Three tribes spoke against an off-reservation casino in southern New Mexico at a Bureau of Indian Affairs hearing on the proposal

Jemez Pueblo is seeking approval to acquire land for gaming. The tribe's reservation is 300 miles away in the northern part of the state.

Representatives of the Fort Sill Apache Tribe of Oklahoma, the Mescalero Apache Nation of New Mexico and the non-recognized Piro-Manso-Tiwa Tribe of New Mexico criticized the plan. They said Jemez has no historical ties to the area.

Fort Sill Apache ancestors lived in the area before being removed to Oklahoma, although some descendants live on the Mescalero reservation. The Fort Sill Apaches have considered opening a casino in New Mexico.

The Mescalero tribe operates a casino in the area that could be affected by the Jemez casino. The Piro-Manso-Tiwa is based in nearby Las Cruces.

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Tribes Oppose Jemez Casino Plans (The Albuquerque Journal 3/18)