Heyhey Nya:wëh Sgë:nö’,
I hope everyone is doing well.
We started February with a very important development, when we welcomed officials from the United States Army Corps of Engineers Pittsburgh District to the Allegany Territory, where we signed a Memorandum of Understanding. The MOU establishes consultation procedures for a meaningful, timely and collaborative process when the Army Corps is planning and implementing civil works projects and programs that implicate or have a direct effect on the Nation and our people.
As we know, this commitment from the Army Corps has been lacking for decades. The consultation practices that had been followed previously were nominal and nothing that the Nation could reliably count on. The MOU comes as the Army Corps is preparing for an upcoming dam safety modification study to plan for the future of the Kinzua Dam. It has s been more than 60 years since the devastating removal of our people and the loss and destruction of our lands to facilitate the government’s construction of the dam, in blatant violation of the Treaty of Canandaigua. We were never justly compensated for that destruction.
Our people still suffer the pain and trauma associated with our forced removal from our own home. Any talk of rebuilding the dam reopens those wounds. If the Corps finds any concerns about the safety and condition of the dam, then in our opinion, it should be removed with a new dam built downstream. Under the framework of the MOU we signed with the Army Corps, the Nation will have meaningful input on what ultimately happens. This MOU does not mean that we will always agree, but I hope it leads to a better relationship with the Army Corps and better results for the Seneca Nation and our people.
In other government business, Nation representatives traveled to both Washington, D.C. and Albany this month to advocate for priority issues with both federal and New York State officials.
In Washington, our representatives met with Congressman Nick Langworthy to discuss both the Seneca Nation Law Enforcement Efficiency Act (H.R. 7065), as well as our MOU with the Army Corps of Engineers and the future of our lands within the Kinzua Take Area.
In Albany, we met with several New York State officials and government agencies to discuss priority issues that we hope to address in this year’s legislative session, including environmental concerns and other matters. We will continue to advocate for advancing our priorities in Washington and Albany throughout the year.
Here at home, I want to thank everyone who supported the Seneca nation Human Service Division’s 3rd Annual Teen Social. Your generous donations new and gently used ribbon skirts and shirts will help our young people celebrate our culture, our identity, and our community. Nya:wëh for everyone who helps make important programs and events like this possible.
Also, there are two exciting internship opportunities available for college students. There is still time to apply for the 2026 Internship Program at Seneca Resorts & Casinos. The 8-10-week paid internship program offers participating students the chance to gain hands-on experience, build their professional network and develop important job skills with our Class III gaming company. Applications are due by March 1. More information is available at the company’s careers site TheBest8Hours.com.
The Department of Indigenous Cancer Health is also seeking candidates for the 2026 Haudenosaunee Summer College Internship at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center in Buffalo. This program for rising college juniors and seniors offers an exceptional opportunity to work with experts in cancer research and outreach, meet mentors and leaders in Indigenous cancer health, and to support projects that respect Haudenosaunee traditions. Applications are due by March 31. More information is available by calling 716-845-5814 or sending an email to indigenouscancerhealth@roswellpark.org.
Finally, our Rochester Knighthawks continue their recent homestand with games February 28 against the Saskatchewan Rush and on March 8 against the Calgary Roughnecks. Head on out to Blue Cross Arena to cheer them on. Go Hawks!
Until next time,
J.C.
