The SNI GIS Department has put together a COVID-19 response website to ensure our community has access to timely and accurate information. Click here for the Seneca Nation Coronavirus Response Hub.
If you would like to join the Seneca Nation Emergency Notification System please click to learn more about the Regroup Messaging System.
As cases of COVID-19 increase in our area, remember that you or someone you encounter may have the virus and not know it or display symptoms. There are many ways to prevent infection and stop the spread. Whether you feel healthy or not- stay home, wash your hands often, and avoid close contact with people outside of your household (stay 6 feet apart).
If you experience symptoms of COVID-19 including fever, dry cough, or shortness of breath, or have any concerns about your health, call your primary care provider to be assessed. Patients of the Lionel R. John Health Center can call (716) 945-5894 and patients of the Cattaraugus Indian Reservation Health Center can call (716) 532-5582.
President Armstrong speaks on the passing of another Seneca community member due to COVID-19, the cancellation of summer recreation programs, the upcoming virtual Council session, and safely celebrating high school graduations.
As of today, June 1, 2020, the Seneca Nation Hemp Producer Applications are open on a rolling basis for 2020.
Please contact: Jessica Crouse, Hemp Compliance Administrator
Phone (716) 367-0797
Email: Jessica.Crouse@sni.org
President Armstrong speaks on the passing of a beloved elder due to COVID-19 whose family remains hospitalized with the virus, as well as several policy and economic updates.
ALLEGANY TERRITORY, SALAMANCA, N.Y. – The Seneca Nation has directed the management teams at Seneca Gaming & Entertainment and Seneca Gaming Corporation to finalize reopening plans for all of the Nation’s Class II and Class III gaming operations, which will return their valued employees to work and help drive Western New York’s economic recovery.
The Nation will start a phased, multi-week reopening process in early June. Details on specific property opening dates and safety protocols will be announced by the respective gaming companies in the coming days, following final approval by the Seneca Nation.
“Over the past two months, we have taken extraordinary steps to protect the health and safety of our territories, our people, our workers and our guests,” said Seneca Nation President Rickey Armstrong, Sr. “The Seneca Nation’s gaming operations are an important economic driver for the Seneca people, Western New York and the statewide economy. We are committed to a measured and responsible process that balances our economic sovereignty and our commitment to ensure a safe, healthy and enjoyable environment for all workers and visitors at our properties.”
The Nation’s reopening directive applies to its Class II Seneca Gaming & Entertainment sites in Irving, Salamanca and Cuba, as well as the Class III Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino, Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino, and Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino properties operated by Seneca Gaming Corporation. The Nation ordered the temporary suspension of all gaming operations on March 16 as part of the widespread COVID-19 response measures across all Seneca territories.
The Nation and its gaming enterprises will implement comprehensive safety protocols informed by public health guidance and industry best practices that will exceed those of many other facilities and businesses. This will include, but will not be limited to, temperature screening for all workers and guests upon arrival, personal protective equipment standards for all workers, the required use of masks by workers and patrons, controlled social distancing, and enhanced sanitation procedures at all properties.
It is anticipated that the gaming facilities will initially reopen at reduced capacity.
“Reopening the properties in phases will allow us to keep a close eye on how each individual facility responds and to make any necessary adjustments as we ramp up to full operations,” President Armstrong said. “We’re eager to open our doors, but safety will remain our guiding principle through these all-important first steps.”
The Seneca Nation’s gaming operations collectively employ more than 4,000 workers from across Western New York and generate hundreds of millions of dollars in local payroll and economic activity with vendors throughout the region and across the state. Seneca Gaming & Entertainment and Seneca Gaming Corporation look forward to returning their respective employees to work and enabling them to contribute to the local and statewide economic recovery.
“Suspending business activity on our territories was a difficult, but necessary decision,” President Armstrong said. “We are excited to welcome our employees back and to provide world-class service to our guests again.”
Real Truths is a five-part video series with Mohawk leader, Sakokweniokwas (Thomas R. Porter), that explores how Haudenosaunee teachings and an Indigenous worldview might be applied to the fight against the on-going opioid epidemic and beyond. In Part 5, Sakokweniokwas discusses the need for all peoples to reconnect with natural world to ensure a healthy, grounded, sustainable life for future generations.
President Armstrong speaks on a handful of new COVID-19 cases on both territories, the end of temporary loan payment deferments, the official creation of dedicated Emergency Medical Services with fully-staffed Advanced Life Support, as well as the outlook for phased reopening of enterprises and relaxing of current restrictions.
Real Truths is a five-part video series with Mohawk leader, Sakokweniokwas (Thomas R. Porter), that explores how Haudenosaunee teachings and an Indigenous worldview might be applied to the fight against the on-going opioid epidemic and beyond. In Part 4, Sakokweniokwas discusses what the healing process from colonization will require.
Real Truths is a five-part video series with Mohawk leader, Sakokweniokwas (Thomas R. Porter), that explores how Haudenosaunee teachings and an Indigenous worldview might be applied to the fight against the on-going opioid epidemic and beyond. In Part 3, Sakokweniokwas discusses colonization and our collective need to understand it - the intent, its legacies, and how we revitalize what was lost as a result.
Real Truths is a five-part video series with Mohawk leader, Sakokweniokwas (Thomas R. Porter), that explores how Haudenosaunee teachings and an Indigenous worldview might be applied to the fight against the on-going opioid epidemic and beyond. In Part 2, Sakokweniokwas discusses the importance of compassion when dealing with a loved one who is struggling with addiction.
Salamanca City Central School District has been 3D printing face masks and shields to help frontline workers fight off COVID-19. Nya:wëh Salamanca City Central School District for helping keep those who fight against this virus everyday healthy.
