Nya:wëh Sgë:nö’,
The Nation recently welcomed a large delegation of federal, state and local elected officials and staff to our Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino for a wide ranging discussion of issues and priorities for the Nation and our people. Some of the topics presented by members of Council included environmental concerns, law enforcement, and other matters. The highlight of the day was discussion of our Nation’s significant economic impact in Western New York.
Earlier this year, the Nation commissioned an independent study, prepared by Meister Economic Consulting, to quantify the economic impact our government and businesses operations have across a 16-county area of New York. The study showed that our Nation directly and indirectly contributed an overall impact of $1.9 Billion to the regional economy in 2024. That impact provides more than 8,000 direct and indirect jobs representing more than $542 million in wages.
The study confirms what we already knew – that the Seneca Nation is one of the most important and significant economic engines in Western New York. We create jobs and drive economic growth through our growing portfolio of business operations, and we do it without subsidies and other handouts. Our growing Seneca economy is self-created and self-funded, and the benefits of what we have created extend far and wide beyond our territories.
Many of the elected officials and representatives in attendance were impressed by and supportive of the Nation and the role we play in our homelands. New York State Senator George Borello, New York State Assemblyman Angelo Morinello and Chautauqua County Executive PJ Wendel all made public comments at the event in support of the Nation.
It is unfortunate that others, especially Governor Kathy Hochul and the Executive Chamber, fail to recognize and appreciate everything the Nation delivers to Western New York.
Earlier this month, Governor Hochul’s Compact negotiating team flat-out rejected or even failed to consider every proposal we put forth as part of the People’s Compact. After months, of trying to get to the table, requesting and encouraging the State’s feedback and comments on Compact matters, and waiting for the Governor herself to meaningfully engage in Compact discussions, we are instead going in the same circle of inaction with the Governor’s selected bureaucrats.
If the Governor is serious about working with the Nation on a fair Compact, as her spokespeople have stated publicly, then the Governor needs to get to the table. We need decision-makers, not career bureaucrats.
On another important topic in our community, the Nation is rolling out a new initiative to help fight crime on our territories. Our “See Something, Say Something” program will provide residents a confidential avenue to report criminal activity to law enforcement by call or text. Our Public Safety Commission worked collaboratively with the Cattaraugus County Sheriff and Erie County Sheriff to establish new confidential Tip Lines. The confidential Tip Line numbers are 716-382-1562 (Allegany Territory) and 716-382-1564 (Cattaraugus Territory). More information on this program will soon be shared throughout our community.
We all share the responsibility to keep our territories safe and to prevent bad actors from threatening the safety of our people. The new Tip Lines will be an important community tool in that effort. If you see something, please say something.
Looking ahead, November 11th is Canandaigua Treaty Day. The annual commemoration event will take place in front of the Ontario County Courthouse in Canandaigua, recognizing one of the most important treaties in United States history. Signed in 1794, the Treaty of Canandaigua guaranteed perpetual peace and friendship between the United States and the Haudenosaunee. The treaty states that the United States will never claim nor disturb our lands and that we are guaranteed the free use and enjoyment of our lands.
Although we know the terms of the Treaty of Canandaigua have been violated in the centuries since, we continue to live by the treaty and all that it represents and guarantees – forever.
I hope all of our Seneca children enjoy a safe and happy Halloween and let’s all be extra careful to keep an eye out for the trick-or-treaters throughout our territories tonight!
Until next time,
J.C.
