Seneca Nation Puts Agreed NY Payments on Pause

Just as Seneca Nation of Indians was about to resolve its five years argument with the State of New York, a new obstacle has emerged. Recently, a resolution by the Seneca Nation Council has required the tribe to temporarily halt its agreed casino revenue sharing payments to the Empire State. The council and some members of the Nation deem the agreement with the state unregulated.

Around five years ago, Seneca Nation of Indians suspended its casino revenue-sharing payments to the state, as the tribe claimed that the state has violated some of the terms of their gaming compact. This has led to a series of legal battles, however, last month the Nation came up with a statement that is willing to resolve the issue and honor its financial obligations of approximately US$800 million.

Awaiting Review

Seneca Nation’s President Matthew Pagels announced on January 12, 2022, that the tribe is willing to honor its payments to the state and has an agreement in place with Governor Kathy Hochul’s office. However, shortly after that many members of the Seneca Nation have expressed their discontent with the agreement and deemed it unregulated as it has not been approved by the council.

Mothers of Seneca Nation member Leslie Logan commented that President Pagels has not acquired council approval for the agreed deal with the Empire State. Now, the tribe will have to wait on a review and determination of the legality of the compact with the state. The review will be conducted by the National Indian Gaming Commission.

According to Let’s Talk Native, radio host John Kane, if the commission rules the agreement as illegal then the Seneca Nation will not be required to pay the money back to the state. He also reminded that previous leaders of the Native American tribe have proposed to take the revenue argument to the Department of the Interior.

The Nation’s President Mr. Pagels has also issued a statement after that, in which he acknowledged the request for the withholding of the casino payments. He also shared that he is waiting to see if the situation can be resolved in a quick manner, and if it is the Nation would be able to move forward with the new agreement and its gaming operations in the state.

Petition Against

Last week, the Seneca Mothers of the Nation first expressed their disagreement over the compact with NY. The group which is recognized under the Seneca constitution of 1848 treaties, has started a petition to collect signatures of members who believe that the agreed settlement is unregulated. After that, the petition has been sent to the Department of the Interior.

More Disagreement

Former Tribal Council member Susan Abrams also does not agree with the Nation’s recent settlement with New York. She has even filed a lawsuit at the tribe’s Peacemaker Court, as she expects a fair ruling about a potential restraining order against the payments. Ms. Abrams claimed that the Council must vote to approve the agreement, in order for it to be deemed legal.

Source: O’Neil-White, Thomas “Vocal opposition halts planned Seneca casino revenue payment to NYS”, WBFO, February 14, 2022