SC Newsletter October 2022

A WORD FROM CHIEF CHARLES DIEBOLD

Hello fellow tribal members,

It’s hard to believe Green Corn is behind us. The kids are back in school, and summer will soon be coming to an end. It seems after Green Corn the season begins to change here. The evenings get cooler, and we finally get out of the high 90-degree temperatures. Soon it will be Friday night ball games, and everyone looking forward to the next holiday. While we did get some rain this year during Green Corn it did not impede the high temperatures we had. But it also didn’t quell the good times everyone had all week. Everyone got to catch up with family and friends, play Peach Seeds (which the south side won), and dance and sing. It has been a long time since the Peach Seed game went till Friday, but everyone kept the happy spirit going. We saw many new faces this year, from the young boys gathering sumac, singing during the Sun Dance, or just experiencing our “Thanksgiving” for the first time.

In this edition of the newsletter, I want to give a “shout out” to everyone that works so hard to pull everything together to make Green Corn happen. More about this later in the newsletter but it takes a team effort to make it happen, and I am proud of everyone pulling together to help.

The Business Committee has also been working hard from several fronts, and have accomplished several initiatives I wanted to share with you. The Nation has filled two important positions within the tribe. We’ve hired tribal member Shanna Daniels to fill our Chief Financial Officer position and JR Hurt to fill the Economic Development Director position. We are excited to have them on board and look forward to their contributions to the nation. The projects for the ceremonial ground new bathhouse build, and bathhouse remodels, are almost complete. The contractors worked with us to get them operational for Green Corn and now are finishing up. We are also excited to announce the Nation broke ground on the Emergency Housing Project, which we hope to have completed after the first of the year.

The nation is working to update our constitution and bring it up to date to match our modern times. As you know, we have met many obstacles in what should have been routine tribal business objectives. The business committee is working on two initiatives to propose to the nation membership. The first will be five immediate changes to the constitution, specifically among those is a reduction in quorum count to allow tribal business to be accomplished during our General Council meetings. This will require an election administered by the BIA. We’ll be putting out more information soon.

The second objective is the creation of a Constitution Committee to work on rewriting the constitution. This will require a lot of time, intense scrutiny, and forethought to create an updated constitution. The business committee has not determined the size of the committee, but will consider the number of responses and keep the committee at a manageable level. More information will be posted on the tribal website if this is of interest to you.

It is an honor to serve the Seneca-Cayuga Nation as your chief, and I look forward to the opportunities of the future.

Nya-Weh,

Charles Diebold, Chief of the Seneca-Cayuga Nation

IN THIS ISSUE

A FROM THE CHIEF

GOOD NEWS

ACCESSING YOUR BENEFITS

GREEN CORN RECAP

PROFILE OF A MEMBER:

JULIE YOUNGLBLOOD

NATION PROJECTS

UPCOMING EVENTS

FOOTPRINTS ON THE MILKWAY

BUSINESS COMMITTEE

Charles Diebold, Chief

Curt Lawrence, 2nd Chief

Kim Guyett, Secretary-Treasurer

Cynthia Donohue Bauer, 1st Council Person

Amy Nuckolls, 2nd Council Person

Hoyit Bacon, 3rd Council Person

Tonya Blackfox, 4th Council Person

COMMITTEE SUMMARY

The Business Committee (BC) has re-established several committees, which include a BC member as the chairperson. They are actively collaborating on existing committees, both internal and external, to represent the Nation.

Kim Guyett (Secretary-Treasurer) is the chairperson for the Enrollment Committee.

Amy Nuckolls is the chairperson for the Housing Committee.

Cynthia Donohue Bauer is the chairperson for the Education/Welfare Committee.

Tonya Blackfox represents the Nation for the Northeastern Tribal Health System Governing Board and the Claremore Indian Hospital Board of Directors.

Curt Lawrence and Kim Guyett work with the Tax Commission.

NEW EMPLOYEES

GOOD

August 6th Special Meeting Results:

On August 6th 273 kids were added to the Seneca-Cayuga Nation roles during a special meeting of the General Council. Thank you everyone who came to the meeting to ensure we had a quorum and voted!

