Greetings,
This is the time of year that we start planning for colder days and nights. The temperature fluctuates from evening lows in the 40’s to daytime highs in the mid 70’s. Knowing that winter is not too far away, it is important to start making emergency lists for potential storms that could affect heating, lighting, food, and water. Checking vehicle conditions is also a safety precaution. I hope everyone will also remember to check on those that may need a helping hand.
ABANDONED HOMES PROJECT
We Did It! It has been one of my initiatives to address the abandoned homes also known as zombie houses in the City of Salamanca. We successfully terminated an owner’s lease for a property they formerly owned at 230 Clinton Street, Salamanca, NY, (also on Seneca Nation territory). We had the legal rights to take possession of the property due to their violations of agreed upon lease terms. This abandoned house was severely neglected creating a haven for drug use and therefore, a hazardous environment.
All homeowners within the City of Salamanca have a responsibility not to neglect their properties as agreed upon in their Seneca Nation lease. Ridding the community of this property is a win for both the Seneca Nation and City of Salamanca community members. We also look forward to working with the City of Salamanca as a joint effort in making safer communities on behalf of our Elders, families, and children. The City Zoning Code Officer has the ability to address homes that show signs of neglect early on that might otherwise become another zombie house. The Seneca-Salamanca Mothers Against Drugs group is very active in their belief and mission that the drug houses in our communities need to be removed. The group had held protests in front of the 230 Clinton Street property bringing awareness to the problem. The demolition company stated that the property is one of the worst drug houses they had ever seen.
1365 RESETTLEMENT COMMITTEE
One of the worst tragedies our Seneca Nation and members experienced in my lifetime was the forced removal of Seneca families from their ancestral homelands.
Through the process of eminent domain, the Federal government condemned 10,000 acres of our land in order to construct the Kinzua Dam. The dam was built as a method of flood control for cities such as Pittsburg, Pa. Even though we had a treaty that guaranteed we would never be disturbed, and the land would always be ours (Canandaigua Treaty of 1794), the Treaty was broken and our homes and life as we knew it would be no more.
Since that time, there have always been Senecas who wanted to reclaim their lands and return home. Most recently, the Seneca Nation government made a move to do just that. At the September 16, 2023, Seneca Nation Tribal Council session, Council passed a resolution to establish a 1365 Resettlement Committee.
View the resolution HERE: TO ESTABLISH A 1365 RESETTLEMENT COMMITTEE
REMEMBER THE REMOVAL
This annual event is dedicated to remembering our Seneca Allegany homelands and way of life prior to the construction of the Kinzua dam. It is also held so that all generations will know what happened and not to let it ever happen again.
There were 300 families that had to pack their belongings and tell their children that their homes would be burned down along with their school, community centers, stores, and longhouse, destroying their way of life. When the forced removal took place in 1964, the Seneca Nation did fight against it along with supporters, however, we did not have enough resources to win. The event is a constant reminder of what happened and to do whatever it takes to protect our lands from any threats. The event will be held on Saturday, September 30, 2023, beginning at 8:00 – 9:00 a.m. at the Allegany Community Center where there will be a giveaway of t-shirts and morning refreshments At 9:15 buses will be available to transport people to Breed Run road and then walk to the Red House Bridge. The historic bridge is being removed and a new one will be constructed in about a two-year period. Speakers will share memories of the bridge and the role ironworkers played in the Seneca community. Busses will return people to the Community Center for a luncheon and program. Please checkout Seneca Media & Communications Facebook page and website for further information.
Sincerely,
Rickey L. Armstrong, Sr.
