Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe seeks land-into-trust fix

Wednesday, March 25, 2009  

The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe of Massachusetts is hoping to keep its casino proposal alive after the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Carcieri v. Salazar.

The tribe wants to build a resort in the town of Middleboro. But its land-into-trust application could be affected by the decision because the tribe didn't gain formal recognition until 2007.

To address the issue, the tribe is asking the state's Congressional delegation to support a "fix" to the decision. It would ensure all tribes, regardless of the date of recognition, can follow the land-into-trust process.

The tribe is also arguing that it has been "under federal jurisdiction" since the 1800s. That could address the land-into-trust issue.

Get the Story:
Massachusetts Tribe Pursuing Political Fix (GamblingCompliance 3/25)

Supreme Court Decision:
Syllabus | Opinion [Thomas] | Concurrence [Breyer] | Dissent [Stevens] | Concurrence/Dissent [Souter]

Supreme Court Documents:
Oral Argument Transcript | Briefs