Seneca-Cayuga Nation has for many years set to focus on providing access to opportunity for our members within the tribe throughout the key institutions that make up our tribal economic landscape. The emphasis has been on allowing for economic development and career opportunities locally and for our members, furthering the legacy of our great nation and thereby contributing to our own economy.  For individuals pursuing their career, it is important we provide real-time information on what each of these organizations are doing to contribute to employment and to our economy. It’s also worthwhile to communicate it may not mean every employee within the organization is tribal, to run an organization within the confines of any business will often require specific requirements that cannot only be solely the nationality of it’s employees. But where able, the SCN seeks to offer working positions to individuals looking to further their careers and has set it as a core value amongst the 5 economic contributors to SCN economy. Our priority is to focus on the impact of tribal employment by looking at the Seneca-Cayuga Tobacco Factory, the Seneca-Cayuga Tribal Administration, Grand Lake Casino, and Grand Lake Lodge.

Firstly, the Tobacco factories greatest contribution specifically to the economy of SCN, is through providing access to opportunity within the factory, specifically through hiring  tribal members.  It’s been in operation since 1999, and is owned by Seneca-Cayuga Nation. The factory has a total of 24 employees, 17 of which are Seneca-Cayuga Nation tribal members.  There are 5 members of other tribes who work at the tobacco operation and 2 of the Seneca-Cayuga tribal members serve in senior leadership positions within the organization.

The tobacco factory has fostered a work culture where their employees have access to benefits, fair wages, and an environment where others’ enjoy their place of work. Mark Morrison, assistant manager of the factory shared “ We want to foster a sense of loyalty between our employees and our organization. Over half of our employees have been here 10+ years. The longest standing employees are celebrating 21 years with the organization. Every chance we get to hire tribal, we hire tribal members.” Interested parties are encouraged to inquire at SCN offices to check open positions, as individuals resign or retire. Benefits for employees include 401K, dental, PTO, and sick leave.

The Seneca-Cayuga Tribal Administration is nearing 84 years of service and existence. Their greatest contribution to the economy as a whole is providing tribal benefits and services meeting the health, education, emergency and housing needs. The Seneca-Cayuga Nation has a total of 54 employees within the administration, 24 of which are members of the Seneca-Cayuga Nation and 10 members of other tribal nations.  Eight of our Seneca-Cayuga Nation members serve in senior leadership positions at administration.. 

The administration has worked to build an organization that welcomes employees seeking leadership opportunities and fulfilling work that allows them to develop a career.  Troy Dry, Executive Director of the Seneca-Cayuga Nation shared “ We desire to work alongside individuals who are committed to the longevity of the career opportunity. We want to provide jobs, and create an environment of stability for employees, making an impact on others’ lives furthering happy healthy people of SCN.”  Benefits for employees include 401K, dental, PTO, and sick leave.  Interested parties can check the SCN website for applications and open positions. 

Grand Lake Casino has operated as a gaming facility for the past 30 years. Their greatest contribution to the SCN economy is the financial resources they make available for all SCN benefits and needs through the profits of the casino, while also focusing on the employment of local SCN members. As of March of this year, Grand Lake Casino employed 22 members of the Seneca-Cayuga Nation and 14 members of other tribal nations.  Statistically, 2019-20 was the highest number of tribal members employed in the last 13 years. Twelve tribal members serve in a supervisor, lead or management position. 

As an employee working for GLC, the emphasis is on building a thriving community where employees are treated with respect and opportunity to lead in different capacities. General Manager Dusty Logan shared further: “Grand Lake Casino offers to their employees an open door policy that allows everyone to be involved in this operation.  We encourage ideas and suggestions from everyone in the organization. GLC managers and supervisors lead in a positive, supportive manner. We are very proud of our sense of unity amongst the GLC employees and how we support one another every day.” The Grand Lake Casino Lodge employs 9 staff members, 3 of which are tribal members.  Benefits for employees include 401K, dental, PTO after one year of employment. For more information on employment at the casino or lodge, please visit the casino’s website at www.grandlakecasino.com and select the ‘Careers’ page.

The tribe’s total economic impact according to estimates as of January 30th 2020, was more than $8.4 million dollars, this is the total contribution from jobs created through the above organizations from wages and benefits. The combined impact solely from indian and tribal member wages and benefits employment in 2019-2020 surpassed $3.4 million dollars. Employing a joint total of 117 individuals belonging to both Indian and Seneca-Cayuga Nation.