An off-reservation casino proposal in Wisconsin has the Ho-Chunk Nation claiming two Chippewa bands are invading Ho-Chunk territory.

The St. Croix and Bad River bands of Chippewa want to build a casino in Beloit, near the Illinois border. But the Ho-Chunk Nation claims the bands don't have any connection to the area.

The St. Croix and Bad River bands say treaties and other documents show their historical connection to the southern part of the state. They also say members of their tribes currently live in the area.

The Midwest regional office of the Bureau of Indian Affairs sided with the Chippewas and endorsed the project. But the Ho-Chunk Nation this week met with officials in Washington, D.C., who will make the final decision.

If the BIA approves, the state governor has to concur with the decision.

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Documents dispute Ho-Chunk casino claims (The Beloit Daily News 2/1)