On August 28th, two staff members from United States Senator Kirsten Gillibrand’s (D-NY) office visited the Cattaraugus Territory to meet with leadership and discuss the Seneca Nation’s federal legislation initiatives. President Seneca and several members of the Council met with Mitchell Lee, Legislative Assistant, and Courtney Ball, WNY Regional Director and Director for Special Projects, to discuss the Seneca Nation’s ongoing efforts to find legislative and funding solutions to longstanding Nation issues.
Sen. Gillibrand’s staff were also able to meet with the Seneca Mothers Against Drug Dealers (SMADD) to hear how this grassroots organization has worked to ensure the safety of our communities and our Nation. SMADD members spoke about their experiences combatting drug trafficking and how those efforts have been hindered by the lack of aid or resources from outside law enforcement agencies. Senator Gillibrand’s staff listened intently to SMADD’s presentation and offered to help the Nation find ways to obtain federal funding to support local community organizations such as SMADD.
Senator Gillibrand’s staff’s visit is part of President Seneca’s broader effort to engage state and federal government officials to advance the Seneca Nation’s interests.
