Greetings,
I hope this message finds you well and in good health. We recently experienced a bout of frigid temperatures and lake effect snow across the region. I hope our winter sports enthusiasts can make the most of this weather. An area favorite, the Amsoil U.S. Air Force Snocross National will be returning to the Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino February 16th & 17th.
January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month
Human trafficking is considered a modern-day form of slavery, and this can happen to anyone. As Indigenous peoples, we experience some of the highest rates of violence and our communities are especially vulnerable to human traffickers. Traffickers prey on individuals that have been impacted by social injustices or economic inequalities.
We, as a community, need to be aware of the signs of human trafficking. We encourage our members to visit with one another and attend community events. This Saturday, January 27th, Seneca Nation Crime Victim Services will be hosting a Human Trafficking and Stalking Awareness at the CCC from 10am to noon.
Seneca Energy
Seneca Energy has been busy the past few months! The generator program is going strong. Over 175 site visits have been completed with over 120 installations. We are expecting to install another 100 generators over the next few months. The Cattaraugus Natural Gas Distribution program is being expanded and hundreds of Cattaraugus residents will gain access to natural gas in place of expensive and unreliable propane. There are 650 individuals and businesses connected to the fiber broadband network. The community continues to rave about the service!
Seneca Nation Health System
The Seneca Nation Health System was awarded a $3.5 million grant which will go towards improvements of the Lionel R. John Health Center on the Allegany Territory. Plans call for an additional 10,000 square feet of space at the facility.
Services envisioned include state of the art physical therapy services, improved cardiology and chiropractic services, a new drive-thru pharmacy, and expanded dental and medical services.
Old Route 17 / Red House Bridge
Construction to replace the Old Route 17 / Red House Bridge officially began on November 8t, 2023 with Atlantic Testing Laboratories (ATL) conducting soil borings from the bridge. Archaeologists started excavating identified sensitive areas on November 16th.
A few quick facts about the Old Route 17 / Red House Bridge. The bridge is a steel, four span, Warren pony truss style, built in 1930. The bridge is 480 feet in length, 27 feet wide, and consists of four identical truss spans. The inaugural Remember the Removal ceremony was held on September 29, 1984, the 20th anniversary of our relocation. (See page 7 for more history)
Seneca Nation Building Closures
The Seneca Nation is committed to ensuring the safety of the public and our employees in our buildings. The following buildings will be closed to the public to allow for Emergency Response Training: Seneca Allegany Administration Building, February 13 (All-day); Allegany Community Center, February 14 (8 am to 5 pm); Seneca Arts & Learning Center, February 15 (All-day); William Seneca Building, February 27 (All-day); Cattaraugus Community Center, February 28 (8 am to 5 pm); Early Childhood Learning Center, February 29 (All-day); LRJHC, March 5 (All-day); & CIRHC, March 7 (All-day.)
Whether you enjoy skiing, snow shoeing or our age-old tradition of throwing snow snakes, take the time, and enjoy winter’s beauty. Continue to check the Seneca Media & Communications Center’s Facebook page for updates on exciting events taking place on and around our territories.
Until our paths cross again, stay safe.
~ Rickey L. Armstrong, Sr.
