Navajo Nation gaming referendum up in air

Wednesday, August 4, 2004  

Navajo Nation President Joe Shirley Jr. has not acted on a referendum that would allow gambling on the reservation.

The Navajo Nation Council passed the referendum by a 59-12 vote on July 23. If approved by voters, it would allow gaming in three areas in New Mexico and two areas in Arizona.

Currently, gaming is legal only in Tohaajilee, a community near Albuquerque, New Mexico, that is not connected to the main reservation. Officials there are putting together plans for a casino near I-40.

Navajo voters have twice rejected gaming in reservation-wide referendums. Shirley has not said whether he will sign or veto the latest measure.

In related news, the Navajo Council's Inter-government Relations Committee decided to create a "gambling czar" for the tribe. A special task force of lawmakers will oversee the establishment of the position.

Get the Story:
Gaming: Shirley signature or veto? (The Farmington Daily Times 8/4)
Navajos to create gambling czar (The Gallup Independent 8/3)