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Outgoing Seneca Nation President J.C. Seneca identified the lack of a gaming compact with New York as one of his biggest concerns as the Nation prepares for a leadership transition. His comments come amid a federal lawsuit challenging protections for approximately 200 acres of Nation-owned land on Grand Island, according to WGRZ.
Incoming President Tina Abrams will inherit disputes involving gaming, land rights, and economic development, Seneca said.
New York challenges Grand Island land protections
New York State filed the federal lawsuit last week. This challenges a U.S. Department of the Interior decision granting protected status to the Grand Island property.
Seneca criticized the state and Gov. Kathy Hochul, describing the challenge as an effort to undermine the Nation’s sovereignty. He characterized it as another attempt to take land away from Native Americans and limit the Nation’s ability to make decisions involving its sovereign territory.
Those statements reflect Seneca’s position on the lawsuit, rather than a court finding.
PlayNY reported on Nov. 8 that New York was challenging Seneca land status in Buffalo and Grand Island.
Gaming compact concerns accompany leadership change
Alongside the land challenge, Seneca pointed to the absence of a gaming compact between the Nation and New York as a significant unresolved issue.
A separate City of Buffalo lawsuit involves the Miami Street gas station. It operates on Seneca Nation land and is subject to claims of sovereign status. A spokesperson for the Mayor Ryan administration told WGRZ the city had no additional comment.
Abrams is scheduled to be sworn in on Nov. 11 and is expected to become the Seneca Nation’s first female president.
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Source: As reported by wgrz.com.
