Seneca Nation Convenes Historic “All Nations” Virtual Meeting to Discuss Matters of Mutual Concern Regarding Native Nation Relations with the State of New York
Joint Press Release – Seneca Nation of Indians, Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe, and Shinnecock Indian Nation
CATTARAUGUS TERRITORY, IRVING, N.Y. – On March 31, 2025, eight Native Nations from across the State of New York held an “All Nations” virtual meeting to discuss advocacy efforts on important matters concerning Native Nation-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 Native 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.
“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.”
The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Council issued the following statement after the meeting: “The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Council extends its gratitude to the Seneca Nation for organizing the virtual meeting for representatives from Tribal Nations in New York held on March 31st to discuss issues amongst us ahead of the State Senate’s Native American Relations Committee Roundtable on April 8th. It was historic for us to participate as representatives from the Oneida, Cayuga, Onondaga, Shinnecock, Tuscarora and Tonawanda Nations joined us so we may learn what is affecting them and share our experiences as well. 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 Shinnecock Indian Nation said “The Shinnecock Nation looks 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 Native people 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 in Western New York. The planned Native Nations Summit will provide an opportunity for the Native 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.
