Nya:wëh sgë:nö’,
We’re off to a quick start for 2022. A whole month into winter and we finally had some snow. I hope everyone stayed safe during this brief winter storm and remembered their winter driving skills.
The COVID monthly report shows a slight decrease in positive cases within our Communities. Allegany had 124 cases and Cattaraugus had 294 cases through all testing locations. Reminder these cases account for surrounding communities as well. COVID testing will continue 7 days a week on both Territories, 3-7pm at the ACC for the general public and 9am – 1pm at the Allegany Fire Station for enrolled members. Photo ID is required at this site and testing includes PCR and Bluestone testing. For Bluestone tests the participant should not eat or drink one hour prior to testing.
In Cattaraugus, CTS testing will continue at Seneca Fire 2 behind the Gil Lay Arena from 1pm-7pm every day. This is open to the public and Territory residents and includes the rapid and PCR testing. For more information on testing contact Emergency Management Director Mike Gates at 716-244-0820.
Testing continues to be an important way to combat the spread of the COVID virus. The Federal Government is providing free test kits to homes available at COVIDtests.gov. This program allows for 4 test kits per home.
Vaccination and booster appointments are available for anyone 5 yrs and older at both Health centers. Please contact Teri Cowles at 716-945-5894 and Kimberly Bradley at 716-532-5582 for appointments. Detention and prevention are most important to curb the spread of the virus and to keeping our communities safe. Let’s all do our part to stop the spread.
I’d like to recognize some talented Senecas for their outstanding accomplishments. Nick Lone was nominated for Best Rap/Hip Hop Recording in the 2022 Native American Music Awards as nominations were announced this week. Nick was nominated for his recording “Rez Life.” Voting will be open to the general public, so please visit NativeAmericanMusicAwards.com for details and information on how you can support Nick and help him bring home his second NAMA award.
Also, nine representatives from the Seneca Nation were chosen for the 26-man roster for the Iroquois Nationals’ Under 21 team that will compete at the World Lacrosse Championships in Ireland this August. Congratulations to: Efrain Barreto, Jr., Jarmani Benton, Julian Freeman, Daylin John-Hill, Clay Scanlan, Keelan Seneca, Dylan Snow, Xavier Taylor, and Amos Whitcomb. We look forward to watching you play the Creator’s Game against the rest of world’s best this summer.
Stay safe, stay strong,
Dah neh hoh dih ae’
Matthew B. Pagels
Covid-19 Community Testing & Using Your Self-Test Kit
Covid-19 Community Testing 
Using your self-test kit
