Jobs an issue for Soo Tribe off-reservation casino debate

Wednesday, February 22, 2012  

The Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians is promising to generate 2,200 jobs for its off-reservation casino in Lansing, Michigan.

The tribe plans to hire about 700 temporary construction workers. Another 1,500 would be permanent jobs at the Kewadin Lansing Casino.

A draft agreement between the tribe and the city calls for a hiring preference for Lansing area residents. But the tribe also has a tribal member preference.

John Wernet, the tribe's general counsel, said there aren't enough tribal members in Lansing so the two preferences can co-exist.

Get the Story:
Who gets the jobs, if they come? (The Lansing City Pulse 2/21)
Kids in the Hall (The Lansing City Pulse 2/21)
Lansing casino developer: No hotel plans (The Lansing News 2/21)
Lansing casino proposal details still sought by Council (The Lansing State Journal 2/21)

Related Stories:
IPR: Soo Tribe off-reservation casino faces a political battle (2/15)