Greetings,
I hope this message finds you well.
Gagëhödé (summer) brings about various outdoor activities, family gatherings, and so much more. I hope everyone can attend this year’s Marvin “Joe” Curry Veteran’s Powwow at the Seneca Allegany Resort and Casino being held the weekend of July 20th & 21st. For more information, please visit: Senecapowwow.org. The Seneca Nation is honored to be hosting the World Indigenous Suicide Prevention Conference being held at the Seneca Niagara Resort and Casino the week of July 23-25, 2024. For more information please visit: thewispc.com.
Seneca Nation discusses issues with Secretary Deb Haaland
On June 27th, President Armstrong, and Treasurer Pagels, along with leaders of the Tonawanda Seneca Nation and Tuscarora Nation, met with Secretary Deb Haaland, U.S. Department of Interior, and other federal officials at the Tonawanda Council House. Secretary Haaland began the meeting by reaffirming the United States’ and the Biden Administration’s commitment to Indian country and Native people. After Secretary Haaland’s opening remarks concluded, each Nation was given an opportunity to speak directly with the Secretary on matters of importance to each Nation.
President Armstrong and Treasurer Pagels discussed the Nation’s ongoing compact negotiations, the Kinzua lands, the Thruway dispute, and the opioid problem in Indian country. Secretary Haaland listened intently to the President’s and Treasurer’s messages and the Seneca Nation will be following up with her staff to make sure that the Seneca Nation’s issues and concerns are at the forefront of the Secretary’s agenda moving forward.
After the meeting concluded, President Armstrong presented the Secretary with annuity cloth and explained the meaning behind this annual reminder that the treaties between the Seneca Nation and the United States are still valid and must be honored.
City of Olean Wastewater Overflows into the Ohi:yo’
The Nation has filed a Notice of Claim against the City of Olean for the continued discharges of untreated sewage into the Ohi:yo’. The Ohi:yo’ has been under decades of attack in the form of continued, dangerous, and unlawful discharges from the Olean Wastewater Treatment Plant. This year alone, nearly 400,000 gallons of untreated sewage have been discharged into the Ohi:yo’. The health and safety of Ohi:yo’ and the many people who utilize and depend upon its waters must be prioritized and protected. I have included a more in-depth article in this edition of the Seneca Nation Newsletter.
Annual In-person Registration
The Clerk’s Office reported that less than half of the Seneca Nation’s membership have completed their annual registration. To increase the number of completed in-person registrations, the Clerk’s Office started an incentive program this year. Every three months, the Clerk’s Office holds a raffle among those who have completed their annual registration. As of June 30, 2024, there were a total of 2,354 Seneca members who completed their annual registration and were eligible for the Clerk’s Office raffle. The Clerk’s Office has included more details in this edition of the Newsletter.
Finally, with gagëhödé in full swing, let’s not forget about our elder and disabled members who may not be able to get out and enjoy our summer weather. It is a beautiful time of year to sit on the patio and enjoy a cup of coffee while listening to the birds sing in the morning, If the summer heat becomes too much, the ACC & CCC are designated as cooling centers. In addition, the Allegany Elder Center and the Wini Kettle Senior Center are available as cooling sites for our elders.
Respectfully,
Rickey L. Armstrong, Sr., President
