Buffalo Creek Casino Case: The Story of the Buffalo Parcel

As everyone knows (right?), IGRA only authorizes Class II and III gaming on "Indian lands." For non-reservation land, the determination of whether a parcel of land is "Indian lands" can be very complicated, requiring careful analysis of a complex history of the tribe's interactions and agreements with the state and the federal government. In his July 8 decision, federal judge William Skretny conducted just that kind of analysis, reaching all the way back to the 17th century.

It's a long story that's difficult to make short, but here's the gist: In the 18th and 19th centuries, the Seneca Nation's land was sold and leased under a number of treaties, agreements, and statutes.

In the 1950s, the tribe filed claims against the U.S. for failing to ensure that the Seneca Nation received fair remuneration for its land. In 1969, the claims were still pending. One of the 19th century leases, however, was due to expire, and the New York state legislature set about renegotiating the lease with the tribe. An agreement was reached, and Congress codified it in the Seneca Nation Settlement Act of 1990. The Act included a provision requiring the U.S. to pay the tribe $35 million for past inequities. $5 million was earmarked for the tribe's economic and community development.

Then, in 2002, the Seneca Nation entered into a Class III compact with New York. The compact authorized gaming at three different sites, including on a to-be-purchased parcel of land in Buffalo. The tribe intended to use some of the funds from the 1990 Settlement Act to purchase the land. The compact was "pocket-approved" by the Interior Secretary.

In 2005, the tribe purchased 9 acres of land in Buffalo. A few months later, a citizens group, Citizens Against Casino Gambling in Erie County, filed suit in federal court to prevent the tribe from conducting gaming on the parcel.

Next up: The NIGC's actions