Albany Times Union: http://www.timesunion.com/library/
Wednesday, May 7, 1997
Associated Press

[SISIS note: The following mainstream news article is provided for reference only, as an example of how mainstream media treats indigenous resistance to genocide. It may contain biased and distorted information and may be missing pertinent facts and/or context.]

BUFFALO -- The Seneca Nation of Indians Tuesday asked President Clinton to intervene in its tax dispute with New York state, saying the President is obligated by Indian treaties to get involved.

Also Tuesday, the Senecas said they would send a delegation to Washington to demand an end to all state interference in their nation's affairs.

The Senecas asked Clinton to file suit in federal court against the state for failing to honor Indian treaties.

"According to the 1794 Canandaigua Treaty Provision, the United States president must preserve the peaceful enjoyment of our nation and preserve our sovereign rights," tribal councilor Richard Jemison said.

Gov. George Pataki ordered a virtual blockade to cut off gas and tobacco deliveries to the Seneca reservations April 1 after the tribe refused to allow the state to collect tax on sales to non-Indians. The move has thrown at least 400 people out of work.

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 1994 that New York had the right to collect such taxes on reservation sales to non-Indians, without threatening the sovereignty of the Seneca Nation.

Jemison said several tribal leaders, including President Michael Schindler, planned to meet with members of Congress today.