Heyhey Nya:wëh Sgë:nö’,
I hope everyone has been staying safe and warm during this recent stretch of cold weather.
Despite the cold temperatures and snow, the Seneca Nation recently welcomed someone who is completing an incredible journey. Noah Coughlan passed through the Cattaraugus Territory as part of “The Run for America – A Tribute to the American People.” We welcomed Noah on day 96 of his long trek across the United States, seeking to become just the third person ever to cross all 50 states on foot. After a brief visit with Nation members and officials, Noah continued down Routes 5 & 20 and toward our neighbors in Chautauqua County. Noah’s goal is to complete his journey on July 4. Good luck, Noah!
In government business, we recently announced that a key piece of federal law enforcement legislation was introduced on behalf of the Seneca Nation in the U.S. House of Representatives by Congressman Nick Langworthy.
The Seneca Nation Law Enforcement Efficiency Act (H.R. 7065) is designed to address long-standing jurisdictional confusion that has compromised law enforcement activities on Seneca lands for decades. In particular, the legislation will nullify federal law 25 U.S.C. 232, an outdated, ineffective Termination Era law, passed by Congress in 1948, giving New York State criminal jurisdiction on our lands.
With this legislation, the Nation is exercising and strengthening our sovereignty over our lands. The legislation will open potential funding avenues for equipment and other law enforcement needs, and create a pathway for the development of our own law enforcement capabilities so we can address drug trafficking and other threats to our people.
Many nya:wëhs to Congressman Langworthy for introducing this legislation and working with us to help advance the Seneca Nation’s priorities in Congress.
Public safety has been a priority issue of ours from the day I was sworn in. Just like we did with the new state law amending Section 8 and adding a new Section 79 of New York Indian Law, we are going to advocate for Congress to pass the Seneca Nation Law Enforcement Efficiency Act and provide the Seneca Nation another long-needed tool for improving law enforcement on our lands. We will continue to take every possible measure to exercise our sovereignty, and to protect our people and our territories.
In addition to the proposed federal legislation, we took another major step forward in the area of law enforcement by naming Brian Mohr as the Nation’s first ever Law Enforcement Commissioner. Brian has long been a leader in coordinating with our law enforcement partners at every level to keep our community safe. He is a longtime member of the Erie County Sheriff’s Department, where he led the Domestic Violence Unit, and the Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Department. Brian recently represented the Nation at a Crime Victims Roundtable event hosted by New York State Senators Patrick Gallivan and Dean Murray. This inter-agency event included leaders from several law enforcement agencies and was designed to give crime victims a voice in important law enforcement discussions. Brian’s office is located on the first floor of the William Seneca Building. If you see him, please say hello and welcome him to his new role. Nya:wëh, Brian for stepping forward to serve our Nation in this incredibly important position.
There are some activities and programs taking place throughout our community that I want everyone to be aware of. Seneca Nation Emergency Management is participating in the Johns Hopkins Smoke Alarm Project, in partnership with the Johns Hopkins Center for Indigenous Health. This program provides free installation of smoke/carbon monoxide detectors for all residents on Territory. To register, contact Dawn Stevens at Seneca Nation Emergency Management at 716-532-8178 or dawn.stevens@sni.org.
Also, the Clerk’s Office is conducting its annual Registration Incentive Drawing throughout this year. Each Adult registration received in-person or by mail will be entered to win a $100 gift card. Drawings will be held each quarter – on March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 11. Don’t forget to register and earn your chance to win!
Also, the Seneca Transit System is exploring the feasibility of additional services in Cattaraugus to help improve access to key destinations, support mobility for Senecas of all ages, and enhance important economic and community connections. A QR code and link to the Transit System survey can be found on the Nation’s website and on the Seneca Media & Communications Center Facebook page.
Finally, the weather may be cold, but the Rochester Knighthawks are still red hot! The team has a home game tomorrow night against the Ottawa Black Bears. Come out and watch our team get their next victory! Go Hawks!
Until next time,
J.C.
