CATTARAUGUS TERRITORY — Eight native nations from across New York state held an “All Nations” virtual meeting Monday to discuss advocacy efforts on important matters concerning native-state relations.
Leadership from the Seneca Nation of Indians, Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe, Oneida Indian Nation and Shinnecock Indian Nation were joined by representatives from the Tonawanda Seneca Nation, Tuscarora Nation, Cayuga Nation and Onondaga Nation to discuss a host of topics, such as land and environmental issues, the ongoing opioid crisis, economic development, infrastructure needs and educational initiatives and funding.
During this historic meeting, each nation was given time to voice their specific issues and concerns, and the attendees committed to engage in information sharing and follow-up discussions to determine how to best align their support for one another.
J.C. Seneca
“This meeting was an important first step toward building better relationships with our fellow Native Nations,” said Seneca Nation President J. Conrad Seneca. “If we can come together with one voice and take a united stance to fight for the collective benefit of our Nations, it will pay dividends for our people and for our future generations.”
After the meeting, the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Council issued a statement extending its gratitude to the Senecas for organizing the meeting ahead of the state Senate’s Native American Relations Committee Roundtable on April 8. The Mohawks said it was historic for them to participate along with representatives from the Oneida, Cayuga, Onondaga, Shinnecock, Tuscarora and Tonawanda Nations to learn what is affecting them and share their experiences.
“We hope to form a coalition with the Tribal Nations in New York in the very near future, and we are committed to meeting more regularly to ensure these relationships are solidified as we work through our individual and collective issues with the State for the benefit of all of us,” the statement read.
The Shinnecock Indian Nation also issued a statement, saying they look forward to engaging in the First Nation’s discussions. “As sister tribes, we all share the same concerns, that are not unique to the State of New York, regarding the prosperity of our people.”
The All Nations virtual meeting was held in advance of the long-awaited first meeting of the newly constituted New York State Senate Subcommittee on State-Native American Relations. With the recent appointment of Sen. Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr., as chair of the subcommittee, native nations across New York are optimistic that the subcommittee will serve as an advocate in the State Legislature for issues impacting native nations and peoples within the state.
The Seneca Nation is planning to host a Native Nations Summit in the coming months for all native nations in the state to be held on the Seneca Nation’s Allegany Territory. The planned Native Nations Summit will provide an opportunity for the nations located within the state to work together to develop solutions to common problems and will feature a day of meetings between the leadership of each native nation and exhibition lacrosse games.
Tensions between the state and the Seneca Nation have been high for nearly two years after an initial casino compact deal was announced in 2023 and then unannounced after pushback from Rochester-area lawmakers. Since then, both sides have issued statements about working towards a new deal, but whether negotiations are happening or progress is being made is unknown.
Since that tentative deal was canceled in 2023, the state and Seneca Nation have signed temporary extensions of the previous compact agreement, with payments to the state by the Nation being held in escrow. In late 2024, the state advanced the host cities of Buffalo, Niagara Falls, and Salamanca their share of casino revenue.
