Greetings,
I hope this message finds you in good health. The days are getting longer and warmer, Gëgwidekneh (Spring) has sprung! I can almost taste that first fresh bowl of wild onion soup. I hope that everyone gets the opportunity to enjoy the early spring weather.
For only the second time in school history, the Salamanca High School boys’ basketball team reached the NYSPHSAA semifinals. Nya:wëh for a great season and the community stands ready to cheer you on next season. Congratulations!
Casino Compact Update
The negotiations for a new compact continue. While we are not moving at the pace that we would prefer, progress is being made. We have weekly meetings with State officials to iron out compact language and we think that we are getting close to having all non-financial provisions of the compact wrapped up soon. The financial provisions will take more time, however. As a result, I fully anticipate that the current compact will be extended for another three months through June. All revenue sharing relating to the casino gaming during the extension terms will be deposited in an escrow account, instead of being paid to the State, according to terms of the December 2023 Extension Agreement.
We remain committed to the hard work necessary to obtain a fair and equitable compact that will support the Seneca Nation for another twenty years. As noted previously, once the terms for a new proposed Compact have been mutually identified through the negotiation process, we will have community meetings to go over the proposed new terms. And after that, the new proposed compact will be presented to the Seneca people for potential approval by referendum.
Total Solar Eclipse
The excitement is ramping up for a rare total solar eclipse. The eclipse will happen on April 8th beginning at 3:18pm. The eclipse will pass over the Allegany and Cattaraugus Territories between 3:19pm and 3:20pm and will last approximately three and a half minutes. In preparation for this event, Seneca Nation Emergency Management has a limited supply of free eclipse glasses to distribute to the community to safeguard your eyes. The glasses will be made available on a first come basis at both the Allegany and Cattaraugus Community Center’s, while supplies last.
Join us for this celestial celebration at one of these locations: Seneca Niagara Resort and Casino, Seneca Allegany Resort and Casino, Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino, Cattaraugus Community Center, Allegany & Cattaraugus Libraries, and Highbanks Campground. Each location will offer an array of fun activities! Glasses are on a first come first served basis.
Family Support Services
Child and Family Services and the Seneca Nation Health System is pleased to announce that they have a new department name and logo. We are now Family Support Services. The reason behind the change was to emphasize that we support the “Family” and all extensions of the family. We support the whole family and help support and connect families to services for whatever their needs may be. Family Support Services is continually growing and collaborating to enhance services and support with a large focus on creating education, awareness, and healing in our communities.
Community Fair
The 2024 Cattaraugus Community Fair will run from April 1st to the 5th. The week is full of activities and events for the entire community to enjoy! The kids will be on spring break and if they are looking for something to do check out the Community Fair schedule HERE! Be sure to take some time to go to the CCC and check out this year’s Cattaraugus Community Fair.
Brenda Kindt
On Friday March 22nd, Brenda Kindt celebrated her retirement surrounded by Seneca Nation Executives, Councillors, and employees, family, friends, and community members. For 34 years, Brenda has proudly served our community in various roles ranging from historic preservation to education. Brenda remarked that she seen many familiar faces in the crowd that day. Some of whom she had the opportunity to work with when they first started out and then later, their children. Congratulations on your retirement Brenda!
Finally, I hope that everyone has had the opportunity to get outside and enjoy the Spring weather. I cannot wait to hear the fish stories. Until next time, check on your family, friends, and neighbors.
Respectfully,
Rickey L. Armstrong, Sr., President
