All are welcome to the NEW Cattaraugus Territory Health Center Ribbon Cutting! This new state-of-the-art facility will greatly improve quality of care and the expansion of services offered to our community members. The ribbon cutting takes place on October 24th at 10am, with light refreshments provided by the Clerk’s Office. See you there!

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ANNOUNCEMENT

On October 3, 2024, Council passed a resolution setting November 5, 2024, as the date of a referendum to determine whether the Seneca People agree to amend Section X of the Seneca Nation Constitution to lower the age of eligibility for voting from twenty-one (21) years of age to eighteen (18) years of age.

BACKGROUND

For many years, the youth of the Nation have advocated for lowering the voting age to eighteen. Other jurisdictions have a minimum voting age of eighteen (for example, eighteen has been the minimum age in Canada since 1970 and in the U.S. since 1971). The Seneca Constitutional Reform Work Group, consisting of Nation community members appointed by President Armstrong in 2023, held public meetings and proposed constitutional amendments that included lowering the voting age to eighteen.

On September 24, 2024, Council appointed a three-person committee, as authorized in SECTION XVI of the Constitution, to prepare amendments to the Constitution and submit them to Council. The committee consisted of Councillors Josh Becker, Arlene Bova, and Geraldine Huff, and it recommended to Council that amendments be made to the voting age eligibility requirement (lowering it from 21 to 18) and that the proposed change in voting age be submitted to Nation voters in a referendum vote.

THE REFERENDUM VOTE

The referendum vote will coincide with the Seneca Nation General Election on November 5, 2024. The referendum question will be included on the Seneca Nation General Election ballot.

See Resolution: TO APPROVE CONSTITUTION AMENDMENT / REFERENDUM VOTE below:

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I hope that this message finds you well.

Hadiwënodajés (The Thunderers) came through the territories this past weekend and ushered in some seasonable weather. Now would be the perfect time to plan a fall ride as the Ohi:yo’ hills are starting to burst with color. Congratulations to the Salamanca Warriors (5-0) varsity football team on their win over the Silver Creek/Forestville Black Knights last Friday.

Referendum Vote
In 2023, Community members were selected to sit on the Seneca Constitutional Work Group by Presidential appointment. The Work Group held public meetings and proposed Constitutional amendments, including lower the voting age. On September 24, 2024, Council appointed a 3-person committee to prepare amendments to the Constitution and to submit them to Council. The committee consisted of Councillors Josh Becker, Arlene Bova, and Geraldine Huff.

The Committee recommended to Council that amendments be made to the voting age requirement. The referendum question will be on the November 5th Seneca Nation general election ballot.

New ACC Pool House
The Seneca Nation’s Facilities Department and Department of Public Works added new public restrooms and outdoor shower facilities to the ACC pool this past summer. The Seneca Nation Training and Employment Resource Center provided the finishing touches by painting the building. The new pool house is in addition to the newly constructed playground on the ACC’s grounds.

Remember the Removal
On September 28th, we gathered to commemorate the 60th anniversary of our forced removal from our ancestral homelands along the Ohi:yo’. This year’s event took place at the Steamburg Community Center and recognized the Onoville and Old Town communities. Each year, a healing walk is held to bring our communities together and honor our past and claim the future and say, “Never again!”

Every Child Matters
On September 30th, Every Child Matters remembrance and healing walk was held at the former Thomas Indian School grounds. Attendees dressed in orange, walked to bring awareness to the survivors and those lost to the boarding school system. Together, we can continue to heal as a community and light up the darkness by learning, sharing, and bringing awareness that Every Child Matters.

A favorite of school aged children, the Cole All-Star circus is coming to the ACC on October 17th starting at 6 pm.

Keep an eye on the Seneca Media and Communication Centers Facebook page for updates about this and the many upcoming spooky events. See page eleven for Seneca Nation events happening in your community.

