VIRTUAL COUNCIL SESSIONS
The Seneca Nation will be utilizing the virtual online platform “GoToMeeting” for the Council Sessions for enrolled members to have access to each Council meeting.
To participate, enrolled members will need access to a computer, tablet, or smartphone as well as a valid email address to sign up.
May Regular Council: Please register for the May 10, 2025, 9:30 AM EST Regular Council Meeting by noon on Friday, May 9th at:
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/7044155830553850463
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
Upon enrollment verification, a reply e-mail will be sent to you that includes a registration link for the meeting. Please follow the instructions and fill in all requested information when requesting online. Once registered, another email will be sent with a link to the online Council Session, which will go live at the scheduled meeting date and time. Please note that you must register for each month.
58 members registered for the April 12h Council Meeting, 49 attended virtually.
ADDITIONS AND DELETIONS FROM REGULAR COUNCIL HELD APRIL 12, 2025. WELCOME OUR RECENT ENROLLMENTS TO THE SENECA NATION!
Ten (10) Additions to The Seneca Nation Roll – April 12, 2025, Regular Session of Council
- Zirayah Ann Bowles-Wilson, Bear – Salamanca, NY
- Emrielle Dahlia Celeste Brown, Hawk – Salamanca, NY
- Gianna Lenith Cortes, Bear – Irving, NY
- Ellee Vina Diabo, Heron – Lawtons, NY
- Persephone Charisma Rain-Hill, Heron – Syracuse, NY
- Jadalynn Rose Jacobs, Wolf – Irving, NY
- Joshua Jeremiah Alen Jimerson, Bear – Dunkirk, NY
- Nola Jane Larkin, Deer – Irving, NY
- Evangeline Fay Van Every, Hawk – Irving, NY
- Milah May White, Turtle – Salamanca, NY
We are asking parents who recently have or will be having their child(ren) enrolled and wishes to have their child(s) pictures included in future editions of the SN Newsletter, to please email the picture to: Scase@sni.org or I.Cortes@sni.org.
ON BEHALF OF THE SENECA NATION, WE SEND OUR HEARTFELT CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILIES AND FRIENDS THAT HAVE LOST THEIR LOVED ONES
Seven (7) Deletions to The Seneca Nation Roll – April 12, 2025, Regular Session of Council
- Norman D. Hillyard, Bear
- Victor Lee Jimerson, Snipe
- Alberta Tallchief Jones, Wolf
- Elverna Mae Montour, Wolf
- Thomas J. Pierce, Bear
- Delphina Green Stogner, Turtle
- Mary Ann Williams, Turtle
IN-PERSON REGISTRATION REQUIREMENT
REFERENCING COUNCIL CERT CN: R-02-11-17-06:
Nation Members are to satisfy the annual registration either in person or by mail each calendar year (January 1 – December 31) and must provide evidence of Nation enrollment upon request; however, they must appear in person at least once every two calendar years (January 1 – December 31); Mail in registrations must be notarized. All mail in registrations must be postmarked no later than December 31st of each year.
- Minors cannot sign registrations/change of address or for IDs for themselves, parent/guardian must sign.
Enrolled members have all year to register, it is ultimately your responsibility to be sure you are registered. No exceptions will be made after the deadline dates.
MAKE SURE YOUR INFORMATION IS UP TO DATE!!
The Clerk’s office cannot reach you if your phone number is disconnected or your voicemail is full, and we don’t have an updated mailing address on file. Don’t let that be you!!
MARK YOUR CALENDARS!! THE CLERK’S OFFICE IS TRAVELING TO ERIE, PA!!!
Seneca Nation Members can complete their In-Person Registration Requirement for the 2026 calendar year. The Clerk’s office will be at the Seneca Nation location in Erie, PA on the following dates:
Monday: August 4th
10AM – 1PM
2101 Peninsula Drive, Erie, PA 16506 Suite #10
- Remember all members 18 and over must appear in-person at least once every two calendar years.
If your department has an event that you would like the Clerk’s Office to attend for registration purposes, please reach out to the Cattaraugus Clerk’s Office: Irma Cortes at 716-532-4900, ext. 5035 – I.Cortes@sni.org.
SN IDENTIFICATION CARDS
*A one-time free ID is being offered at this time, must go to either Clerk’s Office for the free ID
To update your photo on your Seneca Nation Identification Card, you must appear in person. All cards issued must have a current photo upon issuance. All cards expire 10 years from issuance.
$10.00 per card
$5.00 per card for Elders (60 yrs. of age or older)
The Clerk’s Office 1st quarter $100 gift card incentive winners are:
- Hannah Sheridan, Ashley Ellison, Hiram Beaver, Francesca Jones & Ashlee Marie Quinn
Congratulations to our winners and if you haven’t registered yet, come to the Clerk’s Office to do so and you will be included in the next drawing on June 30th!
