The 6th Circuit Court of Appeals on Monday said land taken into trust for the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians of Michigan can be used for any purpose, including gaming.

In a unanimous decision, a three-judge panel said the Turtle Creek land is considered "restored" land even though it was acquired nine years after the tribe regained federal recognition in 1980. The court said the tribe showed a cultural and historical connection to the site.

The state of Michigan was challenging the tribe's use of the land for gaming. The Department of Interior initially sided with the state but changed its mind after the National Indian Gaming Commission ruled that the tribe satisfied the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.

Get the Story:
TURTLE CREEK: Appeals Court upholds GT Band (The Traverse City Record-Eagle 5/25)

Get the Decision:
Grand Traverse Band v. U.S. (May 24, 2004)