Seneca Nation President ‘Disappointed’ With Compact Negotiations
Seneca Nation President Rickey Armstrong Sr. expressed deep disappointment with the recent compact negotiations between his tribe and the state of New York, calling the process “unfair and disrespectful” to his people.
The Seneca Nation, one of the six federally recognized tribes in New York, has been engaged in negotiations with the state government over the terms of their gaming compact, which outlines the rules and regulations governing the tribe’s gaming operations, including their three casinos in western New York.
President Armstrong, who has been leading the negotiations on behalf of the Seneca Nation, expressed frustration with the lack of progress in reaching a mutually beneficial agreement. He accused Gov. Kathy Hochul’s administration of being unresponsive to the tribe’s concerns and failing to negotiate in good faith.
“We have been at the table, ready and willing to negotiate in good faith, but the state’s unwillingness to engage with us on our concerns has been incredibly disappointing,” President Armstrong said in a statement. “It is clear that the state is not interested in reaching a fair and equitable agreement that respects our sovereignty and supports our economic development initiatives.”
The Seneca Nation has been operating casinos in western New York for over 20 years, generating millions of dollars in revenue for the state through gaming taxes and fees. However, the tribe has been at odds with the state over the interpretation of the compact’s revenue-sharing provisions, leading to a lengthy legal battle that has strained relations between the two parties.
President Armstrong emphasized the importance of reaching a fair and mutually beneficial agreement that respects the Seneca Nation’s sovereignty and economic interests. He called on Gov. Hochul to prioritize a resolution to the ongoing negotiations and to uphold the tribe’s rights under federal law.
“We are a sovereign nation with a right to self-governance and economic self-sufficiency,” President Armstrong said. “It is time for the state to respect that sovereignty and work with us in a collaborative and respectful manner to reach a fair and equitable agreement that benefits both parties.”
The Seneca Nation has indicated that it is open to continuing negotiations with the state in the hopes of reaching a resolution that is acceptable to both parties. However, President Armstrong warned that if a fair agreement cannot be reached, the tribe will explore all available options to protect their rights and interests.
As the negotiations continue, the Seneca Nation remains steadfast in their commitment to advocating for their sovereignty and economic prosperity, and President Armstrong vowed to fight for a resolution that upholds the tribe’s rights and values.
In response to President Armstrong’s statements, Gov. Hochul’s office released a statement reaffirming their commitment to working towards a fair and equitable resolution to the compact negotiations.
“The state remains committed to negotiating in good faith with the Seneca Nation to reach a mutually acceptable agreement that benefits both parties and upholds the principles of sovereignty and economic development,” the statement read. “We are hopeful that a resolution can be reached that respects the interests of all parties involved.”
The ongoing negotiations between the Seneca Nation and the state of New York will continue to be closely watched as both parties work towards a resolution that is fair, equitable, and mutually beneficial.