Emma Clare McCormick

Harper Lachelle Thompson D

Ashton Ann Altman

Rhylan Leo Altman

Kayliegh Michelle Altman

Aidyn Kyle Altman

Xaiden Jensen Wallace

Walker Lincoln Fortney

Scarlett Snow Ernst

Ronald James Northern

Josie Lynn Edwards

Everlee Kate Edwards

Matthew Jacob Beshear

Jaxon Dean Mckinnon Redwine

Slade Michael Drake Redwine

Kyron James Denton Redwine

Ryder Lee Miller

Alicia Rae Ackerson

Kendra Renae Sparks

Ainsley Wren Stephenson

Seth Jacob Tippit

Steven Caleb Tippit

Tyler Naomi Tippit

Rylie Linn Vercel

Wyatt Wayne Wiyninger

Maurianna Millice Wiyninger

Natalie Marie Wiyninger

Memphis Wayne Finley

Kellin Hayden Gillett

Louis Fredrick Dean

Michael Ashton Spieth

Emmarie Lynn Renne Redfearn

Easton Levi Jacob Redfearn

Silas Lee Stephenson

Alayna Acension Rodriguez

Presley Quinn Whitecrow Gibson

Sunnie Alexander Gibson

Audie Mae Gibson

Jahlynn A’Dalya Gonzales

Charlotte Bravery Tippit

Elliotte Elaine Tippit

Hadleigh Jaymes Tippit

Maisie Lue Tippit

Rebecca Grace Ryan

Remington Joy Ryan

Emmersyn Faith Ryan

Elizabeth Hope Ryan

Stella Suezann Jenkins

Kiryn Michelle Kelley

Jacoby Davis Woods

Easton Tillman Woods

Klarissa Trejo Hardee

Carrie Jane Sandahl

Gage Myles Spencer

Zane Vallen Cottingham

Maylee Karolann Cottingham

Creedence Ranger Bigheart

Cora Quinn Brox

Marcus Ray Smith

Easton Joseph Devereaux

Raelee Ann Sutherland

Rhyder Lee Sutherland

Lindsee Lou Sutherland

Laela Gail Sutherland

Leah Celeste Loper

Lana Chace Lee

Gideon Dee Cole

Marlee Joleah Cole

Leonidas Aidan Kravets

Culhane

Sophia Lorraine Campbell

Rosalie Lanee Hicks

Mathias Bryce Swicegood

Charlotte Mabel Vercel

Aiden Crew Ruiz

Ari Christopher Ruiz

Aaron Cai Ruiz

Sophia Jane Ruiz

Kendra Jane Hall

Lilly Ann Francis

Lincoln Reid Hoffman

JR Hurt Economic Director

Nathan Wayne Wiyninger II

Xandrea Daniell Ollis

Weston Emmanuel Hall

Alexis Taylor Bradley

Abigail Rose Spencer

Camden Beau Resko

Mattie June Hicks

Josie Claire Hicks

Harper Isabelle Hoffman

Reid Henry Walker

Bailey Clara Walker

Rhett Alan Walker

Hallen Armstrong Receptionist/Public Relations/ Travel Coordinator

Shanna Daniels Chief Financial Officer

NEWS

Morgan Mae Getman

Vivian Leigh Fiala

Madison Violet Fiala

Allison Marie Fiala

Julie Nicole Larsen

Breanna Lashea Larsen

Nikita Rose Larsen

Malea Ray Louise Brown

Aiden Antonio Dominguez

Alex Michael Dominguez Jr.

