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TUESDAY, APRIL 15, 2003

"An undisclosed Shawnee Indian tribe from Oklahoma is petitioning to build a $550 million gaming center in the Ohio town of Botkins, about 50 miles north of Dayton. The tribe faces major hurdles, but the proposal was inevitable.

To establish a site in Ohio, the Oklahoma Shawnees need to make an ancestral claim. Or they could challenge the federal government's right to take land unilaterally by treaty. If they succeed, central Ohio could end up with a casino.

The Cleveland Indians should act first. To demonstrate true regard for the heritage of Louis Sockalexis, and to right past wrongs, they should work with the city to declare the Gateway area as tribal land. Throw in most of lower Euclid Avenue, too.

Tribes have proved adept at securing investment and development money. Invite them to submit proposals for a casino. A new convention center, too. Judging from the record, they would make it work - and even come up with some free-agent money.

Using the name Cleveland Indians would be entirely up to them."

Get the Story:
Going to bat to get an Indian casino (The Cleveland Plain Dealer 4/15)