Indian Gaming > Talks between Eastern Cherokees, state end

April 19, 2006

Talks between Eastern Cherokees, state end

Compact negotiations between the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and the state of North Carolina ended on Tuesday after the two sides could not reach an agreement.

The tribe was negotiating for the right to offer more Class III games and open a second casino. But Gov. Mike Easley (D) "wanted total state control, and we're a sovereign nation," Eastern Cherokee Chief Michell Hicks told The Charlotte News & Observer.

Documents cited by the paper indicated Easley did not agree to more Class III games but did agree to a second casino. Hicks said Easley wanted $10 million in profits from the second casino to go to mental health programs in the state.

Get the Story:
Talks on second Cherokee casino collapse (The Charlotte News & Observer 4/19)
Governor, Eastern Band break off negotiations (The Asheville Citizen-Times 4/19)