The following article was written and reported by Delvin Cree. All content © The Tribal Independent, an alternative on-line news source for the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa.

BELCOURT, NORTH DAKOTA -- According to information provided last evening by a leader of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians, a special meeting will take place this Saturday at the tribe's headquarters.

The meeting, which is scheduled to take place at 9:30am, was requested by RJay Brunkow, the tribe's legal consultant. Brunkow's request states: "Meeting to officially disavow any Council support for lawsuit by 4 individuals who are trying to stop Trenton Casino and to open Trenton Casino as soon as possible."

The meeting request is dated May 19. It was was signed by Chairman Merle St. Claire and District 4 Representative Larry "Sheepman" DeCoteau.

Upon receiving the notice, another tribal councilman Lorne Jay confirmed that a meeting will take place this weekend. Jay said he and other leaders support the opening of the Trenton Casino but he believes the project may be moving along too fast.

"Right now things are moving along too fast and there's not enough information shared with other council people right now," Jay said. "We have to learn more about the investors in the project and other details before this casino will open."

The other leaders who are opposing the project right now are Jay, District 3 representative Elmer Davis Jr., District 2 representative Cindy Malaterre and District 1 representative Mike Malaterre.

Jay and other leaders say they haven't received much details about the project. They have been told to speak to Brunkow but they say he doesn't provide information. In a recent request for financial records, Jay had to request them from another source.

The tribe's new endeavor, the Painted Pony Casino, has been the subject of many discussions. The building itself, which looks like four FEMA trailers bolted together, has received quite a few comments around the country.

Jay also mentioned procedures and guidelines have to be followed in accordance to the National Indian Gaming Commission. From his standpoint, the process hasn't been followed.

Right now, tribal leaders who are supportive of the project are the chairman, Vice-Chairman Curtis Poitra, Secretary/Treasure and District 4 representative Zelma Peltier, District 2 representative Jeff "BJ" Delorme and District 4 representative Larry "Sheepman" DeCoteau.