BIA asked to help with dispute over Creek casino at sacred site

Monday, December 3, 2012  

The Bureau of Indian Affairs is being asked to help resolve a dispute between the Muscogee Nation of Oklahoma and the Poarch Band of Creek Indians in Alabama.

The Muscogee Nation is upset over the expansion of the Wind Creek Wetumpka, owned by the Poarch Band. The casino is located at the Hickory Ground, a burial ground and historic Creek site.

The Muscogee Nation met with Assistant Secretary Kevin Washburn, the head of the BIA, last week. "He committed to try to facilitate a meeting with us and the Poarch Band in early 2013," Chief George Tiger told The Tulsa World.

The Muscogee Nation has authorized the filing of a lawsuit in hopes of protecting Hickory Ground.

Get the Story:
Oklahoma Creek Indians may sue Alabama band to protect site (The Tulsa World 11/1)

Poarch Creeks resume construction of $246M casino expansion (11/1)