Greetings,
I hope that this message finds you well.
The rolling hills of the Ohi:yo’ are full of leaves once again. It feels more like o’jógëhö:di’ (It became summer) suddenly. This weather is ripe for gardening, outdoor fun, or an evening stroll.
Women’s Right to Vote
This year, May 23, 2024, marked a significant milestone in our Nation’s history. Sixty years ago, Seneca women gained the right to vote in our Nation’s elections. Four unsuccessful women’s suffrage referendums were held in 1951, 1956, 1959, & 1962. It would not be until May 23, 1964, that the Seneca women’s suffrage would succeed. The women’s suffrage fight would not end with just the right to vote.
A little over two years later, on October 7, 1966, Seneca women gained the right to serve as elected Seneca Nation officials. Since 1966, 159 Seneca women have served or are serving as elected officials of the Seneca Nation. Most, if not all, should be able to recognize two prominent Seneca women, Winifred A. Kettle, Clerk & Genevieve R. Plummer, Surrogate’s Court Judge.
1842 Buffalo Creek Treaty Commemoration
On May 17, 2024, our Nation paused to reflect on and remember the atrocities that led to the Buffalo Creek Treaty of 1842. After the American Revolution, US President George Washington promised our ancestors that this land was ours forever. Many fought hard to extinguish the Seneca Nation through broken treaties and unkept promises.
More than 180 years ago, our Seneca leaders preserved forever our Cattaraugus, Allegany, and Oil Spring territories as ours, free from outside taxation by other governments, affirming forever our sovereignty. From that moment, rooted in our sovereignty, a great Nation continues to grow.
Cancer Patients in the Seneca Nation Community
I have included these helpful tips for patients needing support with cancer related medical records and cancer focused patient navigation. You can request a copy of the available medical records from HEALTHeLINK, if you have previously consented to the HEALTHeLINK as a Seneca Nation patient. You can request paper copies or secure files by calling (716) 206-0993 option 1 Monday through Friday 8:30am-5:30pm.
Please use the following link for requesting health information: https://wnyhealthelink.com/for-patients/patient-data-access/
If you would like assistance, please contact Marissa Haring, CHES, M.S. cancer patient navigator at marissa.haring@roswellpark.org or (716) 697-3787. She will provide a consent form that will allow her to assist your cancer navigation journey regardless of which cancer service or cancer care organization you use for screening, treatment, and other areas of the cancer care continuum. If you are a Roswell Park patient and need cancer related non-life-threatening urgent care services, please call 716-845-2300. The Roswell Park Assessment and Treatment Center (ACT) is open 24 hours a day.
As spring gives way to the summer heat and steam, take the time to care for yourself. Stay hydrated and take plenty of breaks while enjoying or working in the summer sun and heat. Check on your family (pets included), friends, and neighbors. Get out for that leisurely summer sunrise or sunset stroll.
Respectfully,
Rickey L. Armstrong, Sr, President
