9th Circuit sets oral argument in Tohono O'odham casino suit

Tuesday, February 14, 2012  

The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals will hear the Tohono O'odham Nation gaming case on April 16, according to a hearing notice.

The city of Glendale, Arizona, and the Gila River Indian Community are suing the Bureau of Indian Affairs. They say the agency shouldn't acquire an off-reservation site for the Tohono O'odham Nation.

At issue is a land claim settlement that requires the federal government to place land in trust for the tribe. So far, a federal judge has sided with the BIA and the tribe.

The tribe plans to build the West Valley Resort on the 135-acre site near Glendale. Members of Congress are trying to change federal law to block the project.

The hearing will take place in San Francisco.

Get the Story:
Proposed tribal casino case goes to appeals court (The Arizona Republic 2/14)

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Tohono O'odham Nation finds friendlier crowd for gaming talks (12/6)