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JUNE 19, 2000

Many of the letters written to the Connecticut newspaper The New London Day regarding the controversies over the Pequot tribes reveal some very interesting views on Indian tribes, gaming, and sovereignty. More than one citizen has stepped up to offer his or her opinions on the matter, hoping to strike it rich with some incisive commentary.

But to many in Indian Country, the commentary isn't exactly groundbreaking. Most tribes and Native people have dealt with similar questions for many years. According to Kevin Gover, more and more attacks on tribes can be expected.

Currently, many debates involving tribes are underway throughout the country. In New York, the Senate just passed a bill that would give the state more control over Indian gaming, requiring more citizen and government approval.

If the bill becomes law, tribes can expect a more difficult time negotiating gaming compacts. They can also expect to make less money in their casinos, as the bill outlaws slots.

In Idaho, allegations of racial bias tinge the efforts of local governments who are battling the Nez Perce tribe over rules and regulations imposed on non-Indians on their reservation.

Although the local opposition claims they are not anti-Indian, the tribe has attacked an essay written by a city administrator as racially biased. The essay predicts violence if the the tribe continues to assert its sovereignty.

Most questions of tribal sovereignty end up in the courts, which can lead to devastating effects for tribes. In 1998, a Supreme Court ruling significantly reduced the size of the Yankton Sioux reservation in South Dakota.

The ruling returned jurisdiction over former portions of the reservation to local law enforcement. According to Yankton Sioux residents, the transfer has resulted in racial targeting by police, a claim which local officials and Governor Bill Janklow deny.

Given the high stakes involved, looking for successes in Indian Country where tribes have changed local perceptions has become more and more important. Nowhere has the political, social, and legal climate changed so dramatically than in California.

As the state's most generous political contributors, gaming tribes of California are now in positions to make changes before potentially volatile situations or damaging rulings arise.

But as with most gains, the tribes' newly discovered power comes with a hefty price tag. Smaller and and less economically advantaged tribes may not be able to replicate their success.

What happens when these tribes receive their Pequot letters?

The Indianz.Com Editorial Staff

Related Stories:
New York wants say on casinos (Money Matters 6/13)
NY Senate approves gaming bill (Money Matters 6/14)
Couple may sue city over essay (Tribal Law 6/15)
Nez Perce dispute heats up (Tribal Law 6/19)