Nya:wëh sgë:nö’,
This year is off to a flying start. We are already into March. Last year the world was facing the beginning of global pandemic and this year we are slowly moving toward normalcy. With the weather improving we can all get out and about very soon.
This newsletter edition recognizes all of our members we lost last year. Although words may not fill the gap that was created by those who have journeyed on, I offer condolences and honor to their lives. We are thankful to them for the impact they have made to many.
I’m happy to announce the seven month fiscal budget was passed at the Special Council on February 25th. This year’s budget was developed as strategically as possible to continue programs and services to the community as our revenue generators were affected by the coronavirus pandemic. I’d like to thank the fiscal department and Council for their considerations in prioritizing the programs.
As I have mentioned in previous PSA’s the United States Court of Appeals upheld the Court rulings and Arbitration decision on our gaming compact payments to the State. The Nation was obligated to continue making revenue share payments upon the seven-year renewal back in December 2016. The Nation continues to review options to making the payments based on the decision in US Court.
Nya:wëh to all those who joined in the GoTo meeting regarding the compact arbitration court decision meeting. Your input is valuable in this and all Nation economic ventures. More information will be forthcoming.
On the Broadband front in Cattaraugus, our Seneca Energy department is working with National Grid and Verizon on preparations for construction. A make-ready activity will happen this month into April, which will take approximately four months to complete. This is important to the project which will begin the construction. Keep in mind that COVID -19 has created a slow down with vendors to the project creating a push back on the completion.
Approximately one year ago this month our world was turned upside down as coronavirus took control of our lives. COVID-19 continues to be the biggest hurdle in our communities. We have learned to live within a pandemic by following social distance protocols and have kept our numbers relatively low. Unfortunately, we have lost many loved ones, leaders and friends which is why we continue to keep our guard up and take precautions such as getting vaccinated. Please continue to check the Seneca Nation COVID-19 hub at https://covid19.snigis.org/ for the most updated information.
Finally, I want to extend a special word of congratulations to the Seneca Nation’s own Summer Hemphill, daughter of Tina Kettle. This week, the UB women’s basketball team is scheduled to play their final home game of the season and celebrate the careers of their senior players, including Summer.
Summer has been a major contributor to UB’s success in her four years, helping the team garner national attention. Congratulations, Summer. Your Seneca family is proud of all that you have accomplished.
For now, stay safe, stay healthy and stay strong. Dahne’hoh dih ae’,
Matt
Presidential Updates
Don’t forget to follow & subscribe to the Seneca Media & Communications Center YouTube Channel to watch President Pagels’ up-to-date virtual messages!
President Matthew B. Pagels has been addressing important Nation news, the status of all things COVID-19 related on our Territories and everything in between over the course of the last few months via short video clips that are posted to the Seneca Media & Communications Center YouTube channel and other SNI media outlets. So, if you’re looking for the most up-to-date Nation news, make sure to tune in!
You can also access the Presidential Updates here:
- SNI Official Newsletter website:
www.sninews.org - The Nation’s main website:
www.sni.org - Seneca Media Facebook page:
www.facebook.com/senecamedia - Seneca Nation COVID-19 Response Hub
covid19.snigis.org - Seneca Nation Twitter account
@theSenecaNation
