Facebook Twitter Email
THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2001

Tribes should be allowed to make their own decisions even if it means giving away their money to outside parties, National Indian Gaming Commissioner Montie Deer told the Senate Indian Affairs Committee on Wednesday.

Amid questions of a "disturbing" deal struck between the Mohegan Tribe and its former gaming partner, Deer defended the government's decision to approve a management contract for the Mohegan Sun Casino in Connecticut. There are "loopholes" in federal law designed to funnel the majority of gaming profits to tribes, he acknowledged, but ultimately, the government must respect the right of tribes to determine their own future.

Deer's sentiments were supported by Senator Ben Nighthorse, who said soveriegnty and self-determination mean that tribes have to be alllowed to make their own mistakes. The government should not be in the business of bailing out tribes simply because of a poor decision, he said.

Deer was not at the NIGC when the Mohegan contract was approved.

Today on Indianz.Com:
BIA pushed to provide 'answers' on recognition (7/26)

Get the Story:
McCain Hammers Indian Affairs Officials (The New London Day 7/26)

Relevant Links:
Senate Indian Affairs Committee - http://indian.senate.gov
National Indian Gaming Commission - http://www.nigc.gov

Related Stories:
Gaming hearing scheduled today (7/25)
Gaming hearing set for tomorrow (7/24)