Leaders of the Onondaga Nation of New York are considering a plan to produce and sell their own brand of cigarettes.

The tribe began construction of a warehouse that could b used to manufacture the cigarettes. A final decision hasn't been made but Onondaga leaders are concerned about the imposition of state taxes on the reservation, a tribal lawyer said.

The state is authorized to collect taxes on the sale of tobacco products to non-Indians. But outgoing Gov. George Pataki (R) has refused to do so, citing concerns over tribal sovereignty.

Incoming governor Eliot Spitzer has said he will enforce the law, leading to fears among New York tribes. The Onondagas are researching legal issues to decide how they will handle the threat.

Get the Story:
Onondaga Plan To Roll Their Own Cigarettes (The Syracuse Post-Standard 12/13)

Relevant Links:
Onondaga Nation - http://www.onondaganation.org
Honor Indian Treaties - http://www.honorindiantreaties.org

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