Seneca Nation of Indians CEDS Plan Excerpts
The following information is excerpted from a Seneca Nation of Indians PowerPoint presentation entitled “Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) 2019-2024 Strategic Direction/Action Plan.”
CEDS Vision Statement
“To develop and promote; a culturally, healthy and economically sustainable Seneca Community for 7 Generations”
CEDS Strategic Directions
Areas emphasized within the CEDS Strategic Direction/Action Plan are:
A. Culture
B. Community – Quality of Life
C. Education and Workforce
D. Infrastructure
E. Economic Development
A. Culture
GOAL: “Preserve, Promote, and Protect Seneca Culture (Language, Arts, Traditions): Teach and raise awareness of
Seneca Culture”
OBJECTIVES
1. Raise the number of fluent Seneca speakers
2. Properly promote and share Haudenosaunee culture
3. Document and Preserve language and culture
4. Help the community to live a cultural life
5, Capitalize on the rich Seneca culture to draw tourism
ACTION PLAN:
Culture and heritage is the cornerstone of the Seneca people. Focus on preserving traditional language, sharing its rich culture, and attracting new visitors and investors through cultural tourism and development.
B. Quality of Life, Community and Health
GOAL: “Increase the physical, spiritual, social, and economic well-being of the Seneca community to the highest
level possible”
OBJECTIVES:
1. Invest in Land – expand land base
2. Improve/increase walkability and recreational opportunities
3. Restore food and resource sovereignty and protection
4. Get Back to Our Roots (traditional mindset – community driven)
a. Invest in the people
b. Healthy people = Healthy Nation
5. Assess the loss of local hospitals near the territories and consider replacement near the territories
ACTION PLAN:
The Seneca Nation will improve the well-being of the community through the expansion of programs, services, and
social opportunities that will continue to address a multitude of needs and promote wellness.
C. Education and Workforce Development
GOAL: “Develop a diverse skills workforce and professional base by establishing the highest level of standards for education and experienced professionals”
OBJECTIVES:
1. Increase graduation rates by supporting parents and children through graduation
2. Help K-12 focus on improving school readiness skills and enrichment
3. Share/promote diverse post graduate opportunities (Military, Trade school, Jr. College, University)
4. Retain skilled professionals: (Keep those who have obtained their higher education and developed their skills on Territory)
5. Train and continuously train current staff
6. Hire and retain qualified staff
7. Career Education and Financial Literacy
ACTION PLAN:
The Seneca Nation will improve academic outcomes by providing incentives, numerous educational opportunities and avenues to increase high school and college graduations rates.
GOAL: “Build and maintain infrastructure that sustains and enhances the community for economic development”
OBJECTIVES:
1. Assess current infrastructure capacity and Identify gaps
2. Expand pedestrian facilities (Transit Stops, Crosswalks, Walkways, Street Furniture, etc.)
3. Increase Green/Sustainable energy resources (Wind, Solar, Hydro)
4. Have wastewater treatment infrastructure that meets current capacity and potential for future growth
5. Establish full broadband access to everyone across the Territory
6. Establish the ability to enforce Nation laws/ traffic fines remain on Territory
7. Adopt a plan for proper Land Use
8. Improve conditions and safety of transportation infrastructure
9. Capitalize on interstate and thruway traffic for economic development
10. Expand railways to allow for public transportation and excursions
11. Expand Natural Gas Infrastructure
12. Increase Street/Road Lighting
ACTION PLAN:
The Seneca Nation aims to improve the quality of life and promote economic development opportunities through modern and highly maintained utility infrastructure and transportation networks.
E. Economic Development
GOAL: Develop a sustainable, diverse, growing economy that encourages entrepreneurship and investment in the Seneca Nation.
OBJECTIVES:
1. Develop a Strategic Economic Plan for the SNI City of Salamanca in cooperation with the Seneca Nation
2. Friendly Neighbors – the Seneca Nation will conduct urban and regional economic development activities in areas surrounding it gaming facilities throughout WNY
3. Increase tourism – develop tourism plan with new attractions
4. Diversify the Seneca Nation economy
5. Help promote and defend private business owners
6. Build up the Nation’s natural resources to provide for new economic opportunities
7. Create a recreational development plan with new opportunities
8. Capitalize on the available infrastructure and resources (Railroad, Thruway/Interstates, Great Lakes)
9. Create and sustain valuable partnerships with other agencies, municipalities, and stakeholders
10. Revitalize historic Main Street in the City of Salamanca
11. Develop minority business training center
12. Improve Short and Long term planning by developing a Seneca Nation Masterplan
a. Adopt Smart Growth policies
b. Re-establish Planning Commission
ACTION PLAN:
The Seneca Nation aims to sustain and grow the local economy, through a multifaceted approach to economic development. With culture and sovereignty as the cornerstone for economic growth, the Seneca Nation will increase its recreation and tourism potential, improve local partnerships, and diversify its economic portfolio by capitalizing on all available social and natural resources.
Economic Resiliency
• Regional economic prosperity is heavily linked to an areas ability to prevent, withstand, and quickly recover from major disruptions (i.e. shocks) to its economic base.
1) The ability to recover,
2) The ability to withstand a shock, and
3) The ability to avoid the shock altogether
• A key to economic resilience is maintaining the geographic information systems (GIS) necessary that link with
municipal business licenses, demographic information, and other business establishment data bases to track
local and regional development sites.
• Through the SNI business programs and promoting better businesses continually:
1) Businesses will understand their vulnerabilities
2) So they are prepared to take actions to resume operations after an event
• The Seneca Nation Emergency Management Department serves the citizens of the Seneca Nation through
effective preparedness exercises and proper planning for natural and man-made disasters.