Greetings,
I hope this message finds you well. We are at the peak of o:ya:ji (blueberry), dagwá’dä:në’ (raspberry), and otgä:shä’ (blackberry) season. Check out the Seneca Nation Gakwi:yoh Farms Facebook page for market information. The weather was ideal to travel to the Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino for the annual Seneca Veterans Powwow. This year, 661 registered dancers and drums rocked the 2024 edition of the Marvin “Joe” Curry Veterans Powwow. I hope everyone was able to get to the powwow and take in the songs, witness the competitions, and grab some delicious powwow food!
Law Enforcement Referendum
After council sought direction from the Seneca people on July 12th, they voted against creating a Seneca Nation police department or entering cross deputization agreements with neighboring law enforcement agencies. The Seneca Nation Council and Executives will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to ensure and enhance public safety on the territories.
In case of an emergency, always dial 911. For non-emergencies, Seneca Nation Dispatch can be reached at Allegany: (716)945-2779 and Cattaraugus: (716)532-8211.
Remember the Removal
Sixty years ago, we lost control of 10,000 acres of our homelands, our way of life. Our homes at Onoville, Old Town, Quaker Bridge, Coldspring, and Red House gone forever. This year the Remember the Removal Committee has created the theme “Honor the past, Claim the future” to commemorate this tragic period in our history. The communities of Onoville and Old Town will be featured.
The Committee will host a beef on weck potluck dinner and reflect on Onoville, Old Town Old Times on August 1st at the Steamburg Community. More information is included in the flyer below.
1365 Resettlement Committee
On May 11, 2024, Council established the 1365 Resettlement Committee, replacing the Kinzua Lands Committee, to oversee the development and implementation of a comprehensive plan for the reclamation and use of acreage within the Kinzua Take Area. The Committee has been busy finalizing the initial plan and preparing for important discussions with the Seneca community.
The ultimate resettlement process is expected to take several years and include several steps before development can take place. The Committee has been identifying issues such as site remediation, road reconstruction, infrastructure development, including water and sewer. The Nation can self-perform much of the necessary work, and the Committee has been consulting with several Nation departments, including Planning, Transportation, and Fire/EMS. A press release from the 1365 Resettlement Committee is included in this edition of the Newsletter.
The Seneca Nation Health System has returned to their normal telephone numbers. Those numbers have been included in this Newsletter – see below.
The July buck moon means we are over halfway through the calendar year. It is also a busy time of year for family gatherings, graduation ceremonies, and so much more. Take the time to check on your family, friends, and neighbors.
Respectfully,
Rickey L. Armstrong, Sr., President