CLERK’S OFFICE FORMS
Completed forms must be notarized and can be mailed to: Seneca Nation of Indians, 90 Ohi:yo’ Way, Salamanca, NY 14779. All forms are available online at www.sni.org under Clerk’s Office documents.
- ADDRESSES
Please remember to keep your address current with the Clerk’s Office. This includes changes with custody of minor children or legal guardians (Court orders).
- BURIAL FUND
A Burial fund has been designated to assist in paying for funeral expenses up to $7,000 for enrolled members. For additional details, please contact the Clerk’s Office during regular business hours.
- DIRECT DEPOSIT OF ANNUITY AND/OR ELDERS PAYMENTS
If you would like to sign up for Direct Deposit of your Annuity and/or Elders Check, you will have to complete the form. The form is available on the web at www.sni.org under Documents/Clerk’s Office / Direct Deposit forms or at the Clerk’s Office.
- All direct deposit forms MUST have attached a voided check or deposit slip (start-up checks will NOT be accepted).
- Members must be at least 18 years old to sign up for Direct Deposit
- Minors are NOT eligible for Direct Deposit
*If you receive direct deposit, it is your responsibility to keep your address updated with the Clerk’s Office. Mailings are also done from time to time and those that have not updated their addresses do not get the latest information that is being sent out. This is very important for us to better serve you.
- RELEASE OF MINORS TRUST FUND
Minor’s Trust Fund mailed third (3rd) Friday of the month.
Application deadline 2nd Friday of the month.
To begin receiving Minor Trust Fund disbursements, a member must be at least 18 years old and submit the following documentation:
• Application for Release of Minors Trust (must be notarized)
• High School Diploma / GED
• Financial Literacy Certificate (http://seneca.cm3solutions.com)
If you need to obtain a Financial Literacy Certificate please contact the Seneca Nation Education Department for details. Contact Info: Allegany Territory – Seneca Nation Education Department (716) 945-1790, k.watt@sni.org; Cattaraugus Territory – Seneca Nation Education Department (716) 532-3341.
NEW DIRECT DEPOSIT FORMS AVAILABLE
Once the first minors check is mailed/deposited the checks are automatically mailed when:
– applicant has obtained 21 years of age
– applicant has obtained 24 years of age trust
ANNUITY CLOTH
Per THE TREATY OF CANANDAIGUA IN 1794, *three (3) yards per person of annuity cloth will be available for pick up anytime in both the Allegany & Cattaraugus Clerk’s Offices.
*Amount to be distributed subject to change.
- The Seneca Nation signed the Treaty of Canandaigua in 1794 with the newly formed United States of America to recognize Nation Sovereignty and land base.
- The United States Government fulfills its obligations under the Treaty with the Six Nations or the Haudenosaunee by sending each cloth symbolizing peace and friendship. The annuity cloth represents the continuing Government to Government relationship with the United States.
DO YOU HAVE MULTIPLE SHARES TO PICK UP AND WISH TO HAVE A BULK ORDER CUT? GIVE US A CALL AHEAD OF TIME AND WE CAN HAVE IT READY FOR YOU.
SEEKING INVOCATORS
The Seneca Nation Clerk’s Office is seeking Individuals interested in Invocating/Opening with Ganö:nyök for Council each month. Anyone interested may contact Leslie Cooke at Leslie.Cooke@sni.org, 716-532-4900, ext. 5046.
SEEKING NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS
The Seneca Nation Clerk’s Office is seeking Non-Profit Organizations to serve refreshments and or dinner during Council each month. Any Organization interested may contact Leslie Cooke at Leslie.cooke@sni.org, 716-532-4900, ext. 5046 to request a form. Forms are also available at the Clerk’s Office. Any questions can be directed to Leslie Cooke.
Per Council Resolution R-06-10-23-20 / Increasing amount paid to Non-Profit Organizations serving Council:
Regular Session: $1,500 | Special Session: $750
STS Bus Passes are available for purchase at the Clerk’s Office
Members are now able to buy passes from the Clerk’s Office to utilize the Seneca Transit System (STS). Prices are as follows:
STS: Daily passes- $1.00 (one way) | Monthly passes- $30.00 | $3.00 (All day pass)
ALLEGANY RESIDENTS’ GARBAGE APPLICATION / TICKET DISTRIBUTION
The Allegany Clerk’s Office will continue to require ID and proof of utility in your name as we continue to update our records. We appreciate your patience as we complete this process. We are aware that some residents have been skipped over once or twice. All complaints/concerns can be addressed to the Allegany Clerks Office, (716) 945-1790 and we will communicate with Beichner. Please do not contact Beichner directly.
EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY!!! ALL ALLEGANY TERRIRTORY RESIDENTS THAT UTILIZE THE GARBAGE TICKETS HAVE A PICKUP ON THURSDAYS.
