Law | Politics

Cayuga Nation shuts down businesses amid leadership dispute

Tuesday, April 29, 2014

The Cayuga Nation of New York has shut down two businesses amid a leadership dispute.

A group known as the Unity Council said it ousted Clint Halftown from his leadership position. The tribe's convenience stores in Union Springs and Seneca Falls were closed as a result.

Local law enforcement were called to the businesses on Monday and one deputy remains on guard at the LakeSide Trading facility in Union Springs. The Unity Council and Halftown have since agreed to meet to air our their differences.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs at one point recognized the Unity Council as the legitimate tribal governing body. But the Interior Board of Indian Appeals said the agency overstepped its bounds so Halftown resumed his leadership post.

Get the Story:
TRIBAL TAKEOVER: Cayuga Unity Council moves against Halftow (The Finger Lake Times 4/29)
Cayuga Nation sites in Union Springs, Seneca Falls secure after altercations Monday (The Auburn Citizen 4/29)
Cayuga confrontations stem from decade-long leadership dispute (The Syracuse Post-Standard 4/29)

Interior Board of Indian Appeals Decision:
Cayuga Indian Nation of New York, Clint Halftown, Tim Twoguns, and Gary Wheeler v. Eastern Regional Director, Bureau of Indian Affairs (January 16, 2014)