Tohono O'odham Nation 'more committed' to casino

Thursday, January 28, 2010  

Even as opposition mounts, the Tohono O'odham Nation of Arizona is sticking to plans for an off-reservation casino.

Chairman Ned Norris Jr. said he isn't surprised by controversy over the $550 million West Valley Resort. "For its part, the Tohono O'odham Nation is more committed to this effort than ever before,'' he said in a statement, Capitol Media Services reported.

Sen. John McCain (R-Arizona), Sen. Jon Kyl (R-Arizona) and Gov. Jan Brewer (R) have come out against the casino. They join local opposition to the casino, which would be located in Glendale, in the Phoenix metro area.

The tribe acquired the gaming site through a land claim settlement that was ratified by Congress. That means it should qualify for an exception in the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.

Since 1988, only two tribes have opened casinos on land acquired through a land claim settlement -- the Seneca Nation and the Wyandotte Nation. The Senecas easily won federal approval for two off-reservation casinos in New York but the Wyandottes had to go to court to ensure the tribe's right to game on a site in Kansas.

Norris said Congress made a "solemn promise'' to the tribe. He said McCain and Kyl would be breaking the federal government's obligations by opposing the casino.

Get the Story:
Kyl says he, too, opposes a casino on Glendale's edge (Capitol Media Services 1/28)
Kyl opposes west-side casino plans (Phoenix Business Journal 1/27)

Earlier Stories:
Sen. Kyl voices opposition to Tohono O'odham casino (1/27)
McCain joins opposition to off-reservation casino bid (1/21)
Tohono O'odham Nation won't drop off-reservation bid (1/20)