Greetings,
I hope this message finds you well and that you were able to get out and enjoy some sunshine. The téhdo:ö’ (groundhog) is predicting that spring will arrive early this year. I immediately start thinking about fresh walleye, hearty wild onion soup, and sweet maple syrup. We are almost there. Our students will have an opportunity to refresh and recharge during the upcoming winter break. I hope every student returns to class ready to take on the remainder of the academic year!
Seneca Nation Building Closures
The Seneca Nation in collaboration with Louisiana State University’s National Center for Biomedical Research and Training (NCBRT) will provide our employees the training to better recognize, communicate, and act upon suspicious behaviors that could indicate a terroristic threat.
During the NCBRT training certain Seneca Nation buildings will be closed to the public. The following buildings will be closed to the public: Seneca Allegany Administration Building, February 13th (All day); Allegany Community Center, February 14th (8 am to 5 pm); Seneca Arts & Learning Center, February 15th (All day); William Seneca Building, February 27th (All day); Cattaraugus Community Center, February 28th (8 am to 5 pm); Early Childhood Learning Center, February 29th (All day); LRJHC, March 5th (All day); & CIRHC, March 7th (All day.)
Elder Protection Code
At a Special Council held on January 23, 2024, the Seneca Nation enacted the Seneca Elder Protection Code to protect one of our Nation’s most valuable treasures, our Seneca elders. The Code provides penalties for individuals that abuse, neglect, and exploit our Seneca elders. The Code also allows the Peacemakers’ Court to order non-punitive forms of relief intended to restore and strengthen our Seneca families.
The Code will create the Elder Protective Services department to investigate reports of suspected Seneca elder abuse, neglect, self-neglect, and exploitation. Elder Protective Services will also provide our Seneca elders with the resources necessary to seek justice.
The Seneca Elder Protective Code is a result of more than a year and a half of work by the AOA Advisory Work Group in collaboration with the Nation’s Council. The AOA Advisory Work Group also held public meetings on the Code and the feedback received from the community was thoughtfully considered and largely incorporated into the Code. All enrolled Senecas are encouraged to request a copy of the Seneca Elder Protection Code from the Clerk’s Office and to familiarize yourself with the Code’s provisions to ensure that our Seneca elders are protected.
Employees of the Month
Every month, Seneca Nation Executives, Councillors, and employees gather to recognize and honor the Seneca Nation Employees of the Month. For February the Employees of the Month are Randall Thompson, Licensed Surveyor, Cattaraugus and Jill Newark, Lead Teacher, Seneca Arts & Learning Center. In recognition of Randall’s and Jill’s hard work and dedication, each will receive a special plaque, a preferred parking spot, a small gift, and a day off.
Executive Order
President Armstrong has issued an Executive Order restricting certain privileges of Kelly Luke due to his ongoing illicit and dangerous drug-related activities. Luke poses a threat to Seneca communities, and is subject to forfeiting any payments, services, etc. from the Seneca Nation General Fund for a minimum of three years.
View Executive Order HERE
Items of note
- Gakwi:yoh Farms (13594 Taylor Hollow Road, Collins, NY 14034) – Winter Market hours are Monday – Friday 8am to 4:30pm.
- Buffalo Bandit’s Native American Heritage Night – February 24, 2024 @ 7:30 pm, Discounted tickets are available online at: fevo-enterprise.com/event/Senecagaming
- Total Solar Eclipse – April 8th, 2024. There will be events at the CCC, the Allegany & Cattaraugus territory libraries, & at all three Seneca Casinos. Stay tuned for more information in the next newsletter.
- Ohi:yo’ Art Market – May 11, 2024, at the Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino.
- Marvin “Joe” Curry Veterans Pow Wow – July 20th & 21st at the Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino Event Center.
Although the sun is out and the téhdo:ö’ is predicting an early spring, there is certainly some winter weather left. Please take the time to catch up with your family, friends, and neighbors. Stay tuned to the Seneca Media and Communication Center’s Facebook page for more updates.
Respectfully,
Rickey L. Armstrong, Sr., President
Reminder: Seneca Nation Buildings will be Closed to the Public and for Business Due to Training
Below is the schedule for building closures:
• Tuesday, February 27, 2024 | William Seneca Building, Cattaraugus Territory | All Day
• Wed., February 28, 2024 | Cattaraugus Community Center (CCC), Cattaraugus Territory | 8am-5pm
• Thursday, February 29, 2024 | Early Childhood Learning Center (ECLC), Cattaraugus Territory | All Day
• Tuesday, March 5, 2024 | LRJHC, Allegany Territory | All Day
• Thursday, March 7, 2024 | CIRHC, Cattaraugus Territory | All Day
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the President’s Office at 716-945-1790.
