On February 27th, the Seneca Nation hosted a meeting at the Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino bringing together President J.C. Seneca and members of the Nation’s Council with state, county, and local legislators from Western New York. The purpose of the gathering was to address significant issues impacting both the Nation and the surrounding region.
The agenda included critical topics such as drug and human trafficking on Native lands, the jurisdiction of state law enforcement on Nation territories, environmental protection efforts, resolution of land disputes, and the recovery of historic lands. Additionally, discussions focused on business development, economic growth, and the financial impact of Seneca gaming operations in Western New York.
The meeting featured participation from notable figures including Dr. Elizabeth Rule, Deputy Secretary for First Nations under Governor Kathy Hochul, as well as State Senators Robert Ortt and George M. Borello, and Assemblymembers Angelo J. Morinello and Joseph Sempolinski. Representatives from various elected officials' offices were also present including Jesse Prieto from U.S. Representative Nick Langworthy’s office and Emily Reid representing U.S. Representative Tim Kennedy. The governor's office was represented by Frank Puglisi and Bonnie Kane Lockwood.
Council members Kevin Seneca, Lisa Maybee, Odie Porter, Todd Gates, Klint Nephew, and Tina Abrams led discussions on various subjects, emphasizing the importance of historic land and the development initiatives undertaken by the Nation in Niagara Falls, Buffalo, and Salamanca, particularly through their casino operations. These three gaming facilities have engaged over 6,500 vendors, generating nearly $500 million in goods sold.
The casinos also provide employment for 5,580 individuals with total salaries exceeding $225 million.
Seneca Nation Engages Local and State Officials in Key Discussions