Greetings,
I hope that this message finds you well.
A few nights ago, the Hadi:wënodaje’s (the Thunderers) swept across Seneca Territory. Although the Thunderers represent the renewal of life, old man winter is still hanging on. Soon, we will enjoy more sunlight, warmer temperatures, and the return of field lacrosse.
Congratulations to the Salamanca Warriors’ varsity boys’ basketball team for winning the NYSPHSAA Class B Far West Regional Championship. The Warriors beat the Avon River Hawks 62-58 to advance onto the Final 4. The Warriors will take on the Marcellus Mustangs in the NYSPHSAA Class B Final 4 in Glenns Falls, NY on Thursday, March 14th.
Casino Compact Update
The casino compact negotiations are ongoing. While we feel that we are making good progress on some issues, others continue to be a challenge. I don’t expect that we will finalize negotiations by the end of the month. Fortunately, the compact extension agreement will automatically be renewed for three months as of April 1st, unless we or New York State objects to the extension.
Our casino operations will continue under the extension agreement, and we will continue our push for a fair and equitable Compact for the Seneca people. When those negotiations conclude, we will have community meetings to go over the new proposed Compact terms. Afterwards, the new proposed Compact will be presented for approval by the Seneca people in a referendum.
March Employees of the Month
Every month the Seneca Nation recognizes two employees who display qualities that set them apart from their peers. On March 1st, Executives, Councillors, and employees gathered in the Allegany and Cattaraugus Council Chambers to recognize Larry Becelia and Curtis Archer as Seneca Nation Employees of the Month for February 2024. Larry is the Allegany Conservation Law Enforcement Supervisor and Curtis is a Cattaraugus Training and Employment Resource Center (TERC) Counselor. Congratulations gentlemen!
March is Women’s History Month
Mother Earth, Grandmother Moon, the Three Sisters…it is our custom and tradition to honor women in our matrilineal society. In modern times, over 150 women have been elected to various offices within the Seneca Nation government. There are also many successful Seneca businesswomen among us.
Recently, a talented Seneca and a January 2024 Seneca Nation Employee of the Month, Aryian Stevens lent her artistic skills to help design Lily Gladstone’s (Killers of the Flower Moon) dress she wore at this years’ Oscars Awards ceremony in Hollywood, CA. Aryian has also been selected as this year’s Smoke Dance judge at the Marvin “Joe” Curry Seneca Veterans Powwow. Congratulations Aryian!
Healthy Home Program
The Seneca Nation’s Healthy Homes program is designed for low income, on territory residents who are not be able to make substantial changes necessary to improve their living environment. The program’s focus is locating Radon and mitigating the risk levels within the home to livable standards. The program’s 2nd round of funding is aimed at helping our people with Hazard Remediation needs. The maximum allotment per eligible applicant is $10,000.
Although Radon is at the forefront of the remediation focus, the program can also address 28 other hazards that may be present within the home. The Seneca Nation Community Planning and Development Department is currently working on an updated application that will also be available online. Reach out to the Cattaraugus Planning Office at 716-532-4900 and ask for either Camden Twoguns (ext. 5079) or Evette Stevens (ext. 5054) for more information or to apply.
Finally, the weather is becoming more favorable for outdoor activities like walking, hiking, or trail riding. Don’t forget to invite a family member, friend, or neighbor to join in. While you are out and about, practice some Seneca language. A Seneca language dictionary can be found at senecalanguage.com.
Respectfully,
Rickey L. Armstrong, Sr., President
