Greetings,
I hope that this message finds you well.
Hayë:neah (September) ushers in a new academic year for our youth. Fall high school sports are also back in action. Although Mother Nature paused the Salamanca Warriors varsity football home opener, the Warriors prevailed over Chautauqua Lake/Westfield/Brocton 38-14.
Another Fall favorite, the Seneca Fall Festival is being held this weekend, September 13th, 14th, & 15th, on the Saylor Building grounds (12861 Route 438, Irving, NY 14081.) I hope everyone can get out an enjoy the sights, sounds, and the food of the Seneca Fall Festival.
Illegal Drug Activity & Encampments
The Seneca Nation has terminated a residential 40/40-year Lease agreement at 65 Swan Street in the City of Salamanca on the Allegany Territory. The termination was part of the ongoing battle with illegal drug activity and encampments within the city. Termination of the lease gives full ownership rights of the property to the Seneca Nation. The property will be assessed to determine if the house can be repaired or if demolition will be required.
By continuing to terminate Leases due to blatant violations sends a clear message that the Seneca Nation will not tolerate these behaviors, and we will certainly take the necessary actions to protect our elders, children, and families.
Public Safety Training
The Seneca Nation’s Law Enforcement Commission, Emergency Management, Marshals, Conservation, Fire, & EMS departments, the Seneca Resorts & Casinos, and our partner agencies have been actively involved in trainings offered by the Louisiana State University’s (LSU) National Center for Biomedical Research & Training/Academy of Counter Terrorism Education. The LSU training team recently completed Law Enforcement Active Shooter Emergency Response, Active Threat Integrated Response, and Site Protection through Observation Techniques training for the Seneca Nation and our partners in public safety. LSU has provided this vital training to Seneca Nation free of charge. For more information online: ncbrt.lsu.edu.
International Overdose Awareness Day
August 31st was International Overdose Awareness Day. This day marks the world’s largest annual campaign to end overdoses by remembering those who have lost their lives to the plague of addiction. From August 29th -31st, the lights of the William Seneca Building were turned purple to recognize the significance of this day, and our dedication to increased awareness of the dangers of substance use. For more information, reach out to Seneca Strong (716) 945-8413 or (716) 532- 8223 or Seneca Native Connections (716) 945-8413 or senecanativeconnections.org.
Every Child Matters
Creating awareness and healing, through the understanding of historical & generational trauma from Indian Boarding Schools on our Seneca Nation community. This month, The Seneca Nation’s Crime Victim Services and Family Support Services departments and Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino will be hosting Every Child Matters events. More information is included in this edition of the Newsletter (in the flyers posted below) and on the Seneca Media and Communication Center’s Facebook page.
Remember the Removal
This year marks the 60th year since our removal from our beloved communities along the Ohi:yo’. A remembrance walk has been scheduled for September 28th. More information is included in this edition of the Newsletter (also, see flyer below) and on the Seneca Media and Communications Center’s Facebook page.
To Report Suspicious Activity, Squatters, Encampments: contact the President’s Office at 716.577.4717; or Conservation & Marshals in Allegany at (716) 945-2779 or in Cattaraugus at (716) 532-8211.
Lastly, the Seneca Nation Community Planning & Development department needs your input. Please take the time to fill out their online survey at www.surveymokey.com/r/SenecaSurvey or call (716) 532-4900 x 5093 or 3018.
Respectfully,
Rickey L. Armstrong, Sr., President
