On June 13, 2025, the Seneca Nation displayed its commitment to protecting our elders for a flag raising ceremony at the Seneca Allegany Administration Building and the William Seneca Building. That commitment was strengthened when the Nation enacted the Seneca Elder Protection Code in January 2024. In developing this new law, the Nation’s government worked closely with the Area Office of the Aging, the Health System, various other Nation departments, and the community to create a regulatory system that protects our elders and connects them with critical services in the unfortunate event that they are victims of abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation.
The Code also imposes penalties -ranging from loss of direct benefits to community service, restitution, or restorative justice on offenders to deter future mistreatment of our elders while also healing family and community connections. The AOA and Elder Advisory Board works with the Crime Victim Services Department in order to effectively implement and enforce the Code.
Nya:wëh to the Council Office for sponsoring today’s flag raising event, and to our honorary Elders Elliott Tallchief and Dennis Bowen for raising the flag. Happy birthday, Dennis!