Katie Nicole Lynn Smith

Kipo Nicole Walkes

Isaiah Malachi Sanders

Camden Michael Rycroft

Cooper Ray Rycroft

Cooper Enzo Ray

Tucker Witten Ray

Ailish Idunn Turley

Ava Raye Rycroft

Olivia Grace Deornellas

Layla Mae Fry

Candice Louse Holford

Violet Elois Lane Swicegood

Christina Wanette Collins

Angel Hope Abigail Gillett

Jaxson Brian Willis

Joshua Ryan Nielsen

David Rodriguez

Rylee Jade Connor

Jaxson Matthew Connor

Nora Alice Lytle

Max Edward Lytle

Hasyn Dale Cox

Olivia Maple Gourd

Rosemary Margaret Gourd

Dekker Sage Ferguson

Ewan Lafain Toth

Kolby Marie Wilson

Steven Russell Grimes

Bryson Wade White

Madden Lee Moore

Leo Lawrence Kraff

Arabella Leamarie Michelle Kraff

Aidan Patrick Smith

Treven Patrick Nelson

Rhett Wayne Womack

Everly Rose Main

Melvin Wyatt Lane

Karsyn Rae Franco

John Nathan Henry

Parker Adalynn Harrison

Lincoln Hope Fahrni

Sawyer Rae Fahrni

Harper Monroe Fahrni

Dayton Cash Lockhart

Goldie Rae King

Layliana Maxine Danyel Blile

Azekial Isaiah Sunki Kang-Blile

Tobias Alan Brafford

Lu’Kiyah Marie Gaines

Ethan Joshua DeStefano

Adaline Grace DeStefano

Adele Elizabeth Paulsen

Jaylnn Tamera Mae John

Kaysen Jeanette Sue John

Zayden Gage Lee John

Rylynn Nicole Jean John

Zander William Sharp

Raiden Benjamin Shellman

John Bear Bitsie Jr

Taiyo Ma’litsho Clifford Bitsie

Luna Reyna Bitsie

Alejandra So’Shash Bitsie

Kingston Winslow Whiteeagle

Jaelyn Nicole Beckwith-Blackfox

Chance Timothy Gray

Zoey Elise Mueller

Olivia Jade Mueller

Christy Michelle Stiger

Seneca Cheyenne Rush

Jame Michael Tosh

Jacob Alan Tosh

Rhyatt Cabriolet Seals

Khole Emersyn Crow

Judah Micah Powers

Rowan Oliver Kiounute

Keith Richard Beckman DOB

Nathan Charles Beckman

Carlee Mae Brehe

Colby Michael Seaton

Jaxx Christopher Foley

Rogelio Enrique Logan

Isna Valli Rose Paine

Maximus Eugene Ray Paine

Tsukasli Rey Butler

Elleyana Talisa Brumfield

Theodore Mekhi Graham

Raphael Rey Graham

Destin David Graham

Kreed Avery Richards

Xavier Ace Allen

Hailey Elizabeth Stevens

Hunter Thomas Stevens

Heather Grace Stevens

Deacon Earl Vanderpool

Ashton Nicole Kilbourne

Corrine Bailee Kilbourne

Peyton Ryan Kilbourne

Jamarri James Jackson

Javyn Ky’Ale Jackson

Bronson Rush Redeagle

Lennox Elizabeth Redeagle

Beckman Lee Brown

Artemis Stella Tinker

Kasen Henry Myers

Hunter Lee Johnson

Zachary Dean Johnson

Camrynn Kay Glidewell

Savage Dewayne Birdsong

Caspian Dash Wiswell

Zeke Sylvester Fortney

Zane Oliver Fortney

Laniyah Annlee James

Douglas Randall Thornton

Camilla Layne Diaz

Quinlee Grace Diaz

Kathrina Helena Marie Donnelly

Matthew Steven Hodge

Daniel Clifton Hodge

Athea Sage Barnett

Rhip Owen Sims

Jeffery Lee Donnelly

Brian Daniel Donnelly

Madelyn Nicole Donnelly

Violet Frost Mays

Cooper Drake McCleery

Brock Carroll Harding

Larkin Isabella Woods

Crew Allen McCoy

Jolene Marie Cortez Wiles

Preston Joe Lee Wiles

Savannah Marie Miller

Adaline Scott Miller

Remedy Rose Wiggins

Crue Hayes Gatzman

Courtland Joshua Grant

Taniah Rae Pascal

Amelia Grace Bishop

Ethan Levi Bishop

Kellyn Knox Baker

Aliyah Grace Gregory

Elijah James Hessler

Theodore Thomas Grimm

Peter Bomberry Grimm

Samuel James Bishop

Isaac Daniel Bishop

Lilah Ann Bishop

Grace Isabel Bishop

Iliana Reyna Arias

Molly Belle Hiatt

Maci Mae Hiatt

Daniel Donald McShane

Aoife Ann McShane

Padraig Ultan McShane

Layla Lynn Toney

Brooklynn Sky Rider

Andrew Kyle Treaster

Caitlin Rae Treaster

Ryder Owen Lee Fricks

Aspen Keith Cherokee KostzutaPorter

Allison Marie Plumlee

Asher Louis Berrey

Ariella Amari Fitzgibbon

Joshua Michael Woolman

Mina-Marie Lylee Ann Lankford

Roland Knight Lankford

Judah Alexander Mejia

Mendoza

Taven Walter Ray Wilson

Rylie J Wilson

Killian Lane Doughty

Kallee Marie Doughty

Language & Culture Camp 2022

Our Buffalo get a new place to graze!

The buffalo were recently moved to a new pasture. Take a look behind the scenes:

Meat Bundle Results

Using COVID-19 relief funds we were able to distribute 810 boxes of meat to Members to help ensure food security. Thank you to everyone who helped distribute the boxes to make this event a success!

This edition of Gah-Yah-Tont is full of good news, and there is more to come!

Keep up with the latest news, events, and updates from the Seneca-Cayuga Nation.

