CNIGA considers taking stance on compacts

Monday, January 16, 2006  

The California Nations Indian Gaming Association is considering taking a stance on gaming compacts, an area the organization has traditionally shied from.

CNIGA Chairman Anthony Miranda cautioned that an agreement may never be reached out of concern for tribal sovereignty. But controversy over recent compacts negotiated by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) has prompted tribes to enter the fray.

Tribes with existing casinos say the compacts are bad for all tribes and give too much control to the state. "CNIGA initiated discussions with its member tribes to respond to this growing encroachment on tribal sovereignty," the latest draft states, Copley News Service reported.

Lawyers for other tribes criticized CNIGA's decision. They say successful gaming tribes are trying to keep others out of the business and that CNIGA is being hypocritical.

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Tribal lobby may join in debate over compacts (Copley News Service 1/16)