By Eileen Buckley
Buffalo, NY – Federal Judge Richard Arcara has rejected a land claim for Grand Island filed by the Seneca Nation of Indians almost a decade ago.
The Nation's lawsuit claimed the state's original purchase of Grand Island and other islands from the tribe was invalid because it was not approved by Congress, as required by law. Arcara's ruling says the Nation's title to the islands had expired before New York's purchase in 1815.
Grand Island Town Supervisor Peter McMahon says the the ruling is a victory for more than 18,000 residents.
"I think I can speak for everyone on Grand Island when I say we are pleased with the judge's ruling, dismissing the Seneca land claim," McMahon said. "We are happy the judge saw the law and facts in this cas the same way we did."
The Seneca Nation says it will not comment on the ruling until it has had time to review the lengthy court document. But the Nation's former attorney did.
Joseph Crangle filed the lawsuit for the Seneca's back in 1993. He said he disagrees with the judge's ruling.
"In 1792, the United States government passed a law called the non-intercourse act, which means you could not have a treaty and take land from an Indian without the federal government approving it," Crangle explained. "And the Treaty of 1815 that New York State entered into with the Seneca Nation of Indians was not approved by the U.S. Congress."
Crangle says the Nation has 30 days to appeal.