Jë:gwah shö:h (Finally), as the temperatures fall, prepare yourself, your family, and your home for the upcoming winter months. See page six for tips and information from Emergency Management on how to prep your home.

Respectfully,
Rickey L. Armstrong, Sr., President
Seneca Nation

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WHEREAS, The Seneca Nation has the inherent right to exclude individuals from the Territories of the Seneca Nation who cause harm or pose a threat to the health and safety of the Seneca Nation and its community members; and

WHEREAS, at a Regular Session of Council held on November 18, 2023, the Seneca Nation Council adopted the Exclusion Law (CN: R-11-18-23-13), which authorizes the President to issue Exclusion Orders to non-Senecas that pose a serious threat to the public health, welfare, and safety of the Seneca Nation; and

WHEREAS, Seneca community members have made credible reports that non-Seneca William Kelley has engaged in dangerous and threatening behaviors that constitute a direct and serious threat to the public safety, health, and welfare of the Seneca Nation and its members. In addition, he has been openly hostile and verbally abusive towards Nation officials who have been called to respond to his disturbances.

WHEREAS, William Kelley had been served a written warning on 7-15-24 to immediately cease his unacceptable behavior.

WHEREAS, it has since then been determined that William Kelley, a non-Seneca, continues to pose an immediate threat to the health and safety of the Nation and its community members.

Recent violations have included:
• Disturbance 7-8-24 at 13:43.
• Reckless operation of a motor vehicle 7-15-24 at 11:36.
• Reckless operation of a motor vehicle 8-30-24 at 11:55
• Domestic dispute at 7-16-24 at 20:02.
• Community member filing a petition for a Temporary Order of Protection on 9-17-24

NOW THEREFORE BE IT ORDERED that William Kelley is hereby indefinitely excluded from all Seneca Nation Territories, effective immediately; and be it

FURTHER ORDERED, that William Kelley shall be personally served with this Exclusion Order, if possible; and be it

FURTHER ORDERED, that William Kelley shall be given a reasonable time, not to exceed twenty-four (24) hours to vacate the Territory; and be it

FURTHER ORDERED, that should William Kelley enter Seneca Nation Territory at any time after the expiration of the twenty-four (24) hour period to vacate the Territory, he shall be deemed to be trespassing; and be it

FURTHER ORDERED, that any member of the Seneca Nation who is determined to have knowingly harbored or assisted William Kelley to remain on, or return to, Seneca Nation Territory in violation of this Order may be charged in the Seneca Nation Peacemaker’s Court with aiding and abetting in violation of this Order and the Exclusion Law, with potential penalties including the withholding of Nation annuity payments and direct health and welfare benefit payments (elders, disability, etc.); and be it

FURTHER ORDERED, that any person holding an interest in the lease of Seneca Nation lands who is determined to have harbored, allowed, or assisted William Kelley to stay, remain on or return to, such leased premises on Seneca Nation Territory in violation of this Order may be charged with a breach of their lease, with potential penalties including lease termination; and be it

FURTHER ORDERED, that upon William Kelley’s re-entry into or presence on the Seneca Nation Territories, the Seneca Nation Marshal’s Office, in cooperation with local law enforcement agencies, is authorized and directed to remove him from the Territories, to continue to remove him should he return, and to press charges on the Nation’s behalf for such continuing trespass activity with assistance from the Seneca Nation’s Legal Department.

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~NEW~ NEWS FROM THE CLERK’S OFFICE

• WINNERS OF THE THIRD INCENTIVE RAFFLE!!!
• Next Incentive Drawing: Friday, December 13th, 2024
• Next Erie, PA Visit: Wednesday, October 23rd, 2024

REGISTRATION INCENTIVE RAFFLE WINNERS!!

These members completed their annual registration requirement by September 30, 2024. Make sure you are registered by December 13th, 2024 to have a chance in our next raffle!!

CONGRATULATIONS!! Nathaniel Rivera, Grant Hill, & Nancy Toth!!

