Quechan elders continue fight against casino

Tuesday, August 12, 2008  

Elders of the Quechan Nation are still trying to stop their tribe from opening a casino near a sacred site.

Construction is already underway at the $200 million facility near Pine Knob in Arizona. Tribal members approved the facility in a referendum but the elders' group Pipa A'Koots says the vote was coerced.

Pipa A'Koots also says the tribe made false promises in its plan for the casino. But efforts to change course have failed.

"Building this resort is causing the destruction of our tribe,'' Priscilla Prettybird. told Indian Country Today. ''In our teachings, it will harm us mentally and physically.''

Quechan elders took part in the Longest Walk 2 to raise awareness of the issue. President Michael Jackson said the tribe has addressed concerns about the sacred site.

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Quechan elders take fight against casino resort to Washington (Indian Country Today 8/12)