The leader of the Kialegee Tribal Town of Oklahoma says gaming will help his people become self-sufficient.

Speaking to the media for the first time since the Red Clay Casino was announced, Chief Tiger Hobia said the tribe has considered other ventures. But without a land base, economic development is difficult.

"We've had our struggles," Hobia told reporters. "And still, actually, kind of struggling to make ends meet. That's hard to overcome to do what we want to do with the tribe on the land that we have."

So the tribe is leasing a restricted allotment in order to open the casino. The plan has drawn significant controversy but Hobia believes the tribe will prevail.

Get the Story:
Kialegee leader tells motivation behind Broken Arrow casino (Fox23 News 1/27)
Chief Of Kialegee Tribal Town Comments On Broken Arrow Casino (News on 6 1/27)
Tribal Leader Behind Controversial BA Casino Speaks Out (KTUL-TV 1/27)
Kialegee Tribal Town leader speaks out on Broken Arrow casino (KRMG-TV 1/27)
Kialegee tribal leaders say casino on firm ground (The Tulsa World 1/28)
BAPS Superintendent on Casino Close to School (KTUL-TV 1/29)
Broken Arrow leaning toward building school near Red Clay casino (KRMG-TV 1/30)

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