Leaders of NY's Seneca Indians settle dispute

Leaders of NY's Seneca Indians settle dispute

Associated Press
BUFFALO, N.Y. — Leaders of the Seneca Indian Nation in New York say they've settled an internal power struggle.

The western New York tribe announced the development in a statement late Thursday that capped a tumultuous week.

Last Saturday, the Tribal Council voted 10-6 to remove Seneca President Robert Odawi (oh-DAH'-wee) Porter as chief executive officer. The no-confidence vote was a first for the tribe, which runs three western New York casinos as well as reservation cigarette businesses.

But a day after the vote, the Seneca clerk voided it on a technicality.

In Thursday's statement, Porter apologized for saying hurtful things and said he respected the Tribal Council's authority. Councilor J.C. Seneca apologized for the harm his motion to remove Porter as chief executive caused him and the Seneca people.