Gun Lake Tribe marks another win in casino bid

Friday, August 21, 2009  

The Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi Indians, also known as the Gun Lake Tribe, says the dismissal of another lawsuit clears any remaining doubts about its casino plans.

The lawsuit questioned whether the tribe could follow the land-into-trust process because it didn't gain formal federal recognition until 1999. A federal judge didn't resolve the issue but dismissed the case on procedural grounds.

"Even thought I really don't think the case was a credible threat to our casino development, it's going to lay to rest any doubts over our tribe's ability to secure the land and operate a casino development in Allegan County," vice chairman Ed Pigeon told The Grand Rapids Press.

The tribe's 147 acres were declared a reservation earlier this month.

Get the Story:
Tribe: Lawsuit dismissal 'lay to rest any doubts' about plans for Gun Lake Casino (The Grand Rapids Press 8/21)

Court Decision:
Patchak v. Salazar (August 20, 2009)

Earlier Story:
Judge dismisses Gun Lake land-into-trust case (8/20)