ALBANY, NY – Leaders of several Native Nations throughout New York, including the Seneca Nation, traveled to Albany for a historic gathering with New York State leaders.
Native American Day included the first roundtable meeting in more than a decade for Native Nation leadership with the New York State Senate’s State-Native American Relations Subcommittee, chaired by Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. The Native Nations participating in the meeting included the Seneca Nation, the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe, and the Shinnecock Nation.
Throughout the more than hour-long meeting, Nation leaders discussed several matters of mutual concern, as well as those specific to their sovereign territories and people. Topics discussed included land and environmental issues, the ongoing opioid crisis and law enforcement matters, economic development, infrastructure needs, educational initiatives and funding, among others.
“Today was a welcome and important step, but it cannot be a one-time event or token display of recognition for the issues facing our Nations and our people, and the critical role we play in our home regions within New York,” said Seneca Nation President J. Conrad Seneca. “We have to change the way the State of New York interacts with and respects our Nations. The members of the Senate subcommittee have to understand and advocate for our concerns. Along with their colleagues in the Senate, Assembly and New York’s Executive Chamber, they have to respect the sovereignty of our Nations and work with us to address the unique and important issues facing our people.”
The Saint Regis Mohawk Council stated, “We appreciate the opportunity to voice our concerns about long-standing issues of importance to our community, and to work with New York State as partners in improving the lives of not only our community members, but that of our neighbors as well. We look forward to solid commitments from state leaders to address challenges related to regional transportation and educational infrastructure, including fast-tracking the construction of a new Saint Regis Mohawk Elementary School, and to take advantage of opportunities to promote area economic development and law enforcement coordination.”
Following the roundtable discussion, the North Concourse of the Legislative Office Building was filled with informational, cultural, and artistic displays in recognition of the sovereignty, culture and history of Native Nations. In addition to leadership officials, several citizens from the respective Nations also traveled to Albany to witness and participate in the day’s events.
The attendance and participation by multiple Native Nations is part of an ongoing movement to bring the Nations together on advocacy and awareness efforts. At the end of March, the Seneca Nation convened an “All Nations” virtual meeting attended by eight Native Nations from across New York to discuss advocacy efforts on matters concerning relations with New York State. The Seneca Nation also plans to host a Native Nations summit on its Allegany territory at the end of the month.
“We are still here,” said President Seneca. “Our voices matter, our people matter and our issues matter. When we stand united and advocate for common issues with one collective voice, we make a greater difference for all our people now and into the future.”
