SALAMANCA, N.Y. — Fifty years ago, women of the Seneca Nation cast their first vote in general elections. This November a woman will appear on the ballot for the highest office.
Darlene Miller, a current council member of the Allegany Territory, announced Monday her candidacy for president of the Seneca Nation of Indians. If successful, she will become the first female president of the Seneca Nation.
Miller was joined by two Cattaraugus Territory council members, Jeff Gill and Richard Nephew, who endorsed her for the position under a new party, the One Nation Party. The announcement was held at Bear Mountain Resort, the former Red Garter Restaurant, overlooking Salamanca.
“It’s a beautiful morning that brings us all together here today, and for a good reason,” said Gill. “Darlene (Miller) has always been there, not only as a councilor, but also in the health field — helping us spiritually, mentally and physically — and that’s what she brings to the table as the next president of the Seneca Nation.”
Miller was elected to her current position as council member in 2010, and is the former acting CEO of Seneca Nation Health Systems from 2008 to 2014. She also has been a faithkeeper with the Coldspring Longhouse for more than 20 years.
“I’ve known (Miller) for years and I’m well aware of her experience in areas that are very important to the Seneca Nation,” said Nephew. “It’s only natural to me that she seek this very important spot, and I can think of no other candidate from Allegany that has the same life experience and personal integrity that Darlene (Miller) possesses.
“I’m glad to be here today and intend to help her all I can in developing a new party called One Nation, and today is one important step.”
Miller made it clear in her remarks she intends to make some big changes if she is elected.
“The motivation for my decision is the unborn Seneca children and all Seneca members. It is time, as many have said, for a change — a huge change,” she said.
“I pledge during my term as president to devote all of my energy to carrying on Seneca customs and traditions, preserving our Seneca language for our children, uniting the three branches of government, working and walking side-by-side together for a healthy Nation and to uphold the constitution of the Seneca Nation of Indians and its tribal laws.”
The presidential candidate added a cornerstone of her platform was putting “people before politics” and “acknowledging the people the day after the election and not forgetting who they are.”
Miller nodded to her female ancestors and the progress they’ve made in the last 50 years, making an event like Monday’s possible.
“In 1964, the Seneca women voted in the first general election and intended to make their vote count,” she said. “Today, we are coming full circle with that same message.
“You ask, ‘Is she strong enough?’ Yes. I am a female leader who respects the elements that surround me and I have the experience and knowledge that I have learned walking the good path to be successful as the next president of the Seneca Nation.”
Currently, Miller is the only candidate that has officially announced her intention to run for president. All candidate applications are due Oct. 20.
The Seneca Nation elects a president every two years, and the President’s Office alternates between the Cattaraugus and Allegany territories. This year, the President’s Office will be held by a Seneca citizen from the Allegany Territory.
Members will vote on Election Day, Nov. 4, at polling locations on both territories.
