Jena Band of Choctaws forge ahead with Class II

Thursday, April 5, 2007  

The Jena Band of Choctaw Indians plan to open a Class II facility now that the Louisiana tribe has a land base.

The tribe was recognized by the Bureau of Indian Affairs in 1995. Earlier this month, the agency proclaimed a 63-acre initial reservation for the tribe.

Chief Christine Norris said the tribe will move quickly to build a Class II facility. She tried to negotiate a Class III compact with Gov. Kathleen Blanco (D) but the governor refused. A previous compact was rejected by the BIA in 2002.

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Choctaws plan casino near Alexandria (The Baton Rouge Advocate 4/5)