Official Facebook:

www.facebook.com/OfficialSenecaCayugaNation

The latest news and updates: www.morescnation.com

Access benefits and government information: www.sctribe.com

* Upon the permission of the Pothangers, the Seed Game was changed enough to still be educational but not be considered ceremonial. Therefore, pictures were allowed.

Recent Cultural Center Donations: Projectile Points and Stone Age Tools

This recent donation to our Cultural Center is one of the best collections we’ve ever seen! The collection includes over 900 projectile points and other stone age tools.

The donation is courtesy of Tina Hartman, Anita Hartman, and Elizabeth (Hartman) Delvaux. Their grandfather, Paul Weirich, was an avid outdoorsman and spent many years collecting these Indigenous artifacts around his home in Pennsylvania. He even built these custom display cases.

Read more about Paul Weirich in the column to the right. The collection is available for viewing at the Cultural Center.

Gary Whitedeer Painting

A recent donation from Heather Brown, a beautiful Gary Whitedeer piece.

Paul A. Weirich (1889-1976)

Paul lived in Myerstown, in Lebanon County Pennsylvania, for the majority of his life. He worked as a machinist at Brenner Engineering Company in Myerstown for over 40 years. He was active in his local church, including teaching Sunday school as well as participating in other community organizations.

Stewardship of the earth was of great importance to Paul. He had an avid love of nature and the outdoors, and was an active birdwatcher. He spent many hours at a hunting and fishing camp with friends and relatives. Much of the time spent with his grandchildren was teaching them to also respect and revere nature. His humor and mischievous nature lent itself well to engaging this younger generation of family, including identifying birds by sight or sound. His outdoor pursuits also included tending his garden with his wife, Mabel, and pursuing an interest in horticulture. This hobby led to self-taught experiments in grafting apple trees with varying fruit, and developing a plentiful grape arbor in his back yard.

His many hours of hiking, birdwatching, and hunting in the environs of southeastern Pennsylvania led to the discovery of many Native American artifacts. These finds fueled a curiosity, which spanned many years, to collect and care for these relics. Paul developed quite the collection of arrowheads and other tools left behind by Native Americans of the area. As family and friends learned of his keen interest in these artifacts, they would often contribute their own finds for Paul’s collection. He lovingly appreciated the artifacts he unearthed, and built custom cases to display them throughout his home. This collection is donated to the Seneca-Cayuga Nation by Paul Weirich’s granddaughters, Tina Hartman, Anita Hartman, and Elizabeth (Hartman) Delvaux.

A GLIMPSE OF GREEN CORN 2022

As you know, Green Corn for the Seneca-Cayuga Nation is like no other.

It is a time when our people come home for that week to unite with family and renew friendships, where we follow the footsteps of our ancestors and create a new beginning for the upcoming year.

To accomplish this, it requires the help of many people, both employees and volunteers. I wanted to give a special “Nya-Weh” for their consistent help through the years.

Casino Staff Support:

Nick Birdsong

Sue Utley

Jack Lawson

Doug Mason

Dawn Hosterman

Aryelle Edmund

Lodging for our visitors:

Jeanette Gaylord

Scheduling of services: One of the busiest duties is the coordinating of essential services, which requires ordering beef for the main day, dumpsters, coordinating resolution of issues, ordering t-shirts, ambulance service coverage, trash pickup, etc.

April Gonzalez

Mowing and Cleaning:

Sammie Buckalew

Jane Whiteagle

Public Works Team: These guys began working early in the summer to make sure everything is in working order. Lights, electricity, water, roads, anything that needs to be done, these guys are there.

Doug Buller

Casey Shallenburer (electrician who is always popular)

Heath White

Sam Needham

Beginning Camp Day (Sunday)

Several years ago, a group of the employees from Tobacco began grilling hamburgers and hotdogs (furnished by the Casino) and then everyone gathers in the rock house for camp t-shirts. Through the years these guys and gals have been there to help.

Cooks:

Paul Gonzalez

Diego Gonzalez

David Scott

Jimmy Gonzalez

David Gonzalez

David Scott Jr.

Vince Gonzalez

Warren Johnson

Food Setup/Hand Out:

Bonnie Gonzalez

Misty Scott

Shae Scott

Layne Golden

Tina Dixon

Shani Merriman

Warren Johnson

April Gonzalez

Joseph Gonzalez

Jose Gonzalez

T-Shirts Distribution:

Bonnie Gonzalez

Layne Golden

April Gonzalez

Camp Bag Disbursement:

April Gonzalez

Charlie Diebold

Tonya Blackfox

Amy Nuckolls

Vince Gonzalez

Kidzone Activity Personnel

Always a popular destination and a lot of hard work for our people. From scheduling the activities months in advance, to working in the 100-degree heat, they keep an eye on the kids and ensure they have a good time.

