The Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma is getting ready for a potential decision affecting the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians casino.

The Cherokees say they will fight the Bureau of Indian Affairs if it approves a land-into-trust application for the Keetoowahs. “If he decides to put it into trust, we will appeal that decision," CN Attorney General Todd Hembree told The Cherokee Phoenix, referring to acting assistant secretary Del Laverdure.

The Keetoowahs have operated a casino in Tahlequah for more than 20 years. The National Indian Gaming Commission determined that the site is not located on "Indian lands" as required by the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.

In response to the determination, the Keetoowahs filed a land-into-trust application in August 2011. If it isn't approved by July 31, the tribe agreed to cease gaming operations as part of a settlement with the state of Oklahoma.

Get the Story:
CN awaits DOI decision on UKB casino (The Cherokee Phoenix 6/15)

Related Stories:
United Keetoowah Band enters agreement on disputed casino (6/11)