Seneca-Cayuga Nation distributed assistance checks to their elder members aiding them during this time of economic crisis. Each member over 55+ years old was sent a check in the amount of $2000.00. The only requirements for qualifying was being a member of the nation and 55 years of age on or before the date of the resolution. 

The money distributed to the members was from the CARES Act: a government initiative providing coronavirus financial relief in response to the COVID-19 crisis. The resources were acquired by the Seneca-Cayuga Nation through the submission of application paperwork to the U.S. Treasury. The rules and regulations on what an entity could do with the received money is highly regulated. After many inquiries with the BIA (Bureau of Indian Affairs), U.S. Treasury, and other tribal governments, our administration was able to confirm the funds would be eligible for distribution to the elder members of the Seneca-Cayuga Nation.

Chief Fisher shared: “The elderly are the most vulnerable populations in the COVID- 19 health pandemic. Many of them have been unable to run errands, get groceries, or do traditional health checks due to COVID-19 crisis. Additionally, within the workforce, they are the oldest demographic in the system. Whether nearing retirement or already retired, many of them have already surpassed their primary earning period or are on a fixed income. The tribe hopes to offer reprieve in regards to their medical expenses, home expenses, groceries or other emergency costs, aiding their needs.”

The care and protection of elders is a legacy and tradition of our Seneca-Cayuga culture. The regard and respect we have for these wisest members of our community is incredible. The Nation’s decision to distribute the CARES Act funds in this way is intentional and is intended to show a proportionate amount of appreciation during what remains a very difficult time.

Traditionally, the elders are recognized for their responsibility to nurture and grow wisdom within the tribe. Elders are looked to for input, assistance and lessons from previous experience. By distributing these financial resources to our tribal elders, those members can individually determine how best to help their own families on a case-by-case basis. 

The distribution of CARES Act funds to tribes has not been without controversy. Oklahoma tribes received a reported $1.9 billion in Federal coronavirus relief funds. While there remains a number of challenges with how funds can be used, there is also a challenge with how amounts were calculated.  

The Shawnee Tribe based in Miami OK has filed a Federal lawsuit against the Treasury Department alleging the distribution calculation was incorrect by nearly $6 million dollars. In the suit, the Shawnee tribe asserts the US Treasury use of Grant Block funds as the base for CARES Act payouts is erroneous. 

Larger tribes are challenged with deciding how best to assist their members through their CARES Act allocation.  According to a story released earlier this week, there is also unhappiness amongst citizens of larger tribes who feel required to spend this money on programs and limit per capita distribution.  

When the business committee of the Seneca-Cayuga Nation passed the resolution to distribute the initial CARES Act funds to tribal elders, it understandably placed pressure on other tribes to do the same. That said, those decisions are made on a tribe-by-tribe basis and should be made by those leaders for the purposes of their membership. There are a number of very complex issues in play and the sole intent of the Seneca-Cayuga Nation was to get these funds in the hands of our most at-risk community members as quickly as possible. 

The SCN made a swift but thoughtful decision to act immediately, getting the funds out to people in need, as intended by the Congress and President. It was a decision that honors cultural tradition and is aimed to protect the quality of life for our elders who are most at grave risk on all issues related to COVID-19. All elder members of the Seneca-Cayuga Nation should have already received their distribution checks. If you are an elder and have not received your check, please contact the SCN accounting office to ensure your mailing address is updated and correct by calling: (918) 787-5452. 
Request: April Gonzalez (ext. 6031); Thomas (ext. 6030): or Anita Bearpaw (ext. 6029).