We asked tribal leaders to discuss the steps their tribes are taking to uphold their long-term cultural and economic resilience, and the key focus areas for their gaming and entertainment enterprises. Here is what President J. Conrad Seneca had to say…
J. Conrad Seneca, President
Seneca Nation of Indians
Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino – Niagara Falls, NY
Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino – Buffalo, NY
Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino – Allegany, NY
senecaniagaracasino.com / senecabuffalocreekcasino.com / senecaalleganycasino.com / sni.org
RESILIENCE: Strengthening and diversifying our economy to protect our seventh generation is our priority. The Seneca Nation currently owns and operates 34 different business enterprises across a wide and growing range of industries, from gaming and hospitality to retail, energy, federal contracting and even professional sports.
Earlier this year, we made a historic transaction when we acquired the Rochester (NY) Knighthawks franchise in the National Lacrosse League. The deal not only preserves the team’s presence in Rochester, which is part of our ancestral homelands, it creates new economic opportunity and visibility for our Nation within the Rochester market. This investment, like all our business ventures, generates revenue that supports critical programs and services for our Seneca people and improves the overall quality of life on our territories.
GAMING: On the business side of things, our Seneca Gaming Corporation team is completing a long-term master planning process to determine the future of our three resort properties – Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino, Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino and Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino. There are some exciting investments they will be making at each property in the coming years, as well as plans for other capital projects that are still being finalized. Meanwhile, we continue to try and engage and negotiate with New York State on a fair, new gaming compact. Unfortunately, the progress has been essentially stagnant, and the state’s leaders have shown no true willingness to deal honestly and fairly with the Seneca Nation. We continue our push to get the state to recognize the vital role our Nation plays in the Western New York economy and to put decision-makers, not career bureaucrats, at the table with us. We’re not going to relent in demanding and delivering a fair agreement that prioritizes the needs of the Seneca Nation and our people.
