A message from President Rickey L. Armstrong Sr.

Greetings,

I hope that this message finds you well.

Another gagëhöde’ (summer) favorite, fair time. Whether it’s the rides, animals, or the fair food, I hope you can attend your favorite summertime fair. Reclaiming Indigenous Resiliency and Hope brought Indigenous peoples and allied attendees from across Turtle Island and the world to Seneca Niagara. Recently the Seneca Nation hosted the World Indigenous Suicide Prevention Conference at the Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino. More information is included in this edition of the Seneca Nation Newsletter.

Statement on Indigenous Nations Summit in Albany

On July 30, 2024, elected leaders from New York State welcomed representatives from several Native Nations within New York to Albany for an “Indigenous Nations Summit” meeting. The Seneca Nation did not attend as this was a public relations stunt.

The meeting was to talk about the State’s commitment to improved dealings with Native Nations. Yet, the Seneca Nation’s gaming Compact remains unresolved after two years of discussions. That lack of urgency from the State is disappointing and speaks volumes of the State’s priorities.

The Seneca Nation has been negotiating a new gaming Compact with New York State since the summer of 2022. Between our casinos, our business enterprises, and our government operations, we are responsible for more than 5,000 direct jobs, more than $300 million in annual wages, and nearly $600 million in annual spending with vendors and suppliers. All told, the Nation has an annual economic impact of more than $1.1 billion on the Western New York economy.

Illegal Vagrant Encampments

On August 8th, the Seneca Nation, in partnership with the City of Salamanca, began the removal of multiple illegal vagrant encampments across the Allegany Territory. These encampments present a significant risk to the community’s health, safety, environment, and are in direct violation of Seneca Nation Laws and Ordinances. A taskforce comprised of several agencies have identified over 14 active and inactive sites throughout the Nation’s Territory, within the city, along wood lines, and in areas less traveled. Removal began along the Pennsy Trail system and will continue throughout the Territory. This removal of illegal encampments will not be a one-time event. We will remain vigilant and answer any reports of illegal vagrant encampments.

Operational Task Force members include Seneca Nation President Rickey L. Armstrong, Sr., City of Salamanca Mayor Sandra Magiera, Seneca Nation Allegany Conservation, Seneca Nation Marshals, City of Salamanca Police, Seneca Nation Department of Public Works, Seneca Fire & EMS. Departments assisting behind the scenes are Seneca Nation Emergency Management, Seneca Nation Sanitation, and Seneca Nation Department of Transportation.

Pennsy Trail Cameras

The Seneca Nation and the City of Salamanca recently purchased new cameras to monitor the 3-mile Pennsy Trail system. The Seneca Nation Department of Transportation, the Seneca Nation Department of Public Works, and the Salamanca Board of Public Utilities worked to install the cameras. The new cameras will be monitored by the Seneca Nation Marshals and the Salamanca Police Department.

The Seneca Nation and the City of Salamanca encourage Nation and City employees, local businesses, area residents, civic organizations, youth groups, focus groups, and trail users to volunteer services and/or raise funds for additional trail features and amenities. Any individual or group may contact the Seneca Nation Department of Transportation at (716) 945-1790.

Keep an eye out for the upcoming Seneca Nation Fall Festival and Remember the Removal Day. I hope everyone is enjoying their favorite summer harvest. Until next time, please take a moment to check on your neighbors, community, family, and friends.