Heyhey Nya:wëh Sgë:nö’,
Over the last several weeks, the impacts of the federal government shutdown have been felt by more individuals and families in our community and across the country. Among the harshest impacts have been on critical benefits programs, like SNAP, that people depend on to help feed their families.
The Seneca Nation will not let our people suffer because of political bickering in Washington. Several Nation departments have made resources available to community members in need of assistance related to food security and heating assistance. Our Tribal Advocate Program is also accepting donations of food staples and other essential items to help provide for those in need. Anyone in need of assistance should call the Tribal Advocate office in Allegany, 716-945-2655; Cattaraugus, 716-244-1648; or Buffalo, 716-845-6304.
Let’s continue to look out for one another as we have always done.
As you know, November is Native American Heritage Month. Throughout the month, there are several events and programs taking place in our community that showcase our culture, our history, and who we are as a people. I hope everyone will take time to participate in and enjoy some of these events.
We started Native American Heritage Month in grand fashion, when Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino hosted its 3rd Annual Indigenous Fashion Show on November 1. I want to congratulate everyone who helped make the show such a success. It was an amazing celebration of Indigenous culture, highlighted by the remarkable creations of the designers and models who participated in the show. I was happy to offer some welcoming remarks – and proud that our First Lady, Nicole Seneca, was one of the models for the evening!
Earlier this week, we commemorated Canandaigua Treaty Day, recognizing one of the most important treaties in United States history. Today, we will witness another important moment when Ely Parker, who had a profound impact on Indigenous people and on the history of the United States, is posthumously admitted to the New York State Bar at a special ceremony in Buffalo.
When Ely Parker applied to take the bar exam, he was denied because, as a Native person, he was not considered a United States citizen. He went on play a pivotal role in the United States Civil War as secretary to General Ulysses S. Grant, helping to draft the surrender documents that officially ended the war. President Grant later named Parker his Commissioner of Indian Affairs, the first Native person to serve in that role.
Lee Redeye, our Seneca Nation Deputy Counsel, helped lead the effort to get Ely Parker admitted to the New York State Bar. Lee called this “the first step in the long march for justice for Native people. This historic event not only rights a profound wrong from our past but also serves as a powerful example for future generations of Native attorneys by showing them that we do not have to accept injustice. We can, and we will, fight for our people, for our nations, and for our future generations.”
As a sovereign Native Nation, one of our greatest rights is our right to self-government. Our community exercised that right recently with our Judicial elections. I want to thank everyone who ran for office, because participating in our government process keeps our Nation’s government strong and ensures that the voice and will of our people is heard.
I also want to congratulate those who were elected to serve in our Nation’s courts. You bear the greatest honor and responsibility our Nation can provide – representing our people, upholding our Seneca Nation Constitution, enforcing our laws, and protecting our sovereignty.
With the holiday season approaching, it is important to take the time to step back, recognize and be grateful for all the Creator has provided. I hope everyone enjoys the upcoming holidays. We have much to be thankful for in our community.
Until next time,
J.C.
