NIAGARA FALLS – Seneca Nation President J.C. Seneca and members of the Nation’s Council this week met with state, county and local legislators from across Western New York to find common ground on key issues affecting the Nation and the region.

The meeting at the Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino included discussions on drug and human trafficking on native territories and state-enforced law-enforcement jurisdiction over Nation territories; environmental protection on Nation land; resolving land disputes and recovering historic lands; business development and economic growth; and economic impact of Seneca gaming investments on Nation territories in Western New York.

“It’s true for all of us, whether we are in Native government or state government or the federal government, we have to be able to listen to our people and get things done to make sure that we can make a difference in their lives, and make their lives better,” said President Seneca. “And to be able to survive and live and thrive within our communities.”

Among those attending the meeting were Dr. Elizabeth Rule, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s deputy secretary for First Nations; State Sens. Robert Ortt and George M. Borello, and Assemblymembers Angelo J. Morinello, and Joseph Sempolinski. Representatives from other elected officials were present as well, including Jesse Prieto from U.S. Rep Nick Langworthy’s office, and Emily Reid representing U.S. Rep. Tim Kennedy. Frank Puglisi and Bonnie Kane Lockwood also represented the governor.

Councillors presenting on various topics included Kevin Seneca, Lisa Maybee, Odie Porter, Todd Gates, Klint Nephew and Tina Abrams.

Much of the emphasis of their talks was on historic land, and what the Nation has done in Niagara Falls, Buffalo and Salamanca to develop those lands with casinos. The three gaming operations, over their histories, utilize more than 6,500 vendors selling nearly $500 million worth of goods.

The Nation’s casinos employ 5,580 people who are paid more than $225 million in salaries.

“Tell Kathy Hochul to be thankful for what we’ve done in her backyard,” said Abrams.

Several Councillors expressed the commitment to the Nation’s lands, saying the Seneca people are here and they are not going anywhere.

“This is how things get done. We have to be able to come together. We have to be able to communicate and keep these lines of communication open,” Seneca said. “We have to be willing to listen to each other and try to find a way to get results on many of these issues that we were talking about, so I’m very appreciative of that. We look forward to the next time we’ll be able to come together like this.”