A message from President J.C. Seneca

Nya:wëh Sgë:nö’,

I hope this message finds you and your families well.

It’s been a very busy and productive summer across our Nation. Many of you following the Seneca Media and Communication’s social media channels are already aware that our leadership, alongside the Public Safety Commission, recently hosted a significant meeting with a large delegation of law enforcement agencies on our Allegany Territory.

This gathering focused on a critical issue facing our communities—illegal drug activity and drug trafficking. In attendance were federal representatives from the U.S. Department of Justice, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Department of the Interior, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs. We were also joined by several state and local law enforcement partners, including the New York State Police and the Sheriff’s Offices of Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, and Niagara Counties, as well as the Salamanca Police Department.

Importantly, Seneca Mothers Against Drugs were represented at the meeting. Elder Lucille White shared the group’s vital mission and spoke with deep emotion about her passion for protecting our people—her voice was a powerful reminder of what’s at stake.

The discussion covered the ongoing drug trafficking activity, the impact it’s having on our people and communities, the steps the Nation is currently taking, and how we can strengthen partnerships with federal agencies. We received encouraging feedback, including information on federal programs and grants available to us—such as law enforcement training, addiction recovery services, and funding to support community-based safety initiatives.

The visit concluded with a tour of Salamanca’s most impacted areas, including places where drug activity and homelessness have raised concern. We also showcased our community’s strengths by bringing our visitors to the Allegany Community Center, where some of our talented lacrosse players shared their skills. We ended at the Seneca-Iroquois National Museum, offering our guests a look into our history, culture, and art—including the popular Hellbenders exhibit.

This visit was historic and meaningful. While we often travel to Albany, Washington, D.C., and beyond to advocate for our Nation, there is no substitute for leaders experiencing our community firsthand—meeting our families, feeling our pride, and understanding our deep connection to our homelands. That, I believe, made all the difference.

Another recent highlight was welcoming friends and families from across Turtle Island to our annual Veterans Powwow. I had the honor of introducing a strong supporter of the Seneca Nation, Senator George Borrello, who joined us for the first time. Senator Borrello presented us with a plaque of the Resolution that he introduced on the Senate floor in May, at which time, he offered a sincere apology for the atrocities that occurred here at the Thomas Indian School. This, along with the Governors apology will be stored at our museum. Afterward, Senator Borrello enjoyed his first Scon Dog and Strawberry Juice—and is now a fan!

I also just returned from Albany, where several Council members and I met directly with Governor Kathy Hochul. I’m pleased to report that we have committed to having our Compact Negotiation Teams meet in the coming weeks to move this agreement forward. We also discussed several other key matters and have committed to continued collaboration on these fronts

I wish you all a safe and enjoyable July. Thank you for your continued support and commitment to our people and Nation.

Until next time,
J.C.