Heyhey, Nya:wëh sgë:nö’ my fellow Senecas!
In this issue, I’d like to introduce what I’m sure is a familiar face to many in our community: my Executive Secretary, Toonie Pierce.
Toonie attended Gowanda Central School and the Rochester Institute of Technology. Since the 1980s, she has worked for the Seneca Nation in various capacities. Notably, she spent thirteen years as the referral clerk at the Seneca Nation Health Center. Additionally, Toonie has contributed her skills in the Fiscal Department, Waterline Project, Area Office for the Aging, Training and Employment Resource Center, and has provided office support to numerous past Presidents and Treasurers. She has also worked for the Seneca Allegany Casino and the Seneca Construction Management Corporation.
Toonie (pictured left) expresses her enjoyment in working for the Seneca Nation, finding it rewarding to serve our own people. In her current role as Executive Secretary to the President, she manages the day-to-day needs of the office. This includes processing paperwork requiring the President’s signature, preparing various memorandums and letters, issuing executive orders, and coordinating schedules. Toonie displays fantastic efficiency and leadership skills by assisting our newer staff in learning the “ins and outs” of the President’s Office and their duties.
As a single parent of two teenagers, Toonie is a proud member of the bear clan and resides in the Pinewoods Community. She is actively involved in several organizations, including the Cattaraugus Indian Reservation Volunteer Fire Department (Seneca Fire), the Turtle Island Native American Indian Women’s Association, Seneca Nation Disability Services, and the Pinewoods Community Association.
We are all fortunate to have Toonie as an integral part of this administration.
As President of the Seneca Nation, my duties occupy much of my time and attention, but it’s equally important to spend quality moments with my family. Recently, my wife, children and I enjoyed several days in a place special to us: Sedona, Arizona. It was here, nearly seven years ago, that I made the best decision of my life—I proposed to Nicole.
Our family can be quite adventurous, and we dedicated a day to exploring parts of Navajo Country, where we enjoyed two tours. One experience that stood out was the Lower Antelope Canyon tour. While the hike itself was incredible, our guide, Lamar Joe, made it unforgettable. At the end of our journey, we engaged in a meaningful conversation and learned that Lamar is a Medicine Man. Before we parted ways, Lamar said a heartfelt prayer and gave a special blessing to our family.
In Sedona, we introduced our children to the energy vortex areas, including the Airport Mesa Vortex, where we stood atop the rock on which I proposed to their mom. I even showed them the very rock I would have jumped from had she said no—thankfully, it didn’t come to that! It was a wonderful getaway with much needed bonding time with my family.
Here at home, I have been collaborating with the Council on several projects and issues concerning the Seneca Nation. I’m pleased to share that we are making great progress in multiple areas, and I will continue to provide updates through my weekly PSA’s on Seneca Media’s social platforms.
With spring just around the corner, I hope everyone stays safe and warm until then!
JC
