Governor wants vote on off-reservation casino

Thursday, March 31, 2005  

Colorado Gov. Bill Owens (R) said two Oklahoma tribes that want to open an off-reservation casino outside of Denver need to take their proposal to the people.

Owens said he will not "settle" the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes claim by granting them 500 acres and gaming rights. He said the state constitution requires a vote of the people on any gaming proposal.

The tribes used to live in Colorado before they were forced to leave after the Sand Creek Massacre in 1864. They want to re-establish their presence in their homeland and create economic opportunities for members back in Oklahoma.

Get the Story:
Owens: Take casino plan to voters (The Denver Rocky Mountain News 3/31)
$400M Indian casino unlikely (The Durango Herald 3/31)
Owens, Tribes Far Apart On DIA Casino (CBS4 3/31)