Senate Resolution No. 5528

BY: Senator GRIFFO

COMMEMORATING the 25th Anniversary of the Gaming
Compact between the Oneida Indian Nation and the
State of New York

WHEREAS, Oneida Indian Nation sovereignty is enshrined in state and
federal law and retains inalienable rights and privileges of
self-governance; and

WHEREAS, Oneida Indian Nation was America's first ally and the first
Indian Nation to fight alongside American soldiers in the Revolutionary
War, and its members have served in the Armed Forces in every war since;
and

WHEREAS, In 1993, New York State and Oneida Indian Nation created
history by signing a gaming compact in hopes of creating a successful
economic model for the Oneida people and for Upstate New Yorkers; and

WHEREAS, Former New York Governor Mario Cuomo defined Oneida Indian
Nation as a "rare model of economic success and collaboration, during
and era of economic turmoil and divisiveness"; and

WHEREAS, Oneida Indian Nation has diligently worked to support a
culture of civility and respect that has led to state-tribal relations
that are a national model in Indian Country and that led to the historic
2013 settlement between the tribe, Oneida County, Madison County, and
New York State; and

WHEREAS, The 2013 settlement ended all legal disputes between the
Oneida Nation, state, and local governments, and has created a new era
of collaboration and shared prosperity for the Mohawk Valley; and

WHEREAS, Oneida Indian Nation enterprises have generated critical
revenues for infrastructure, education, healthcare, social services and
other public priorities, both for the Oneida people and for surrounding
communities in Central New York; and

WHEREAS, Oneida Indian Nation's eternal commitment to its sacred
homelands has been illustrated by its unwavering commitment to
reinvesting resources in the local economy and local businesses, rather
than siphoning resources out of New York State; and

WHEREAS, Oneida Indian Nation enterprises were projected in 1993 to
create 1,400 jobs but have surpassed those projections, now directly
creating 4,500 jobs and supporting thousands more throughout the region;
and

WHEREAS, Oneida Indian Nation in now the largest employer in Oneida
and Madison County, and the fifth largest employer in the 16 counties
that make up Central New York; and

WHEREAS, Oneida Indian Nation is a national leader in Indian
Country, and has used its prominence to promote economic development
initiatives, fight for stronger civil rights and environmental

protections, speak out against those who seek to demonize people of
color, and work with New York legislators to unanimously pass a
resolution in 2014 calling for the end of Native American-themed
mascots; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 25th Anniversary of the Gaming Compact between the
Oneida Indian Nation and the State of New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pauses further to encourage New
Yorkers to look to the Oneida Indian Nation's deportment, business and
tribal government success and record of community investment as an
exemplary model for other businesses and communities to follow; and be
it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the Oneida Indian Nation.