Judge rules against Eastern Cherokees in gaming land dispute

Wednesday, September 5, 2012  

The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians of North Carolina might not be able to open a gaming facility on land that belonged to a tribal member.

The tribal council voted to seize a 205-acre property owned by the late Gladys Wright. At issue is whether Wright's will was valid.

A judge for the tribe upheld the will last week. That means Wright's children, who are not members, can use the land in the form of a life estate.

The dispute now goes back to the tribal council, which could reject the judge's ruling. The tribe has purchased 793 acres next to Wright's property that would be part of a gaming development.

Get the Story:
Satellite land dispute throws wrench in plans for smaller casino (The Smoky Mountain News 9/5)
Court: Tribe cannot take land (The Cherokee Scout 9/5)
Court rules tribe can't take land targeted for casino (The Cherokee Scout 8/30)

Eastern Cherokees rescind decision to take land for new casino (8/5)