Niki Bowers

Emily Morris

Kyle Ollis

Wendy Nichols

Kim Guyett

Andrea Wiglesworth

Cynthia Bauer

Michelle & Pat Morris

Beth Hart

Kaytlynn & Zach Owens

Brittney Green

Kim Phillips

Mark Morrison

Billy Handle

Dustin Merriman

Jason Perry

Mike Kerr

Last but not least, it’s always an honor for our camp to feed the boys after they’ve been gathering sumac and other offerings for the main day. Well earned, boys.

Nya-Weh.

Christina Bomberry

Leela Lavallee

Amanda Hernandez

Leela Lavallee

Leela Lavallee

Ciarra Ciccarello

Lila Osceola-Heard

ACCESSING BENEFITS

DO YOU KNOW HOW TO ACCESS YOUR BENEFITS? HERE IS THE LIST!

There are many benefits available to you as a member of the Seneca-Cayuga Nation. Most benefits are available to anyone, no matter where you live. A few benefits are funded by federal grants and have some limits based on geography. For a full list of benefits, visit www.sctribe.com/services. Here are some highlights:

Emergency Funds

Up to $1000 per year is available to help with rent, house repairs, medical bills, or financial hardship. Call the Benefits Dept. at 918-791-6025 or email benefits@sctribe. com for more information.

Hearing Aids

Up to $1,400 per year is available to help pay for hearing aids. Call the Benefits Dept. at 918-791-6025 or email benefits@sctribe.com for more information.

Optical Benefits

Up to $500 is available a year to help pay for eyeglasses or eye exams. Call the Benefits Dept. at 918-791-6025 or email benefits@sctribe.com for more information.

Dental Benefits

Money is available to help pay for dental treatment, braces, and dentures. Call the Benefits Dept. at 918-7916025 or email benefits@sctribe.com for more information.

Tribal Elder Benefits

Up to $2,500 per year is available to those 55 years or older, who have been a member of the Seneca-Cayuga Nation for no less than 20 years. Call the Benefits Dept. at 918-791-6025 or email benefits@sctribe.com for more information.

Bereavement Funds

Money is available to help pay for funeral and burial expenses. An application must be made within six months of death. Call the Benefits Dept. at 918-791-6025 or email benefits@sctribe.com for more information.

Child Care Development Fund

Funds are available to help families have access to highquality child care. The child care program is funded by a federal grant and is limited to those living within 100 miles of Grove, OK. Contact Nikinzie Bowers at 918-791-6056.

Youth Fellowship for School Clothing

$500 is available per student grades Pre K-12 to buy school clothing. Applications are open from July 1st to November 1st. Call Haley Buckallew at 918-791-6041 for more information.

High School Senior Fellowship Fund

Up to $500 is available to high school seniors to help pay for student’s cap, gown, graduation announcements, senior pictures, class ring, ACT/SAT fees, and any other seniorrelated costs associated with college entry. Call Haley Buckallew at 918-791-6041 for more information.

Education Fellowship Fund

Scholarships are available to pay for higher education expenses. These funds can be used to attend an accredited college, university, trade, or vocational training school. Call Haley Buckallew at 918-791-6041 for more information.

The Northeastern Tribal Health System (NTHS)

NTHS is a healthcare system for all native people. Located at 7600 S. HWY 69-A Miami, OK 74354. Call (918) 5421655 for more information.

The Seneca Cayuga Wellness Center

The wellness center is a 24-hour fitness facility located at the Nation’s tribal offices. It is equipped with fitness equipment, showers, and lockers. Call Mike Kerr at 918-791-6051 for more information.

Employment

The Seneca-Cayuga Nation, Grand Lake Casino, and Tobacco Company have various job openings throughout the year. For casino jobs, visit www. grandlakecasino.com/employment. For all other positions, call SCN Human Resources at 918-7916036 or 6037 to learn more.

Food Distribution Program

The Food Distribution Program is a federally funded effort to provide food to qualifying households within a specific geographic area around Miami, OK. Call (918)542-3443 for more information.

Substance Abuse Program

Various substance abuse and mental health treatments are available to tribal members. Call Tammy Powell at 918-791-6045 for more information.

Tag Office

The Seneca-Cayuga Tag Office offers tags to Oklahoma Seneca-Cayuga Members. Call Tiffany White at 918-791-6028 for more information.

