J.C. Seneca, left, receives a certificate of recognition from the office of State Sen. George Borrello during the press conference. Submitted Photo

IRVING — This week, J.C. Seneca announced a partnership between his foundation, the J.C. Seneca Foundation, and the Center for Indigenous Cancer Research at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center.

In making the announcement, patient navigator services will be provided at Seneca’s Tallchief Territory in Irving, supporting the Seneca Nation and surrounding communities dealing with cancer diagnosis and treatments.

“To make an announcement of this magnitude, I believe it’s something needed very much here in our community and surrounding communities,” he said. “People can come here twice a week to be able to talk with somebody who is wanting to be tested … or if they already have it, to talk with somebody to help them navigate their way through the process of dealing with the disease.”

On hand to speak to the significance of the partnership was Chautauqua County Executive P.J. Wendel, who recognized the importance of health care, and how comfortable people should feel in the hands of their health care professionals.

“Health care, as we’ve found, should not be daunting, it should not be scary,” he said. “It should be somewhere where we can go and connect. … When you need information, you go to your doctor. They know you the best.”

State Sen. George Borrello could not be on hand for the meeting, but he sent his commendations to Seneca, Roswell, and everyone involved with making the partnership happen.

As part of Seneca’s drive to get health care to the people of the Seneca Nation and surrounding communities, a pop up COVID-19 vaccination clinic was held at his travel plaza in the summer of 2021.

The J.C. Seneca Foundation enters its 10th year of operation, which Seneca said has led to some exciting advancements within their non-profit. These efforts are being spearheaded by Dean Seneca, the CEO of Seneca Scientific Solutions, and has experience in health care. J.C. Seneca credited Dean Seneca as the person responsible with making the connection between the J.C. Seneca Foundation and Roswell.

“Not many tribal nations have a private sector,” said Dean Seneca. “Here at Seneca Nation, we do have a private sector and because of that, we have a responsible business man. He cares about the community, both Indian and not Indian. … He does a lot for the surrounding communities around the territory. Because of that, you’ll never see a partnership like that.”

Dr. Rodney Haring, the Director for the Center of Indigenous Research, was on site for the announcement as well, and was excited to talk about how groundbreaking the site was. Haring, himself a Seneca Nation member, understands the importance better than anybody.

“When reaching out with Dean and J.C., it was a matter of hours that our response back was yes,” said Haring. “We want to collaborate and this is a good opportunity to make a difference in our communities. That’s really important in the things we do.”

Seneca ended the press conference by saying that his business experience over the last 35 years has helped him stay in touch with his community, which is why he’s so eager to give back to it however he can.

“I’m very grateful for being in business. … With being in business, there’s a responsibility with that,” Seneca said. “It’s not just about making money, it’s the responsibility of what got you here and not forgetting where you came from and helping people. … It’s using your experience and faith in sharing that and helping other people.”