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 post marked no later than December 31st of each year. (ALSO, see flyer posted at the bottom of this page)

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. The Clerk’s office tried to reach out to those not registered the entire month of December but we could not get through…. Don’t let that be you!!

If your department has an event you would like the Clerk’s Office to attend for registration purposes, please reach out to the Allegany Clerk’s Office: Mary Ann Dusza at 716-945-1790, ext. 3041 – MaryAnn.Dusza@sni.org or the Cattaraugus Clerk’s Office: Shannon Jackson at 716-532-4900, ext. 5038 – S.jackson@sni.org.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!! THE CLERK’S OFFICE IS TRAVELING TO ERIE, PA!!!

Seneca Nation Members are able to complete their In-Person Registration Requirement for the 2025 calendar year. The Clerk’s office will be at the Seneca Nation location in Erie, PA on the following dates:

OCTOBER
Wednesdays: 10/23
From: 10am-2pm

Located at: 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

SN IDENTIFICATION CARDS

In order 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)
*Price increase effective 01/08/2024

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 pay 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 is the 2nd Friday of the month.

In order 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, tracy.pacini@sni.org; Cattaraugus Territory – Seneca Nation Education Department (716) 532-3341.

***NEW DIRECT DEPOSIT FORMS AVAILABLE***

Once the first minors check is mailed 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 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 for Allegany may contact Adrianne Cook at Adrianne.Cook@sni.org, 716-945-1790, ext. 3036 and for Cattaraugus you 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 for Allegany may contact Adrianne Cook at Adrianne.cook@sni.org, 716-945-1790 ext. 3036 and for Cattaraugus you 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 or can be directed to Adrianne Cook or 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)

Also available at the Allegany Clerk’s Office for purchase are Olean Area Transit System (OATS) monthly passes. Daily passes for OATS can be purchased by the driver.

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, PICK-UP IS ON THURSDAYS.

COME SEE US AT THE OFFICE!!

William Seneca Building – Cattaraugus Territory – (716) 532-4900
Cattaraugus Clerk’s Office Staff
Dana G. Maybee, Deputy Clerk (Notary Public)
Kelly Mohawk, Deeds Recorder
Leslie Cooke, Executive Secretary (Notary Public)
Lorelei Waterman, Executive Administrative Assistant
Raven Lay, Executive Administrative Assistant
Joleen Lone, Executive Administrative Assistant

Seneca Allegany Administration Building – Allegany Territory – (716) 945-1790
Allegany Clerk’s Office Staff
Bethany Johnson, Clerk (Notary Public)
Mary Ann Dusza, Executive Assistant (Notary Public)
Adrianne Cook, Executive Secretary
Sue Case, Enrollment Officer
Kathleen “Yomie” Hill, Enrollment Assistant
Maura Frazier, Executive Administrative Assistant
Natasha Miller, Executive Administrative Assistant
Kevin Printup, 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.
Ramona Marion – Director
Stephanie Maybee – Administrative Assistant
Judson Logan – Tutor

Located at: 533 Amherst Street, Buffalo, NY 14207
Hours of operation: Monday-Friday: 8am-4:30pm

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.

Registration Incentive Raffle

Regarding SNI Annual Registration

The post News From The Clerk’s Office appeared first on SNI Official Newsletter.

It’s never to early to start your Christmas shopping! The Allegany Clerk’s Office is hosting their annual Fall Vendor Day on Saturday, October 26th from 12pm to 4pm at the Seneca Allegany Administration Building (SAAB). Interested in being a vendor? Call the Clerk’s Office at (716) 945-1790, ext. 3072 or stop in.

The post Fall Vendor Day appeared first on SNI Official Newsletter.

PURSUANT TO SECTION IV OF THE CONSTITUTION OF THE SENECA NATION, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT THE BIENNIAL GENERAL ELECTION OF THE SENECA NATION WILL BE HELD ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2024.

