Kurt Luger, the executive director of the Great Plains Indian Gaming Association, says tribal consensus is required before Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker (R) approves an off-reservation casino for the Menominee Nation:
The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act explicitly requires the governor of the state where an off-reservation gaming proposal is to be located to agree with the BIA's decision before the project can go forward. IGRA allows a governor to either concur or not concur for any reason — the governor's discretion is limitless. This is a tremendous responsibility IGRA has bestowed on the governors of this nation. And to Gov. Scott Walker's credit, he has developed a policy that includes Indian Country. Instead of Walker unilaterally making this monumental decision that will have repercussions throughout Wisconsin's tribal communities, he is requiring that all of the tribes of the state agree. He is right in doing this. This kind of unexpected change in the casino landscape should not be allowed unless the tribes affected are involved and agree.Get the Story:
Kurt Luger: Tribal consensus on casinos is important (The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel 10/1) Bureau of Indian Affairs Documents:
Press Release | Fact Sheet: Menominee Nation Decision | Section 20 Determination: Menominee Nation Off-Reservation Casino Related Stories:
Menominee Nation waits for state on off-reservation casino (9/30)
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