Indian Gaming > Oklahoma tribes fight over land and gaming rights

May 9, 2008

Oklahoma tribes fight over land and gaming rights

The Fort Sill Apache Tribe and the Comanche Nation are still feuding over land and gaming rights despite a court settlement aimed at resolving their long-running dispute.

The Apaches built a casino on a half-acre of trust land that was originally a Comanche allotment. The Comanches filed suit, saying they were never consulted over the acquisition..

A 2007 settlement left the casino intact but required the Apaches to obtain Comanche consent for any future acquisitions. But the Comanches are upset again because the Apaches are leasing a different Comanche allotment for a casino parking lot.

The allotment owners willingly leased the land but now they say the $1,000 yearly fee is unfair. Tribal leaders say the Bureau of Indian Affairs failed to ensure the Apaches paid a fair price for the use of the land.

The BIA initially sided with the Comanches but the Apaches are appealing.

Get the Story:
Millions at stake in Lawton casino fight (The Oklahoman 5/9)
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