Elder Nutrition Program

Seneca-Cayuga Tribal Members ages 52, along with their spouse, can eat for free at the AOA. Members of other tribes over 60 can eat for free. Anyone can buy a meal for $5. Mealtimes are 11:00 am – 12:30 pm Monday-Thursday, and 9:00 am – 10:30 am on Friday. Call Rob Gibson at 918-791-6052 for more information.

Community Health Representative/ Caregiver

Contact Mike Kerr at 918-533-5515 for more information.

Violence Prevention & Victim Services

This program provides assistance for victims of domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, sexual assault, and victims of crime. Call Wendy Nichols at 918-7916057 or Kaytlynn Owens at 918-791-6059 for more information.

Indian Child Welfare

This program proposes to provide an avenue of hope for Seneca-Cayuga tribal children and their families by providing direct services and coordinating resources with other agencies in an attempt to prevent the breakup of Native American families. Call Kimberly Keller at 918-791-6054 for more information.

Sex Offender Registration Act-SORNA Program

The SORNA Coordinator maintains contact with law enforcement and monitors our CFR Court and local county jail logs for sex offenders that would fall under our jurisdiction. Call 918-791-6061 for more information.

Environmental Protection

The General Assistance Program (GAP) is funded by the Environmental Protection Agency to support the capacity building of the Department while maintaining a Tribal presence in Environmental issues impacting Tribal lands and members. This program is also funded by the EPA under the Clean Water Act Section 106. This funding allows for monthly sampling and monitoring of rivers, streams, and numerous in-lake sites, all within tribal jurisdictional boundaries. Call Sarah Lundstrum at 918-791-6033 for more information.

Historical/Cultural Preservation

The Seneca Cayuga Nation has, through its Tribal Historic Preservation Officer (THPO), assumed duties of the State Historic Preservation Officer on trust lands as allowed under the National Historic Preservation Act I16 USC 470] Section 101 (d)(2). This office is partially funded by the National Park Service. Call William Tarrant at 918-791-6061 for more information.

Enrollment Department

The purpose of this program is to provide enrollment to eligible persons of the Seneca-Cayuga Nation. Call Jessica Hamilton at 918-791-6027 for more information.

Department of Public Safety

Call Chris Arnold, EMT, CHPP, at 918-791-6075 for more information.

NAHASDA Housing

Funds are available for household repairs and rental assistance. This is a federally funded program that has geographic restrictions. Contact Michelle Morris at 918-791-6060 for more information.

The Seneca-Cayuga Tobacco Company: A Look into the Hopeful Future of the Seneca-Cayuga Tobacco Company

The Good News

Since 2018, SCTC has been able to make great strides in paying down debt and increasing operational effectiveness. Most importantly, for the first time in its 23year history, the Seneca-Cayuga Tobacco Company has made a distribution to the tribe. Going forward, management intends to make monthly payments of $10,000 to the Tribe. This figure will only increase the further SCTC gets out of debt.

Direct payments are not the only way SCTC helps the tribe. Payroll is another way they are able to put money in the hands of Members. Right now, the company employs eleven members of the SCN, two members of other tribes, and six non-natives. The total payroll and benefits paid for the entire operation is around $67,000 per month. This is money that goes into the hands of employees and supports the local economy.

Seneca-Cayuga Tobacco Company Economic Impact

The Tobacco Company provides economic benefit by employing Tribal Members, supporting the economy in Grove, and making a monthly disbursement to the Seneca-Cayuga Nation.

Employees: 19

Yearly Payroll and Benefits: $800,000

Total Yearly Sales: $10,000,000

Management has also recently made improvements to the facility. Six months ago they were able to have the roof redone and fix many leaks that were evident. They have also updated the A/C unit and have plans to repaint the building later this year.

In addition to the factory, SCTC’s two smoke shops are also doing well. There is extra money in the bank and even plans to expand the casino shop from a small drive-thru building, to one you can walk in.

The Future Cannabis

After a brief stint with hemp, some tribal Members have asked whether or not SCTC plans to move into the cannabis sector after its legalization in Oklahoma. The short answer is no.

Retrofitting tobacco machinery to work with cannabis is extremely difficult. At this time, SCTC has technical barriers that are far too expensive to address and thus, makes working with cannabis unrealistic. In addition, there are legal hurdles associated with these types of conversions due to the required FDA approvals for changes to the factory and that is notwithstanding the conflict between state and federal laws when it comes to the legality of cannabis. If the Tribe were to move into cannabis, it would have to be a completely separate business, and this is not planned at this time.

Where We Are Heading

The SCTC team is focused on continuous improvement. All known debts are scheduled to be paid off by the year 2030—an incredible feat when you consider their sizable amounts.

