Heyhey Nya:wëh Sgë:nö’,
I hope everyone in the Seneca Nation enjoyed a great Christmas! The spirit and togetherness of our community, and the entire region, really shines bright during the holiday season, so I hope you are enjoying this special time creating special memories with family and friends.
Shortly before Christmas, the Nation received great news on two different fronts. Late in the evening of December 19, the law enforcement legislation that we presented to New York State leaders and strongly advocated for throughout the past several months, was signed into law by Governor Hochul. This is a long-awaited and hard-fought victory for the Seneca people. The new law amends Section 8 and adds a new Section 79 of New York Indian Law, enabling the Seneca Nation to better work in coordinated partnership with New York State Police, County Sheriffs and City of Salamanca police in removing non-Native intruders engaged in drug trafficking and other illicit activities from our territories.
There are many people to thank in this effort, especially our Seneca Mothers Against Drug Dealers, whose tireless and selfless efforts in highlighting and demanding action to address the illegal drug problems in our community have inspired our administration to take every possible step to protect our people. I also want to thank the legislative leaders who worked with us to pass this bill in the New York State Senate and Assembly, and the County Sheriffs who supported us throughout this effort.
Around the same time, the Nation received a significant donation of 207 acres of land in Grand Island. The land was transferred to the Nation by developers Bill and Michael Huntress for $1, and the acquisition was approved by our Council at the December meeting. Any time we return a portion of our homelands to Nation ownership for the benefit of our people, it is a reason to celebrate. We will take a strategic look at how we can best utilize the site to provide for the long-term needs of our Nation. Many nya:wëhs to Bill and Michael Huntress for their generosity in restoring this land to Seneca Nation ownership. We hope others in Western New York will follow their example.
Speaking of celebrations, our very own Rochester Knighthawks had their home opener against Philadelphia last Saturday, and, let me tell you, we brought the noise! Many Nation members traveled to the game and we let everyone know that the Knighthawks are OUR team! The arena was rocking throughout the night, and Councillor Jonathan Williams represented the Nation during a ceremonial ball drop before the game. It was a great night capped off by a Knighthawks victory!
Mark your calendars because the Knighthawks’ next home game is Saturday, January 10th against the Buffalo Bandits! Let’s all get ready to make some noise and enjoy a great game – and another Knighthawks win! Go ‘Hawks!
As we count down to 2026, I want to remind residents of the Cattaraugus Territory that Seneca Energy is offering a free program to connect to the Gas Distribution System. The deadline to apply is December 30, so please don’t wait! Residents can also apply to convert their appliances to the Gas Distribution System. For more information on these programs, contact Seneca Energy at 716-532-9221 or email Wes Jackson at wes.jackson@sni.org.
Looking ahead to the New Year, the Seneca Nation is getting ready to ramp up our advocacy efforts in Albany and Washington to build on the progress we have made over the past year. We are planning an active schedule to make sure we have a visible and vocal presence, including attendance at Governor Hochul’s annual State of the State Address, additional Seneca Impact Day advocacy events, and face-to-face meetings with legislative leaders and representatives in both the federal and state governments.
We are also making moves to ensure that our voice and our issues are heard loud and clear in 2026, especially as New York State prepares for elections for Governor and every member of the State Legislature. Stay tuned!
As we finish 2025, I am energized and encouraged for the year ahead, ready to take on every challenge in front of us to continue to move our great Nation forward and to prepare the way for the Seventh Generation. From our family to yours, the First Lady and I extend our wishes for a New Year filled with health, happiness, and prosperity for all Senecas everywhere.
Until next time,
J.C.
