County claims rancherias are not reservations

Thursday, August 4, 2005  

A California county that is trying to block a proposed tribal casino is arguing that rancherias are not reservations under the Indian Gaming and Regulations Act.

Amador County is challenging the approval of a gaming compact between the state and the Buena Vista Band of Me-Wuk Indians. The tribe is planning to open a casino on its rancheria.

The National Indian Gaming Commission has issued a letter stating that the rancheria meets the definition of "Indian lands" under IGRA. The county says the Buena Vista lands don't qualify for gaming.

Get the Story:
County's attorneys answer Justice Department (The Amador Ledger-Dispatch 8/3)