Greetings,
I trust that this message finds you well.
Gëgwidekneh (Spring) is a time of resilience and rebirth. The birds have returned to share their songs with us. The hibernating animals, trees, and plants are reawakening. Our temperatures have warmed, and the longer days are most welcomed. It is encouraging to hear all the ga’no’s (peepers) at night, spring is here to stay.
I hope everyone had the opportunity to experience the o’ gà:h gwáh dö’ (solar eclipse.) Although the skies were less than ideal, the eclipse was a sacred awe-inspiring experience.
City of Olean
Recently, the City of Olean Wastewater Treatment Plant reported two overflows of untreated sewage into the Ohi:yo’ (Beautiful River.) The overflows lasted for a combined 178 minutes releasing approximately 186,000 gallons of untreated raw sewage into the Ohi:yo’ due to heavy rains. The Nation’s Emergency Management Department immediately alerted Allegany Territory residents of the sewage overflow and the Seneca Nation Environmental Protection Department is monitoring the situation.
The NYS Department of Environmental Conservation has issued the City of Olean numerous warnings and citations over the years. The Nation has even offered to assist the city in seeking grant funding sources to help fund and complete the long-needed repairs, which the city declined.
“Ongoing warnings and citations without an effective remedy only increase the likelihood of additional discharges and further threaten public health and safety. Our people and our many neighbors along the Ohi:yo’ deserve more than fruitless conversations and toothless citations.”
Buffalo Creek Community Center
The Seneca Nation was awarded a $1.59 million federal grant through the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the Buffalo Creek Community Center project. The Nation is in the process of acquiring a vacant former church, which also includes a small one-bedroom pastor’s house structure at 265 Skillen Street in Buffalo’s Riverside neighborhood.
Since 1988, the Buffalo Office’s programming has grown to include social events, cultural workshops, Seneca language classes, a native library, food pantry, and more. “As a sovereign government that provides for our citizens, it is critical that the reach of our support programming and services extends to all of our people.”
“This project will be a signal to our people, and to our neighbors in Buffalo, that the Seneca Nation, the Seneca people, and Seneca culture are still very much a strong part of the fabric of Buffalo.” According to the Clerk’s Office, there are 750 enrolled Seneca households in the City of Buffalo and many others throughout the immediate surrounding area.
Employees of the Month
On March 28th, Seneca Nation Executives, Councillors, and employees gathered to honor and recognize the March 2024 Seneca Nation Employees of the Month. The March 2024 honoree for the Allegany Territory was Tara Perkins, Investment & Audit staff accountant and for the Cattaraugus Territory, Todd LaQuay, GIS Senior GIS Analyst. Congratulations and thank you for your dedicated service.
Cattaraugus Territory – Seneca Nation Dispatch
Recently, the Seneca Nation transitioned to a new phone system. Please take note and share that the Cattaraugus Territory – Seneca Nation Dispatch’s new phone number is 716-532-8211. The public should use the new phone number to contact the Cattaraugus Conservation Department and/or the Cattaraugus Marshals Department. There has been no change to the phone number for the Allegany Territory – Seneca Nation Dispatch.
Finally, our high school students are in the home stretch of the academic year and the sports teams are off to a stellar start this season. Whether it is the front porch or the forest, take the time to get outdoors and enjoy some fresh air, sun, and perhaps grab a friend or two and support our youth athletes.
Respectfully,
Rickey L. Armstrong, Sr., President
