Greetings,
I hope everyone is enjoying summer. It’s a great time of the year with all types of outdoor activities for all ages. Our casinos are hosting outdoor concerts, recreation programs are in full swing, families are travelling and some are home enjoying their flowers and gardens. Unfortunately, we have also had a tragic event take place which is the loss of one of our Longhouses and in this time of need, we are all coming together.
NEWTOWN LONGHOUSE
On July 11, 2023, a tragedy took place when the Newtown Longhouse burned to the ground. A time for sadness also brought a time for unity with people coming together to help rebuild. On Seneca Media page, I shared, “Today is an incredibly sad day in our community and across all Haudenosaunee nations. The Longhouse is more than a building. Our people are spiritually, culturally and historically centered in the Longhouse…We will work together with the Longhouse leaders to rebuild this vital cornerstone of our community.” For ways to help, contact Beth Stevens at 716-913-4870.
EXCLUSION LAW
We are asserting our right to keep our Seneca Elders, Families and Youth safe who live on our Seneca Nation communities. There have been reportings of non-Senecas living on our territories that pose a threat to their safety and well-being.
The proposed Exclusion Law provides a mechanism for identifying those non-Senecas, sets forth a formal process to prohibit those individuals from entering, residing or remaining on our territories and includes penalties for Senecas that aid or assist excluded persons to return or remain on territory.
This is the second comment period for the draft and many of the Seneca public’s comments have been incorporated into the latest version of the proposed law. Comments can be submitted to the Clerk’s Office and interested Senecas can pick up a copy from the Clerk’s Office or via email request via ClerksOffice@sni.org. The 30-day comment period will run from July 11, 2023 until the close of business on August 10, 2023.
POWWOW SUCCESS
Once again, our Powwow committee and many volunteers put together a very successful powwow event. Our Marvin “Joe” Curry Veterans Powwow is on the map and draws people in from all over the country. The weather was beautiful all weekend and we had a huge crowd of spectators on both days. We were glad to see visiting Veteran Color Guards from other Native Nations and numerous dancers showcasing their talent. We also had local and visiting Native craft and food vendors that look forward to setting up here on a yearly basis. Thank you to everyone that continues to serve on the committee and to all the volunteers for making us proud of our powwow that has gained national recognition. Nya:wëh!
CARSON COOPER FAREWELL
After working with us several years as an in-house Seneca Nation attorney, Carson Cooper has resigned to pursue a position closer to his home territory at the State of Washington. Most recently, he has performed the duties of Acting lead-Seneca Nation attorney. We appreciate the time he was with us, he did a great job, and we wish him all the best in his future pursuits.
In closing, have fun, be safe, remember to check on Elders and to enjoy upcoming events that can be found on social platforms (websites/Facebook) Seneca Media and Communications Center, sni.org and our Seneca Nation Newsletter.
Sincerely,
President Rickey Armstrong, Sr.
