More so than anything, trust - or more accurately - the lack of it is serving as a major backdrop as the Seneca Nation of Indians and New York state continue to negotiate a new gaming compact.
J.C. Seneca, Seneca Nation president, feels he and his negotiating team are getting lipservice, but not much else from executive branch-level state leaders including Gov. Kathy Hochul.
"I'm not sure they consider this a priority," Seneca said.
Not so, says Matt Janiszewski, Hochul's Upstate press spokesman.
The state definitely wants compact talks - and other issues - to continue with the Seneca Nation of Indians.
"Our administration continues to act in good faith toward the Seneca Nation of Indians as we work toward an agreement on the gaming compact that is fair and serves the interests of all parties," Janiszewski said in an emailed statement to WBEN.
Hochul has a strong track record of working with other Indian nations across New York including deals made with the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe and the Onondaga Nation.
Key and unresolved issues center on payments New York is seeking from the Senecas and the Western New York gaming exclusivity.
"The issue is not necessarily about casinos, but it is about respect," said Assemblyman Angelo Morinello (R-Niagara Falls).
To help their cause, the Senecas released an economic impact report the nation has on Western New York - based on 2024 data.
The report says the Senecas had a $2 billion economic impact on the Western New York region while creating - either directly or indirectly - 8,014 jobs and seeing those jobs create $542.7 million in 2024 wages.
The Seneca Nation is the region's 12th largest employer.
"We do this on our own," said Odie Porter, Seneca Nation councilor. "We don't ask for tax breaks or subsidies."
J.C. Seneca said he is waiting for a new negotiating date, but doesn't have one arranged.
"It adds to our frustration," Seneca said.