Heyhey Nya:wëh Sgë:nö’,
Pictured above: President Seneca at the Buffalo Creek Treaty Commemoration.
With summer fast approaching, I hope everyone is starting to enjoy a bit more sunshine, warmer temperatures and time outside.
Soon after recognizing Onöndowa’ga:’ Day and the importance of the 1842 Buffalo Creek Treaty, we headed to Albany for our third Seneca Impact Day during my administration.
Several Nation officials, employees and community members traveled to the state Capitol, where we met and interacted with many elected leaders, state agencies and staff, and people from across New York, as well as with representatives from other Native Nations. There were also cultural displays and demonstrations in the Legislative Office Building, where everyone passing by could learn more about the Seneca Nation, our people, our culture, and our history.
The day started with a roundtable discussion with the New York State Senate State-Native American Relations Subcommittee. This was an opportunity for the Native Nations in attendance to discuss priority issues with the Senators on the committee. Some of the priorities we discussed, both with the subcommittee and during a full schedule of legislative and agency meetings throughout two days in Albany, included environmental clean-up activities on our territories, economic development initiatives, the status of our gaming Compact, and the need for New York State to actively support the revitalization of our traditional Seneca language.
During her visit to the Cattaraugus Territory a year ago, when she acknowledged and apologized for New York’s role in the operation of the Thomas Indian School and the devastating impacts on our people, Governor Hochul made a commitment to strengthen education initiatives to ensure that our history and culture were taught and preserved. It is time to follow through on that commitment.
Throughout its history, the state’s actions have nearly destroyed our traditional language. Revitalizing our language goes far beyond the realm of K-12 education, especially as our fluent speakers continue to age. That is why we want to explore the construction and operation of immersion schools on our territories – an initiative the state should help fund for the damage they caused. We will continue to push this initiative to bring our language back.
Here at home, it is graduation season. May has seen many of our college students receive their degrees at campuses from coast to coast. As President, it is beyond gratifying to see so many young Senecas pursuing higher education and excelling in the classroom and beyond. Ja:göh to all of our graduates and good luck with your next chapter, whether that is additional education or beginning your professional careers. Your families and our entire Seneca community are very proud of you!
Finally, this past Monday, as we do every year, we observed Memorial Day. Native people, including our Seneca warriors, have a long and distinguished history of military service. Some made the ultimate sacrifice in defending freedom and providing security for all of us here at home and others around the world. Let us always remember and honor their bravery and selfless sacrifice. In addition, with tensions in the Middle East and elsewhere, let’s ask the Creator to continue to watch over those warriors who are serving today, so they remain safe.
Until next time,
J.C.