REMEMBER TO HAVE GARBAGE OUT BY 5:00AM
ATTENTION NATURAL GAS CUSTOMERS, FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE YOU MAY NOW PAY YOUR UTILITY BILL IN THE SENECA ENERGY DEPARTMENT OFFICE.
(Located in the DPW buildings) Beginning April 1st, you can choose the Automated Clearing House (ACH) automated payment at no additional cost to you. They also accept cash, check or debit/credit card payment.
From Hailey Brooks, Seneca Nation Business Permit Officer:
I would like to inform SN members that effective immediately, a new procedure will be implemented annually for businesses to renew their business licenses. I have been reviewing and processing both new and renewal applications. Please make sure to include these three crucial documents with your application, whether it is for a new application or a renewal: (1) Certificate of Insurance (COI) (2) Payment (3) Business Application (CODE, Cannabis, LLC, Pesticide, Ordinance). If any of these three elements are missing from the licensing procedure, applications will not be considered. Please contact the Business Permits Office if you have any questions about the new procedure.
Ordinance (Petroleum and Cigarettes ONLY)
Retailer: $100.00 Licensing Fee | Renewal: $100.00
Wholesaler/Distributer: $5,000.00 Licensing Fee | Renewal: $5,000.00
$500.00 – 100% Seneca Owned Certificate
- If processing a motor fuel products application, a UST/AST application with tank fees of $125.00/tank.
CODE (Crafting, Construction, Home Repair services, everything BUT Petroleum and Cigarettes)
Non-Enrolled Member: $150.00 | Renewal: $150.00
Enrolled Member: $25.00 | Renewal: $5.00
Cannabis
Cannabis Retailer: $1,000.00 | Renewal: $500.00
Cannabis Product Manufacturer: $1,000.00 | Renewal: $500.00
Cannabis Cultivator: $2,000.00 | Renewal: $1,000.00
LLC
Enrolled Member: $200.00
Pesticide (Farmer must submit Land Lease Agreement with application)
Licensing Fee: $150.00
From Jesse Brown, Seneca Nation Genealogist:
Beginning May 1, 2025, the fees for genealogy research will be as follows:
$25.00-Enrolled Member | $100.00-Non Member
COME SEE US AT THE OFFICE!!
William Seneca Building – Cattaraugus Territory – (716) 532-4900
Cattaraugus Clerk’s Office Staff
Lenith K. Waterman, Clerk
Irma Cortes, Executive Assistant to the Clerk
Leslie Cooke, Executive Secretary (Notary Public)
Kelly Mohawk, Deeds Recorder (In Allegany Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9am to 2 pm)
Tammi Stafford, Special Projects Facilitator (Notary Public)
Alexandrea Jimerson, Executive Administrative Assistant
Robin Jones, Executive Administrative Assistant
Joleen Lone, Executive Administrative Assistant/Receptionist
Business Permits
Hailey Brooks, Business Permit Officer
Jordan Brooks, Compliance Officer
Seneca Allegany Administration Building – Allegany Territory – (716) 945-1790
Allegany Clerk’s Office Staff
Pauline John, Deputy Clerk
Maura Frazier, Executive Secretary (Notary Public)
Sue Case, Enrollment Officer
Scarlett Ground, Vital Records Specialist
Jesse Brown, Genealogist
Creedence Redeye, Executive Administrative Assistant
Raynell Dowdy, Executive Administrative Assistant
Alieanna Wright, Executive Administrative Assistant
The Buffalo Office Staff & Location – (716) 845-6304 or (716) 951-7555
The Buffalo Office works in Conjunction with the Clerk’s Office
Juddson Logan – Acting Director/Tutor
Stephanie Maybee – Administrative Assistant
Tajanay Irizarry-Activity Coordinator
Located at: 265 Skillen Street, Buffalo, NY 14207 (Please use side door entrance next to parking lot)
Hours: Monday-Friday: 8am-4:30pm
CLERK’S OFFICE HOURS:
Allegany & Cattaraugus Clerk’s Office hours are Monday through Friday; 8am – 4:30pm. Both Clerk’s offices will be open from 8am. – 12pm each Saturday of the Regular Council session.
We encourage members to bring their own pen if needed, as a safety precaution.
Please have your SNI Enrollment # ready when you are visiting or calling the Clerk’s Office.
Annual Registration Incentive Drawing
The Seneca Nation Clerk’s Office 2025 Annual Registration Incentive Drawing:
January 1, 2025 – December 13, 2025
Register for your chance to win! Every adult registration entered will have the opportunity to win a $100 gift card! Mail-in or In-person. You are eligible to win only ONCE per calendar year.
The drawings will happen quarterly:
- March 31st – 5 winners
- June 30th – 4 winners
- September 30th – 3 winners
- December 12th – 2 winners
- (Drawing will be held at the end of the business day)
THE EARLIER YOU REGISTER, THE MORE CHANCES TO WIN!
