Nya:wëh Sgë:nö’,
Well, the groundhog as seen his shadow and has predicted 6 more weeks of winter. Since we’ve had a very mild winter for the most part, I’m okay snuggling in for a few more weeks. Winter is a time to prepare for the busy spring and summer activities.
I’d like to briefly touch on the NYS arbitration issue. We recently held two public meetings to share information on the timeline of events regarding the payment arbitration settlement. After much further discussion with Council, Executives and the Seneca community, it’s been decided to take a moment to re-examine the approach and strategy in dealing with the arbitration rulings. More information will be available soon.
As you know January marked the two-year anniversary dealing with COVID-19. Many Native Nations, including our own have been hard hit by this virus. We have suffered far too many losses in our communities, leaving families to deal with this trauma.
We have pulled together to help one another through these difficult moments throughout the past two years. I’m extremely proud of the commitment and dedication of so many people to make our communities safe.
The work of our Seneca Health System, Emergency Management Team, Covid-19 Task Force, First Responders and others from all Nation Departments whom have worked tirelessly in response to the pandemic is commendable. Every aspect of care, from vaccinations, PPE Distribution and testing, is comparable to large cities and municipalities successes, if not better.
We are still on the cusp of having a grasp on this virus as large numbers of people continue be test positive. We need to continue to do our part as individuals and as a community to focus on doing all that we can to protect our people.
We’ve come this far together, and it will take all of us to push through to the end of the pandemic. We are stronger when we work together.
Stay safe, stay strong, Dah ne’hoh dih ae’,
Matthew B. Pagels
COVID – 19 Rapid Testing is available for Elders and the Disabled at their home by appointment.
Please contact 716-220-2442 to make an appointment.
