A plan for the distribution and use of more than $200,000 awarded to Seneca Indians by the Indian Claims Commission is being published in the Federal Register, Acting Commissioner of Indian Affairs Raymond V. Butler announced today.
The award is for certain land areas in New York State sold by the Indians between 1802 and 1826. The funds are to be divided between the Seneca Nation of Indians and the Tonawanda Band of Senecas on the basis of their respective tribal memberships as of January 29, 1977, the effective date of this plan.
According to the plan approved by Congress, the membership of the two tribes will be brought current to provide the basis for division between the two tribes.
The Seneca Nation share will be distributed on a per capita basis to the members.
The Tonawanda share will be held and continue to be invested by the Secretary until such time as a further plan for disposition of the funds is approved by Congress.
