Oklahoma tribes fight over land and gaming rights

Friday, May 9, 2008  

The Fort Sill Apache Tribe and the Comanche Nation are still feuding over land and gaming rights despite a court settlement aimed at resolving their long-running dispute.

The Apaches built a casino on a half-acre of trust land that was originally a Comanche allotment. The Comanches filed suit, saying they were never consulted over the acquisition..

A 2007 settlement left the casino intact but required the Apaches to obtain Comanche consent for any future acquisitions. But the Comanches are upset again because the Apaches are leasing a different Comanche allotment for a casino parking lot.

The allotment owners willingly leased the land but now they say the $1,000 yearly fee is unfair. Tribal leaders say the Bureau of Indian Affairs failed to ensure the Apaches paid a fair price for the use of the land.

The BIA initially sided with the Comanches but the Apaches are appealing.

Get the Story:
Millions at stake in Lawton casino fight (The Oklahoman 5/9)
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