Seneca Nation of Indians has launched a brand-new campaign named #StandWithSeneca, which will raise awareness about the tribe’s history and many contributions to the local economy of New York. The new campaign was announced on Friday, July 15, 2022, at the Nation’s Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino in Buffalo, where leaders and supporters gathered to discuss it.
Currently, the Native American tribe is awaiting the end of its gaming compact with the State of New York, which was signed 20 years ago back in 2002. Through it, the tribe operates three casino properties in Western New York. The current compact is set to expire in December this year, and the Nation is hopeful to strike a new one with improved terms and conditions.
Friday’s Rally
On Friday, Seneca Nation hosted a press conference at its Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino, where leaders of the Nation, staff, and supporters converged to discuss the #StandWithSeneca campaign. President of the tribe, Matthew Pagels commented that the casino is one of the finest examples of how the Nation has managed to reshape and recover the economy of Western New York.
Mr. Pagels continued his statement by saying that historic private investment, jobs for locals, and business opportunities, are just a fraction of the tribe’s legacy in the region. According to the Nation, in the current contract, it has managed to provide nearly US$2 billion in payments to Albany, with hundreds of millions then being used to support local governments, such as Niagara Falls.
#StandWithSeneca will consist of the broadcast of paid television and radio advertisements, billboards in certain markets, as well as social media messaging and engagement and community outreach. The TV ads will start airing in the Buffalo area in the coming weeks and will emphasize the economic role of the tribe in the region. The Nation will also launch a new website, StandWithSeneca.com.
The Nation also reported that its gaming and government operations and its business activities provide employment to more than 5,000 people from the state. In addition to that, said staff members of the Seneca one Stop stores and other Nation-run entities have delivered over US$222 million in wages annually. Also, the tribe spends more than US$360 million with local vendors every year.
East Side Donation
In May, the Seneca Nation once again demonstrated its local responsibility, as the tribe sent out a generous donation to Buffalo. The Nation delivered over 700 pounds of food and items to the Feedmore WNY warehouse and the communities impacted by the May 14 mass shooting. It also collected and donated non-perishable food items, toiletries, hygiene products, and infant and child care products among other essentials.
July 4th Festivities
This year is no exception and the tribe celebrated July 4th in style. At its Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino and Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino the gaming leader hosted two spectacular firework shows on July 2, 2022, and July 4, 2022, respectively. The Mayor of Niagara Falls said that the celebrations are an ideal opportunity for everyone to demonstrate their patriotism and unity
Source: “Seneca Nation launches campaign ahead of gaming compact talks”, Yahoo, July 16, 2022
