Cheryl Andrews-Maltais, the chairwoman of the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) in Massachusetts, says gaming will finally bring self-sufficiency to her people.

Andrews-Maltais, who took office two months ago, supports legislation to authorize up to three commercial casinos in the state. The tribe is working with the Seneca Nation of New York to pursue one of the casinos.

If that scenario doesn't pan out, the tribe will seek to have land placed in trust for a casino, Andrews-Maltais, said. But it won't be on the reservation on the island of Martha's Vineyard for various legal, cultural and environmental reasons.

"I think we are able to make a very strong and convincing case for off-island or off-reservation land into trust," Andrews-Maltais told The Cape Cod Times.

The tribe won federal recognition in 1987. Is reservation was placed under state jurisdiction through a land claims settlement act.

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Island tribe holds casino hand (The Cape Cod Times 3/14)
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