Snyder seeking fourth term as Seneca Nation of Indians president
CATTARAUGUS TERRITORY/IRVING - Barry E. Snyder announced his candidacy for a fourth term as president of the Seneca Nation of Indians. He is a member of the Seneca Party.
Snyder has a proven track record of accomplishments to the Seneca Nation through five decades of service. He has held the positions of Tribal Councilor, treasurer, chairperson for the Tribal Council, chairperson for the Economic Development Committee, and president. Snyder has been at the forefront of many important issues for the Seneca people, including education, economic development on Nation lands, health care, gaming and the Salamanca Settlement Act of 1990.
In 2005, Snyder established the Seneca Diabetes Foundation (SDF). SDF's mission is to provide education outreach, prevention awareness and fund research to improve the lives of Seneca Nation Members affected by diabetes. To date, SDF has raised millions of dollars to fund education and prevention programs, purchased dialysis transport vans and awarded scholarships to Seneca Nation college students studying in the fields of medical and health services, SDF is also working with The Women and Children's Hospital of Buffalo Foundation to recruit a pediatric endocrinologist to work with the Seneca Nation Health Department.
"I believe that promises made should be promises kept," said Snyder Sr. "I've dedicated my work to promote economic self suffiency and a brighter, healthier future for the people of the Seneca Nation. We have encountered many challenges in the past and will indeed face more as we grow our economic, education, health, financial and recreational infrastructure, improving the quality of life for future generations of Seneca."
Currently, Snyder is the chairman of the Seneca Gaming Corporation, a position he has held since 2005. Today, the Seneca Gaming Corporation is one of Western New York's largest employers, with more than 4,200 people working at its casino and hotel facilities in Niagara Falls, Salamanca and Buffalo. The company also supports thousands of additional jobs in the region through the more than $90 million it spends with local businesses.
To earn the Seneca Party's nomination to run in November, Snyder will need a majority to support him at the party's caucus on Sept. 19. The Seneca Nation of Indians general election is to be held on Nov. 4.
