N.Y. Indian Law Section 73
General powers and duties of the council

The council of the Seneca nation shall meet annually on the first Tuesday of December, and in extra session whenever called by the president. Ten of the councilors shall be necessary to constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. The council shall have power, 1. To appropriate the moneys of the nation for the purpose of discharging the debts thereof, but all appropriations of public moneys shall be by an affirmative vote of at least ten of the councilors elected.

2.

To fix the salaries of all officers of the nation whose salaries are not defined by law.

3.

To determine on the laying out and working of roads and highways, and to make by-laws for the regulation of such work.

4.

To pass by-laws and ordinances, not inconsistent with law, for the protection and improvement of the common land of the nation, for the regulation of fences, for the prevention of trespass of cattle and other animals; and may provide a penalty of not exceeding five dollars, for the violation of any by-law or ordinances, recoverable by any officer of the nation for the benefit of the nation, before the peacemakers’ court of the reservation in which the offender resides or in which the offense is committed.

5.

Notwithstanding any other provision of law to establish, manage and control a fire corporation for the fire protection of the common land of the nation and to enter into contracts necessary for providing such fire protection and to provide insurance for volunteer firefighters.

Source: Section 73 — General powers and duties of the council, https://www.­nysenate.­gov/legislation/laws/IND/73 (updated Jan. 11, 2019; accessed Nov. 1, 2025).

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Nov. 1, 2025

Last modified:
Jan. 11, 2019

§ 73. Gen. powers & duties of the council's source at nysenate​.gov

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