The Seneca Nation of New York is defending its Indian preference policy.

The tribe is applying its Tribal Employment Rights Ordinance at the Hickory Stick Golf Course in Lewiston. "This ordinance has been in place for a number of years and is in accordance with the Civil Rights Act of 1964 authorizing businesses and enterprises on or near Indian reservations to give preferential treatment to Indians," President Barry E. Snyder Sr. said in a statement to The Niagara Gazette.

But critics say the tribe can't apply its laws to the golf course because its not on the reservation and is not held in trust. "While TERO may have been proven in a native Tribal court, never has it been proven in a federal or state court in the United States," said former Democratic Congressman John LaFalce, who opposes the tribe's off-reservation casino.

The tribe broke ground on the $20 million course in June 2007. A construction company that has worked at the site at least nine employees were forced off the job in order to bring in Indian workers.

Get the Story:
HICKORY STICK: Seneca golf course hiring questioned (The Niagara Gazette 8/11)

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Seneca Nation breaks ground on $20M golf course (6/17)