The Santa Claran Hotel Casino in Espanola, New Mexico. Photo from Santa Clara Pueblo
Santa Clara Pueblo in New Mexico wants federal authorities to shut down another tribe's casinos that have been operating without a valid Class III gaming compact. The compact expired on June 30 but the U.S. Attorney's Office won't take action against Pojoaque Pueblo while a lawsuit is pending in federal court. Santa Clara Pueblo said the situation is unfair to other tribes in the northern part of the state. “On behalf of my Pueblo, I must object strongly to this decision, and while they may not be willing to speak up about it, I believe that many other Pueblos feel the same way,” Santa Clara Gov. J. Michael Chavarria said in a letter to the Obama administration, The Albuquerque Journal. Santa Clara Pueblo operates the Santa Claran Hotel Casino in Espanola, less than 15 miles from Pojoaque Pueblo. Pojoaque operates two casinos on its reservation -- Cities of Gold and Buffalo Thunder Resort. Two other tribes -- Ohkay Owingeh and Tesuque Pueblo -- also operate casinos in the area. Get the Story:
Santa Clara objects to Pojoaque decision (The Albuquerque Journal 7/16) Relevant Documents:
BIA Deemed Approved Letter (June 9, 2015) Federal Register Notice:
Indian Gaming (June 22, 2015)
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