Sault Ste. Marie Tribe makes another go at off-reservation casino

Wednesday, March 9, 2011  

The Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians is making another go at an off-reservation casino in Romulus, Michigan.

The tribe has partnered with Michael Sawruk on the project. Chairman Joe McCoy says the deal is risk-free because Sawruk has agreed to pay for all expenses associated with gaining federal approval of the project in exchange for 14 percent of the gross revenue for about seven years.

"I am from Sault Ste. Marie, so I know and respect the tribe and I can feel the disappointment they have experienced in their attempt to settle what amounts to an illegal taking of lands from their ancestors,” Sawruk said in the March 2011 issue of The Sault Tribe News, the tribe's newspaper. "I am willing to take all of the risks to try to get this done because I believe I have a good chance at getting it done. It’s not going to be easy and I will make no promises, but if I succeed, it will be a good business deal for me and a good business deal for the tribe and its future generations."

Tribal members recently rejected a deal for an off-reservation casino with another developer.

Get the Story:
Sault Ste. Marie tribe again seeks Romulus casino (The Detroit Free Press 3/9)