J.C. Seneca, a tribal councillor and owner of Native Pride, has taken steps to insure his business survives, despite expected state sales tax collection attempts.

Seneca recalled Tuesday when the same issue came to the forefront in 1997. It is also when he said he ''took action'' to make sure there were supply lines and delivery to his stores, despite what the state does. He developed his own brand of cigarettes to manufacture, which he supplies to 200 other Seneca businesses.

''You have to put the puzzle together,'' said Seneca about what he learned in 1997 and that that could reoccur.

''It's an economic war,'' he said, adding Senecas believe they are a partner in New York, with the state having a choice to confront them or work together.

The law signed Monday by Gov. David Paterson will prohibit manufacturers from selling tobacco products without a state tax stamp to any wholesaler that doesn't certify the cigarettes won't be resold tax-free by New York tribes, a practice that has caused conflict between Indians and the state for years.

''The governor created a volatile situation,'' said Seneca Tyler Heron, also responding to the signing of the bill.

Instead, he said, the governor may want to ''sit down and chat'' with Senecas, who state treaties with the federal government prohibit such tax collections.

''Treaties don't expire,'' he said, adding they do not have a shelf life.

Instead of violating them, Heron said the state legislature should learn about spending. He questioned why the nation has been burdened due to the state's ''fiscal malfeasance.''

''It's not our problem,'' said Heron, adding if the state were not facing a deficit, the situation would not be occurring.

Despite that, Mike General of Mikey G's Smoke Shop said he will leave finding a solution to tribal leaders, who he said he has faith in to help business owners.

''I don't like it; I don't think it's fair,'' he said, adding he expects to see a decrease in business if tax collections occur. ''It's a disrespect not to even acknowledge our treaties.''