Voting shall take place on the Allegany and Cattaraugus Territories. Polls shall be open from 9:00 am until 7:00 pm on this date.

Pursuant to Section X of the Constitution of the Seneca Nation, every member of the age of twenty-one (21) years and upwards, who shall not have been convicted of a felony, shall be competent to vote at all elections and shall be eligible for any office.

Pursuant to Section I of the Constitution of the Seneca Nation, on or before the 15th day preceding the biennial election, all candidates shall file with the Clerk of the Nation their name and office, and no further candidate shall be allowed to file for office after the 15th day preceding the biennial election. Therefore, all candidates must file with the Clerk at the Wm. Seneca Administration Building, Cattaraugus Territory, no later than 12:00 midnight on Monday, October 21, 2024.

Bethany Johnson, Clerk
07/23/2024 – Seneca Nation of Indians

See OFFICIAL NOTICES below:

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Check out these Spooktacular events and have a safe & happy holiday:

• Trunk or Treat at Highbanks Campground – Saturday, October 12th from 5-9pm
• Scary Stories by Perry Ground at Allegany Library – Wednesday, October 16th at 5pm
• Family Pumpkin Carving at Steamburg Community Center – Wed., October 16th from 6:30-7:30pm
• The Haunted Forest in Clarence, NY – Friday, October 18th, depart ACC at 5:30pm
• Halloween Party at NACS, Buffalo – Monday, October 21st from 6-8pm
• H.E.R.O Halloween Party at the ACC – Thursday, October 24th from 6-8pm
• Halloween Party at Allegany Firehall – Saturday, October 26th from 5-8pm
• Trunk or Treat at the Buffalo Office – Saturday, October 26th starting at 6pm
• Halloween in Cattaraugus – October 29th – 31st, see schedule of events below
• Trunk or Treat at the Steamburg Community Center – Tuesday, October 29th at 6pm
• Disney Villian Halloween Party at the SALC – Wednesday, October 30th from 5:30-7pm

The post Upcoming Halloween Events appeared first on SNI Official Newsletter.

The 60th Annual Remember the Removal Commemoration took place on Saturday, September 28th, 2024, in remembrance of the forced relocation and disruption of life in 1964 as a result of the construction of the Kinzua Dam.

This year community members gathered at the Steamburg Community Center before heading to the Onoville Marina for the annual tossing of the wreath by the Crouse siblings formerly of Onoville. Five children of Dorothy and Arthur “Dale” Crouse – Mike Crouse, Linda Crouse, Shirley Heron, Susan George, and Shelly Snyder were present to toss the wreath into the reservior. Dorothy and Dale Crouse were married prior to World War II and had 10 children. The family of 12 resided in Dale’s parents house on Quaker-Onoville Rd. He earned a living cutting logs. Dale also served as an Seneca Nation Councillor in 1964 and Peacemaker judge in 1946, 1948, and 1950.

All participants recieved a commemorative shirt, an insulated grocery bag, and a book containing all relocated families and homes. All books on each communtiy were produced by Sue Grey and are also available for purchase at the Seneca-Iroquois National Musueum.

The day ended back at the Steamburg Community Center with memorial walk around North Loop in Steamburg. Lead by singers, participants were able to see the original homesteads of those relocated with signs and photos along the way.

Program speakers Tyler Heron, Mike Crouse, Becki Bowen and Rod Pierce reflected on memories growing up prior to the removal and what if felt like to be forced from the land they were so connected to. They said 60 years later the pain remains but every day we honor the past, we are claiming a future of continued healing for all of our generations.

Nya:wëh to Mary Jacobs for providing the amazing beaded frames given to the families of the 3 head of households who remain. Rovena Abrams (Red House), Carolyn Brant (Onoville), and Bennet Wheeler Jr. (Quaker Bridge).

Nya:wëh to the Remember the Removal Committee and volunteers who help ensure the success of this important event! See you next year!

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