Lawsuit over Graton Rancheria land-into-trust

Thursday, June 12, 2008  

The Bureau of Indian Affairs is being sued over its decision to allow the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria to open a casino in the Bay Area.

The plaintiffs are raising constitutional challenges to the land-into-trust process. Similar claims have been made in other cases and have been rejected by at least four federal circuit courts.

The lawsuit also says the tribe's proposed casino will have a negative impact on the community. Opponents include a group called Stop the Casino 101 Coalition and the chairman of the Sonoma County Republican Party.

The tribe was recognized by an act of Congress in 2000 that directed the BIA to acquire land for the tribe.

Get the Story:
Lawsuit filed to prevent R.P. casino (The Petaluma Argus-Courier 6/12)