Nya:wëh sgë:nö’ my fellow Senecas,
I hope this message finds you well! It brings me great joy to see the world coming back to life after a long winter.
On April 29th and 30th, Councillors Kevin Seneca and Odie Porter, Legal Counsel to the President, Rob Porter, and I traveled to Washington, D.C. for two full days of robust meetings.
On Day 1, we met with the Deputy Director of the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs for Local and Tribal Governments, Christine Glassner, as well as Congressman Nick Langworthy, Representative Elise Stefanik, Representative Mike Lawler, and Acting Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs, Scott Davis.
On Day 2, we had the opportunity to meet with Speaker of the House Mike Johnson — on a balcony overlooking the Capitol — and the staff of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs.
These meetings are vital, particularly in uncertain times like these, as we continue to advocate for our people, our way of life, our security, and our future.
May is a busy and exciting month for our community! We’ve been celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week, as well as honoring our Nurses and EMTs. I was proud to present Seneca Art and Learning Center’s Teacher of the Year Award to Jill Newark- congratulations again, Jill! I’m incredibly proud of all of our fantastic educators and healers — we are fortunate to have many outstanding individuals in these roles.
Graduation season is also in full swing! I recently had the opportunity to attend TERC’s STC graduation, as well as a celebration and awards ceremony at the University at Buffalo for their Indigenous Studies program. I truly look forward to witnessing the upcoming graduations- it’s inspiring to see so many of our young people achieving great things.
I’d like to recognize Kevin Nephew, President and Chief Executive Officer of Seneca Gaming Corporation, for being named “Executive of the Year” by the Buffalo Niagara Sales and Marketing Executives organization. Congratulations, Kevin — a well-deserved honor!
We have so much to be proud of, and I’m grateful for every chance to celebrate the accomplishments of our talented community.
I want to wish a very Happy Mother’s Day to all the mothers, grandmothers, aunties, and matriarchs in our community. A special Mother’s Day shout-out goes to First Lady Nicole, who has gone above and beyond as my best friend, partner, and the most incredible mother I’ve ever known. Despite having her hands quite full, she always makes time for our children and serves as a loving, thoughtful, steady, and guiding matriarch to everyone in our lives.
Nicole and I had the pleasure of honoring and surprising the women who attended the May 10th Council meeting with beautiful flower baskets. These were purchased through a fundraiser hosted by the Northeast Chapter of the North American Indian Women’s Association (NAIWA). A special thank you to the group for delivering 80 baskets to SAAB early that Saturday morning — your effort and dedication are deeply appreciated.
Leadership and community members are preparing to head to Albany for the first Native American Day in ten years, sponsored by Senator Joseph Addabbo Jr and members of the Senate State- Native American Relations Committee. There, we will have round table discussions, joined by tribal leaders from throughout the NY area. Tribal Nations have also been invited to showcase our culture, art and history in the hallways of the Legislative Office Building at the Capitol.
With all of the celebrations, as well as prom season upon us, I’d like to encourage everyone to stay safe and make good choices.
Until next time!
~JC
