Opinion: Casino a good fit for tribe, Grand Forks

Monday, January 9, 2006  

"Gaming is a fact of life in North Dakota, though, and since passage of the Indian Gaming Act, large casinos have become facts of life, as well.

It seems to me that if the Indian Gaming Act is to accomplish its purpose, improving the economic status of Indian people, then tribes must be allowed to open casinos off their reservations. Otherwise, Indian gaming will enrich tribes that happen to have land in urban areas while leaving more isolated tribes impoverished.

The impetus for the casino in Grand Forks comes from the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa. They have a casino at Belcourt, N.D., a long way from any population center. The band is looking for a better location. They've settled on Grand Forks for historical reasons. The city stands on land that was once within their territory.

It seems to me that Grand Forks ought to become a partner with the band in order to benefit both sides. Exactly what the terms of the partnership will be is a matter for negotiation. First, however, Grand Forks has to agree to the partnership."

Get the Story:
Mike Jacobs: Casino could survive a vote in Grand Forks (The Grand Forks Herald 1/8)