President Armstrong, Treasurer Pagels, Leaders of the Tonawanda Seneca Nation and Tuscarora Nation, Met with Secretary Deb Haaland, U.S. Department of the Interior
On June 27th, President Armstrong and Treasurer Pagels, along with leaders of the Tonawanda Seneca Nation and Tuscarora Nation, met with Secretary Deb Haaland, U.S. Department of the Interior, and other federal officials at the Tonawanda Council House. Secretary Haaland began the meeting by reaffirming the United States’ and the Biden Administration’s commitment to Indian country and Native people. After Secretary Haaland’s opening remarks concluded, each Nation was given an opportunity to speak directly with the Secretary on matters of importance to each Nation. President Armstrong and Treasurer Pagels discussed the Nation’s ongoing compact negotiations, the Kinzua lands, the Thruway dispute, and the opioid problem in Indian country. Secretary Haaland listened intently to the President’s and Treasurer’s messages and the Seneca Nation will be following up with her staff to make sure that the Seneca Nation’s issues and concerns are at the forefront of the Secretary’s agenda moving forward.
After the meeting concluded, President Armstrong presented the Secretary with annuity cloth and explained the meaning behind this annual reminder that the treaties between the Seneca Nation and the United States are still valid and must be honored.
