nation decided to create a flag representing our sovereign Nation. Gort’s submission included our eight clans and three Seneca Nation territories. Gort is a talented artist and one craft he enjoys is carving. He and his brother Dana designed and built the decorative hallway railings at the Allegany Clinic. He also has carvings on display at a museum located at Germany. One of the displays was a totem pole that he carved at home which was picked up by a semi-truck and then transported overseas. A grand opening was held and his wife Connie and their two children were flown to Germany for the formal presentation. He was also recognized by the German Club at Rochester, NY. Gort worked for the Seneca Nation beginning in 1975 and in 2020 retired from the Seneca Nation Department of Buildings. His work skills included plumbing, electrical and carpentry. Gort also worked as an ironworker. Currently, Gort still carves at home and is currently carving a turtle on a log. We thank Gort for his many contributions and for our outstanding Seneca Nation flag logo that is recognized nationally and throughout Indian Country. Nya:wëh Gort.
INFRASTRUCTURE
From my Office, Ron Kenjockety, works as the Seneca Nation’s Owners Representative for our various construction projects. He recently reported that the new Cattaraugus Clinic building is moving right along with the setting of structural steel almost completed. A topping off ceremony was scheduled for September 8, 2023. For the Bush Road Project, most of the seven houses are being constructed and are fifty percent completed. At the Sullivan Hollow site where there will be eight manufactured homes, the foundation work is done and two of the homes will be assembled by the end of the week.
Sincerely,
President Rickey Armstrong, Sr.
