We are well aware of The Post’s bias against Indians and your failure to acknowledge our historic treaty rights in past editorials. However, “Dave’s Smokes Signals” (Editorial, Oct. 22) is so fraught with half-truths, exaggerations and inflammatory statements that it does a disservice to both your readers and Native people.

The investigation into why the state has not collected cigarette taxes from reservation retailers has two easy answers: the 1794 Treaty of Canandaigua, made between the US federal government and the Six Nations, and the 1842 Treaty of Buffalo Creek.

The Seneca Nation is a sovereign nation, immune from taxes as guaranteed in the treaties — those constitutionally known as “the supreme law of the land.” Past leaders have come to understand and recognize this.

In 1997, then-Gov. Pataki stated: “It is your land, we respect your sovereignty, and if the Legislature acts as I am requesting, you will have the right to sell tax-free gas and cigarettes free from interference from New York state.”

The upcoming Senate hearings will provide an opportunity for clearer understanding of our sovereignty and treaty-protected right to free trade and commerce.

Richard Nephew

Chair

Seneca Nation Council

Cattaraugus Territory