City wants consent over Tohono O'odham off-reservation casino

Thursday, September 30, 2010  

The city of Glendale, Arizona, says the state should have veto authority over the Tohono O'odham Nation off-reservation casino.

The tribe acquired the land for the West Valley Resort through an act of Congress. But a lawsuit from the city claims the law violates the U.S. Constitution.

"Our other contention is the federal government doesn't have the authority to take land out of state jurisdiction and give it to another entity that is recognized as quasi-sovereign," city attorney Craig Tindall told The Glendale Star. ""The Constitution is very clear: The federal government cannot remove land from the state jurisdiction without the approval of the state Legislature."

The Bureau of Indian Affairs has agreed to acquire the tribe's land in trust. But no decision has been made on the suitability of the land for gaming.

Get the Story:
City defends position on Tohono O’odham trust application (The Glendale Star 9/30)

Relevant Documents:
Federal Register Notice: Land Acquisitions; Tohono O'odham Nation, Arizona (August 26, 2010)| Larry Echo Hawk Letter to Tohono O'odham Nation (July 23, 2010)

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