Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe to discuss casino

Tuesday, March 31, 2009  

The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe will discuss the status of its proposed casino at a closed meeting with the town of Middleboro, Massachusetts, on April 13.

The tribe plans a $500 million resort in the town but its land-into-trust application could be in doubt as a result of the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Carcieri v. Salazar. The tribe didn't gain formal recognition until last year, long after the passage of the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934.

The tribe has said the Bureau of Indian Affairs gave the "green light" to continue processing the application. Chairman Cedric Cromwell said the tribe has maintained federal contacts for hundreds of years.

The meeting will be the first between newly elected tribal leaders and the town. It's also the first since the tribe's former chairman pleaded guilty in a corruption case and the Supreme Court decision.

Get the Story:
Middleboro selectmen to meet with Mashpee Wampanoag tribe (The Brockton Enterprise 3/31)