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The Bay Mills Indian Community of Michigan is awaiting the outcome of litigation regarding its off-reservation casino. The tribe opened a casino in Vanderbilt last November. The Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians and the state of Michigan sued, prompting a federal judge to order the facility to be closed. The Bay Mills Indian Community is fighting the ruling and the case is now before the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals. Turtle Talk has posted opening briefs from the case, Michigan v. Bay Mills Indian Community. The litigation is in the "relatively early stages," a Bay Mills attorney told the Flint Township Board of Trustees, The Flint Journal reported. The tribe recently purchased 28 acres in Flint. Chairman Jeff Parker met with town officials to discuss potential development there, although that all depends on the outcome of the case. “We are a ways away from something like that,” Parker told the board. “We want to make sure jobs are open to everybody.” Get the Story:
Bay Mills Indian Community officials tell Flint Township Board of Trustees they want to begin partnership, discussion about cooperating on services (The Flint Journal 10/4)
Bay Mills leader: Tribe won't try to open Flint Township casino until Vanderbilt court case is resolved (The Flint Journal 10/3) 6th Circuit Decision:
Michigan v. Bay Mills Indian Community (June 29, 2011) District Court Decision:
Michigan v. Bay Mills Indian Community (March 29, 2011) Related Stories:
Parties due back in court over Bay Mills off-reservation casino (8/3)
IPR: Appeals court won't reopen Bay Mills off-reservation casino (7/6)
Bay Mills off-reservation casino will stay closed pending appeal (7/1)
Column: Off-reservation casino battle shifts to appeals court (6/20)
Judge won't issue stay for Bay Mills off-reservation casino (4/15)
Column: Bay Mills Indian Community ready to battle for casino (4/4)