A critical path towards growth is negotiating compacts and being able to enter new markets. Our attorney is actively working on compact negotiations in several states and successful negotiation of these compacts will allow SCTC to further expand its operational footprint.

Mark Morrison and the other team members care deeply about the Seneca-Cayuga Tobacco Company and the sustainable vitality of the Seneca-Cayuga Nation. There is

Seneca-Cayuga Tobacco Company By the Numbers

Pounds of Tobacco Used Per Year: 319,440

Cigarettes Produced Per Year: 129,721,000

Employees: 19

an amazing story being written at SCTC, but it is one that takes time to develop.

The future is ours to write. With the team at SCTC working diligently every day, we can know the business is in good hands. We can be excited about the great things to come.

The Seneca-Cayuga Tobacco Company Financial Report

The Seneca-Cayuga Tobacco Company continues to increase sales, open up new markets, and pay down debt. The company recently began making a monthly distribution to the Seneca-Cayuga Nation of $10,000 per month.

Seneca-Cayuga Fire Department Rolls Out New Truck

A Look at the Nation’s New Fire Truck & the Man Behind the Wheel

It’s official: The Seneca-Cayuga Department of Public Safety has a brand-new fire truck! The truck, which was commissioned a little over a year ago, is the result of hard work and determination on the part of several individuals. Longtime Public Safety Director, Chris Arnold, oversaw the project from its inception, and worked closely with the business committee, and his team of volunteers, to bring the truck to fruition.

Mr. Arnold—a Miami native and Tribal Member from the Turtle Clan—has served as SCN’s Public Safety Director for over 15 years. The Department of Public Safety oversees the fire department, emergency medical services, and emergency management of tribal lands. To say that Mr. Arnold is a busy man would be an understatement.

As the only full-time staff member, Mr. Arnold is on call 24/7 and puts an immense amount of himself into the job. He credits his exceptional work ethic to his father. “I saw day after day, year after year, that my dad didn’t miss work—ever,” he said during an interview. “He put it in my mind that you stick with it and you don’t let people down.”

Mr. Arnold joined the department in 2007, right after it

was re-established as a full fledge fire department instead of solely focused on wildland fire management. Since then, he has been instrumental in shaping the department into what it is today, which consists of 15 dedicated volunteers and himself.

The new fire truck came about after the motor blew on a 29-year-old “structural engine” in March of 2021. A structural fire engine is one of the most versatile tools a department can use to respond to fires, hazardous materials incidents, vehicle extractions, and other rescue scenarios. The motor incident left our fire department without one.

Action needed to be taken as soon as possible. Thankfully, the Wyandotte Fire Department loaned the SCN their backup truck while Mr. Arnold and others sorted out a replacement. Wyandotte Fire’s generosity gave the department time to receive bids, and contract a company to build a new fire truck from the ground up.

The current Business Committee secured funding for the truck through ARPA, the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. During the initial stages, Mr. Arnold worked closely with one of his volunteer firefighters, whose extensive experience and

knowledge involving fire truck mechanics proved key. Together, they were able to design a first-class and costefficient truck with all the essential features.

In July of 2022, SCN’s new custom fire truck was delivered to the station—and with it—the comfort of knowing we have cutting-edge equipment to protect local Tribal Members in the case of an emergency. Perhaps more comforting than the truck itself is knowing who’s behind the wheel. Mr. Arnold and members of his team have undergone training all across the country, from extensive medical training to countless hours of fire training, covering all aspects of

today’s ever-changing world of firefighting.

The new truck signifies yet another step in the right direction for the Seneca-Cayuga Nation. It serves as tangible progress—the physical embodiment of hard work put forth by those who made it possible. A special thank you goes out to Chris Arnold, department volunteers, members of the BC, and everyone else involved.

UPDATE: Emergency Housing Project G

ood news! We broke ground on the Emergency Housing Project, and we’re moving forward on construction! This groundbreaking is just the first step of many towards providing affordable housing for our Tribal Members.

Construction for the homes is being funded by an ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act of 2021) grant. The homes must be used for COVID-related issues, such as quarantining, homelessness, and other issues that might arise for Tribal Members due to COVID-19. Eventually, the homes will not have a specific use, and the Nation will decide how they will be used in the future.

There will be a total of six cottages, fully furnished, each with 2 bedrooms, a kitchen, a bathroom and laundry area, as well as a carport with storage. The six emergency cottages are under construction and will be complete by the end of 2022, in accordance with the COVID grant rules and regulations. The cottages will be available for use starting early 2023.

