Editorial: Restrict ability for tribes to 'spawn' new casinos

Friday, April 15, 2011  

"A beneficial aspect of the unique historical relationship between Native American tribes and Congress is that it treats the tribes as sovereign nations, which is to say, with dignity.

The Tohono O'odham Nation's pursuit of new tribal trust land near Glendale poses a lot of problems, in our view. But none more serious than the damage it does to the public appreciation for the unique status of American tribes.

Effectively, Tohono O'odham leaders are using that relationship to play the role of land developers, cleverly exploiting a legal loophole that no one else pondered. And, in case they hadn't noticed, clever land developers are not always beloved figures.

U.S. Sens. Jon Kyl, R-Ariz., and Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., are sponsoring legislation that would raise the bar for tribes wishing to build gambling casinos on newly acquired tribal property."

Get the Story:
Editorial: Tribes' ability to spawn casinos needs reining in (The Arizona Republic 4/15)

District Court Decision:
Gila River Indian Community v. DOI (March 3, 2011)

Related Stories:
Bill could affect Tohono O'odham Nation off-reservation plan (4/13)
Sen. Feinstein introduces measure to bar new tribal casinos (4/11)
Tea Party supports Tohono O'odham off-reservation casino (4/11)
DOJ opposes delay for Tohono O'odham off-reservation casino (4/6)
BIA to declare reservation for Tohono O'odham Nation by May 16 (4/5)
City appeals decision favoring Tohono O'odham Nation casino (3/24)
Blog: City spends $1.3M to fight Tohono O'odham Nation casino (3/16)
Some residents urge city to drop Tohono O'odham casino appeal (3/15)
Tohono O'odham Nation awaits decision on off-reservation casino (3/14)
Editorial: Ruling on off-reservation casino ignores consequences (3/7)
Judge rejects lawsuit on Tohono O'odham off-reservation casino (3/4)