Indian Gaming > Montana tribe criticizes governor on gaming

December 11, 2006

Montana tribe criticizes governor on gaming

Leaders of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes say Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer (D) got involved too late in negotiations for a new compact.

The compact expired at the end of November. Schweitzer made a last-minute offer to extend the agreement for another six months but the tribe rejected the proposal.

"Eight months after we started these negotiations, the governor has gotten involved. Now he wants to string out the process another six months," said James Steele Jr., according to The Lake County Leader.

The tribe wants regulatory authority over all Indian and non-Indian gaming facilities on the Flathead Reservation. But Schweitzer says he can't do that without a change in state law.

Without an agreement, all Class III gaming was shut down on December 1. Tribal leaders will continue to press Schweitzer to sign the compact they proposed.

Get the Story:
Gaming shutdown: Tribes disagree with governor over issue of jurisdiction (The Lake County Leader 12/8)