Nation Representative and CEO Ray Halbritter (Wolf Clan) was delighted to announce that the Nation's nearly 5,000 jobs are safe after hearing the decision from the Department of Interior that the Nation's gaming compact remains in effect. Also pictured are Men's Council Representatives: (left to right) Keller George (Wolf Clan); Chuck Fougnier (Wolf Clan); Brian Patterson (Bear Clan) and Dale Rood (Turtle Clan).

Interior Department:
Compact Remains in Effect
Oneida Nation Representative and CEO Ray Halbritter announced June 13 that the Nation's nearly 5,000 jobs are safe, earning resounding cheers from more than 100 people gathered in the Hotel lobby at Turning Stone to hear the decision from the U.S. Department of the Interior that the Nation's gaming compact remains in effect.

The determination "reaffirms what we have always known. Our compact is valid and the enterprises of the Nation will continue, grow and prosper," Ray said, pausing as the crowd clapped and cheered. "I know how you feel," he added, grinning.

The decision "also means 5,000 hard-working men and women can count on their jobs for many years to come. I want you to know from me personally that your jobs are safe," he said.

In a one-page letter to Ray, James E. Cason, associate deputy secretary of the Department of the Interior, noted that his office considered "extensive comments" in determining whether to rescind the federal approval of the gaming compact that allowed Turning Stone to open in 1993. In the end, though, the issue came down to a statute of limitations that expired in 1999.

"Since no one challenged the Secretary's decision in a timely manner or in the proper forum, the 1993 Compact continues to be in effect," Cason wrote.

Ray said the federal decision is clear: Turning Stone is "a legal operation. Those issues are put to rest, done, over."

The Oneida
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Editorial Staff
Ray Halbritter, Publisher and CEO
Susan Hebert George, Managing Editor
Carrie Lo Galbo, Graphic Designer
Meg Schneider, Senior Writer
Alexia Conrad, Senior Writer
Pat Catalano, Government Programs & Services Page, Contributing Writer

Oneida Nation Council
Ray Halbritter, Wolf Clan
Keller George, Wolf Clan
Chuck Fougnier, Wolf Clan
Brian Patterson, Bear Clan
Pete John, Bear Clan
Clint Hill, Turtle Clan
Dale Rood, Turtle Clan
Ken Phillips, Turtle Clan
Beulah Green, Turtle Clan

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1.800.685.6115
Nation Men's Council Meetings are held at the first and third Tuesday of every month at 10:30 a.m., Nation Council House, Oneida Territory via Route 46 South, Oneida, NY
For further information contact:
The Oneida Indian Nation,
P.O. Box 1, Vernon, NY 13476
or visit us on the web at oneidanation.net