Cayuga Nation's traditional council buildings' demolition ordered by federally recognized chief

By Kaniehtonkie

On Saturday, February 22, 2020, a federally recognized tribal leader ordered the demolition of a daycare center. A daycare center that housed at various times throughout workday hours, thirty children. Halftown also ordered the demolition of the Cayuga Nation schoolhouse, the Cayuga Nation Trading Store, a sugar shack, several small cabins and an ice cream stand.

The properties, according to Halftown have been under dispute for years as Traditional Chiefs and Council struggle with the federally recognized chief Halftown over the properties and who rightfully leads the Cayuga Nation.

Leanne Young, a spokewoman for the the Traditional Cayuga Nation Chiefs and Clan Mothers, said they were in shock but also called for peace and calm.

Young stated, "The children are safe. We are working on building a new daycare center."

She added, "This person must be held accountable to his actions. A Grand Council meeting may be held this Satuday."

Sid 'Tatadaho'Hill also spoke of a possible Grand Council meeting stating, "Plans have not been finalized but we are talking about it". Hill also stated Halftown must be held responsible for his actions.

According to Fingerlakes1.com, emergency meetings were held on Sunday in Seneca Falls by neighboring town councils and boards. At the Seneca County Board of Supervisors emergency meeting, the board passed three resolutions directly related to the demolition of the buildings on Cayuga Nation property along State Route 89. The three resolutions included; federal representatives to freeze all funds to the Cayuga Nation, the continued deployment of the U.S. Marshals Service to Seneca County to ensure the preservation of non-tribal property, as well as the continued safety of all Seneca County citizens, and third, a request to U.S. prosecutors to investigate the recent conduct of the federally recognized Cayuga nation leaders.

When Halftown's legal representation were given the opportunity to respond, Halftown's legal team had left the building.

Joe Heath, the traditional Cayuga Nation Council's legal representative called Saturday's destruction of the buildings "viciously unlawful', adding, "What kind of government destroys a day care center for political reasons?"