Indian Gaming > Snoqualmie Tribe in dispute amid casino work

April 25, 2008

Snoqualmie Tribe in dispute amid casino work

A leadership dispute within the Snoqualmie Tribe of Washington threatens its $330 million casino, Chairman Bill Sweet says.

Sweet was elected last May. But a rival group of tribal members, led by honorary chief Jerry Enick, has asserted control of the tribe.

"I don't want to break up the casino, but I'm left with no other way to do it," Sweet told The Seattle Times. "It's the greed that's come in, there's no other way to get them to see it. What we have to do is get the control back."

The dispute has led to threats of banishment for up to 60 people. A meeting is being held this Sunday to vote on the issue.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs isn't taking sides for now. The tribe's casino investors don't appear to have taken notice of the dispute.

Casino Snoqualmie is currently under construction. It's expected to open in November of this year.

Get the Story:
A tribe divided: Snoqualmie members fight for control of government, casino (The Seattle Times 4/25)