Cayuga Nation leaders are pushing back against allegations of harassment and mismanagement, saying recent criticism distracts from lawful actions taken to enforce housing rules and protect tribal assets. The statement comes ahead of a Thursday community meeting in Seneca Falls, where residents are expected to discuss perceived injustices by tribal leadership.
The meeting, organized by members of the Gayogoho:no’ (Cayuga) Village, is scheduled from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at 35 Water Street. Organizers said it is intended to address grievances against Representative Clint Halftown, including claims that he evicts, harasses, and threatens citizens who do not support his leadership, and that his banishment practices bypass traditional protocols.
In response, the Cayuga Nation Council and Halftown said all evictions have been carried out lawfully. The Nation said residents of 14 Nation-owned housing units have not paid rent since 2011 despite signed leases, accumulating tens of thousands of dollars in unpaid rent. Some residents, the Nation said, refused to pay as a form of opposition to Halftown’s leadership.
Since a 2019 ruling by New York’s highest court determined that the housing disputes fall under tribal jurisdiction, the Nation said the cases have been handled through its own court system. Officials said most evictions over the past five years were resolved peacefully, though several units were destroyed or severely neglected and subsequently demolished.
The final two properties in Seneca Falls, served with eviction notices in November, were not vacated as agreed, the Nation said. Instead, the occupants allegedly hired security to remain on the properties while relocating their families. The Nation has referred the individuals to law enforcement for alleged trespassing.
Regarding banishments, the Nation said Dustin Parker and Nora Weber — operators of the Montezuma smoke shop Pipekeepers — were excluded for violating tribal law, including failure to pay rent and operating an unauthorized business. The Nation said the actions were intended to protect the community from individuals who undermine tribal authority and are being upheld in ongoing legal proceedings.
Despite the disputes, Cayuga Nation officials said economic development continues, citing business operations that employ about 175 people and annual donations of hundreds of thousands of dollars to local fire departments and first responders.
The Nation said it plans to continue enforcing its laws and pursuing development, while disputing what it characterizes as misinformation surrounding the evictions and banishments.
