Artist's rendering of the proposed West Valley Resort. Image from Tohono O'odham Nation.
Columnist supports off-reservation casino for the Tohono O'odham Nation in Arizona:
It all started when some land on the Tohono O'odham Nation was flooded due to some federal dam projects. The tribe was allowed to buy land to make up for what was lost, even if that new land was not contiguous with the existing reservation. They picked out a nice plot of land outside of Glendale, right near where a brand-new football stadium was being built to house the NFL's Arizona Cardinals. Around this time, the state government started sticking its nose into Indian gaming, basically trying to regulate it to death. I personally don't think the state has any business trying to control Indian gaming. The Indians were stuck on reservations, many of them pretty desolate, and when they figure out a way to make money, the state steps in and says, "No! Bad Indian. Bad!!" I understand the state trying to get a cut of the revenue. That's just like Fanucci in The Godfather Part II trying to "wet his beak." But I believe that the tribes should be able to build as many casinos as they want.Get the Story:
Tom Danehy: The Tohono O'odham Nation's battle to open a casino near Glendale is a bit of revenge for previous injustices (The Tucson Weekly 5/16) Also Today:
Norris presents tribe's case at Alvarez meeting (The Glendale Star 5/16) District Court Decision:
Arizona v. Tohono O'odam Nation (May 7, 2013) Related Stories:
Tohono O'odham Nation casino opponents seek trial in case (5/15)
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