Heyhey Nya:wëh Sgë:nö’,
Summer is really flying by! As the summer has gone on, we have been very busy on the advocacy front locally, statewide and at the federal level.
A few weeks ago, the Town of Grand Island initiated a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Interior seeking to block DOI’s approval of our efforts to enforce our sovereignty over 207 acres of land that was donated to the Nation late last year. While the Nation is not a direct party to the lawsuit, we have been in communication with Interior officials regarding the lawsuit. I have also been in communication with Grand Island representatives to hopefully build a path toward a diplomatic relationship between our governments. Regardless, the Nation is committed to doing everything we can to ensure that the 207 acres of restored homelands are part of our Nation’s future.
We also recently traveled to Washington, D.C., where we spent two days in meetings and discussions with several elected members of Congress, staff members, and federal agency officials advocating for Nation priorities, including the Seneca Nation law Enforcement Efficiency Act, our efforts to reclaim and redevelop our lands in the Kinzua Take Area, and other important matters. Councillors Odie Porter, Kevin Seneca and Todd Gates also participated in the trip and helped make sure our message was heard throughout our two full days on Capitol Hill.
Meanwhile, we have also had important discussions with the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports regarding our Red Cedar Lodge reintegration housing facility on the Allegany Territory. Red Cedar Lodge will provide supportive services for enrolled Senecas, as well as parental figures to Seneca children, who are in recovery as they transition back into their local community.
It was just about a year ago when the Nation announced that we had acquired the National Lacrosse League’s Rochester Knighthawks franchise. Over the past year, we have been actively working to expand our Nation’s physical and economic presence in the region. In the coming days, we plan to meet with a delegation of elected officials from throughout the greater Rochester area to further that effort and to build greater familiarity with the Nation, our history, our priorities, and all that we bring to the region. We look forward to that discussion and to continuing to build important, mutually beneficial relationships with our neighbors in Rochester.
Speaking of the world of professional sports, congratulations to Alex Petrovic, Onöndowa’ga, Hota:yö:nih, who was recently drafted by the New York Mets in the 6th round of the Major League Baseball draft. Alex is the son of Rachelle (Tarbell) and Zeljko Petrovic, the Grandson of Agnes Williams, and the Great Grandson of Basil & Myra Rita (Snow) Williams, Seneca Cattaraugus Territory. Ja:göh, Alex!
As July comes to an end, it’s time to start thinking about the start of a new school year. Applications are being accepted for Seneca Nation Head Start program for 2026-2027 school year. This free federally funded program promotes school readiness, family engagement and culture and language awareness and skills development for children ages 3 and 4 years old. Applications are available at the ECLC and SALC front desk or on the Education page of the Seneca Nation website at sni.org. For more information, contact the ECLC at (716) 532-0505 or the SALC at (716) 945-5035.
Enjoy these next few weeks of summer and remember to watch out for yourself and others, especially elderly neighbors and family members, when the days get hot.
Until next time,
J.C.