In the meantime, the Housing committee, Housing Committee Chairperson Amy Nuckolls, and Housing Director Michelle Morris, continue to seek and secure new grants. Ms. Morris is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the department. And Councilperson Nuckolls spends much of her time laying the groundwork for these ventures.

For Councilperson Nuckolls, housing is more than a job, it’s a passion. “We just have so many members that need housing. I believe everybody deserves a roof over their head,” she said during an interview.

Ensuring Seneca-Cayuga Nation members have access to affordable housing is not just a goal for the current Business Committee, it’s now a plan in motion. With programs like the Emergency Housing Project underway, Tribal leaders are excited for the future of the Nation.

And they hope other Seneca-Cayuga Members are too.

Member Profile: Julie Youngblood

It only takes a few minutes with Julie Youngblood to know she has a bright future ahead of her. Ms. Youngblood is a Wyandotte native, proud member of the Seneca-Cayuga Nation (Deer Clan), and recent graduate of Missouri Southern State University. She completed her studies at MSSU with a Bachelor’s in Business Management and Human Resources Management, as well as a minor in Marketing.

Ms. Youngblood currently works as a Behavioral Support Technician at the Arc of the Ozarks. The Arc provides a range of services to support individuals with disabilities and their families. Julie primarily deals with children, particularly those with autism, to ensure they have the tools necessary for a better life.

Eventually, Ms. Youngblood plans to switch fields and put her new degree to work, with her sights set on a management position. Thanks to her strong work ethic, we have no doubts she’ll excel wherever she lands professionally.

Ms. Youngblood and her family are also very involved with

the Tribe. Julie even serves as a security guard at Greencorn, an event she hasn’t missed since her birth thanks to her parents. She’s encourages more Members to attend social events, to be more socially involved with the Tribe. “Greencorn has become a lot bigger, with a lot more people you haven’t seen before… Families visiting for the first time. And that’s awesome.” She said during an interview.

Ms. Youngblood is the first in her family to earn a college degree and only the second to seek additional education after high school (her cousin took vocational classes). Julie credits the college experience with helping to bring her out of her shell more. She learned a lot pursuing her HR degree, from how to prepare for an interview to reading body language.

But perhaps the biggest lesson came from the educational journey itself. “If you push yourself, you can do anything you put your mind to.” It’s this attitude of self-actualization she wants to impart on other SCN Members. “I want people to know that school was very hard for me. I have a reading disability… But you can further yourself. Push yourself to be better than the person before you… Look what I did. You can do it too.”

NATION PROJECTS

New Bathhouse at the Campgrounds!

Our new bathhouse is officially up and running on the campgrounds! It was completed just before Green Corn kicked off, and was surely enjoyed by many. This new bathhouse was built to accommodate our growth, and we wanted to make sure there was adequate access for members while on the grounds. We were also able to start renovating and updating existing bathhouses prior to Green Corn, and they should be completed soon.

Nya-Weh Program

The Nya-Weh program carried on strongly this summer despite the heat. Thanks to our youth who helped clean up the grounds & take care of our cemetery.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Veterans Day Stomp Dance

Plans are in the works for a Veteran’s Day Stomp Dance. The tentative date is Saturday, November 12th. Stay tuned for more information.

The Seneca-Cayuga Nation Offices will be closed on:

Friday, November 11, 2022, for Veterans Day

Thursday, November 24th for Thanksgiving Day, and Friday, November 25, 2022

Monday, December 26th, 2022, in observation of Christmas Day

Monday, January 2nd, 2022, in observation of New Year’s

FOOT PRINTS ON THE MILKY WAY

The last two years have been shocking due to the Covid-19 sickness, and the emotional, physical, and spiritual effect it has had on our Tribe. To show respect for our Tribal family that has passed on, we acknowledge them here today.

Franklin Delano Workmon – 2/13/2022

Lyvianna Adageyudi Lozano – 2/17/2022

Florence Marie Mathews – 2/27/2022

Gail Rene Klobes - 3/31/2022

Louise Evelyn Johnson – 4/12/2022

Jeffery Ray Harper – 4/22/2022

Leatrice Joy Philbeck – 5/23/2022

Antione “Sonny” Chase – 6/18/2022

Wayne Franklin Andrews – 7/4/2022

Walter Emarthla, Jr – 8/15/2022

LaHunta Winnie Faye Davis – 8/21/2022

Money is available to help pay for funeral and burial expenses. An application must be made within six months of death. Call the Benefits Department at 918-791-6025 or e-mail benefits@sctribe.com for information.

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