Happy New Year!!!,
The new year is starting out with winter weather that we are accustomed to. The temperatures have been around the 20’s at night with some snowy and icy conditions here and there. As of this writing, the winds are howling, and some lake effect snow is expected this weekend. I want to take a moment to reflect on a few of the past year’s items of note.
Casino Compact
After months of negotiations, Seneca Nation President Rickey L. Armstrong, Sr., and New York Governor Kathy Hochul sat down for a face-to-face meeting and signed an extension agreement of our existing Casino Compact. The short-term agreement allows both governments time to continue negotiating a new long-term Casino Compact and to seek the necessary approvals from the Seneca people, the NYS Legislature, and the US Bureau of Indian Affairs.
As part of the short-term extension, our three gaming properties will continue to operate without interruption, alleviating any concerns about potential impacts for our thousands of casino employees, which was a priority for the Nation. In the coming year, we will continue to work for a fair and equitable Casino Compact.
Blighted Homes Initiative
The Seneca Nation has taken concrete steps to demolish homes with serious lease violations within the City of Salamanca on the Allegany Territory. Serious lease violations include permitting the property to be used for illegal drug activity, allowing a property to fall into disrepair, or non-payment to name a few. A house at 230 Clinton Street in Salamanca was demolished for repeated serious lease violations involving illegal drug activity. An abandoned home at 73 Jefferson Street, that had fallen into complete disrepair, in Salamanca was also demolished. “Renewing our neighborhoods remains a priority for my administration. We’re letting those who wish to conduct illegal activities on our territories or allow properties to fall into disrepair know that those days are over.”
Employee of the Month
This past year we began an “Employee of the Month” initiative for all Seneca Nation employees. Every month, Seneca Nation Executives, Councillors, and employees gather for a recognition ceremony held in the Council Chambers on each territory. Every employee of the month receives a preferred parking spot, a plaque, a small gift, and a day off for their hard work and dedication.
For the final month of the year, the December 2023 honorees are Ja:göh Joä’ nö’ (Aryien) Stevens, Adult Language Facilitator – Cattaraugus & Tina Becker, Mortgage Program Administrator – Ohi:yo’. Thank you for all of your hard work and dedication! See page 12 for the full details.
Improving Our Territories
In April of last year, the Seneca Nation began constructing a new health center in the Cattaraugus Territory. Plans for renovations at the Lionel R. John Health Center in Allegany are in the works. The Seneca Nation Mortgage Program recently wrapped up constructing new homes on Bush Road in Cattaraugus. The Seneca Nation Housing Authority is nearing completion of new homes in the Sullivan Hollow community in Allegany.
Parting Thoughts
There is much work being undertaken to ensure that our future is bright and prosperous. Keep an eye on the Seneca Media & Communications Center’s Facebook page for more information about upcoming events in and around our territories.
Happy New Year,
Rickey L. Armstrong, Sr., President
