Indian Gaming

The Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians in Wisconsin addressed concerns about its off-reservation casino at a public meeting last week.

The project enjoys strong support in Shullsburg, about 300 miles from the tribal headquarters. But tribal representatives responded to concerns about a failed $50 million bond for a commercial casino in Mississippi.

“I’ve seen how the tribes have used their resources and they haven’t always picked right,” Joseph Hunt, a consultant for the tribe said at the meeting, SWNews4u reported. “I know one of you was suggesting there were some bad business ventures, but that’s an issue for another time."

Project manager Duane Chapman also said the majority of jobs at the casino will be filled by locals. The tribe, however, plans to encourage Indian preference.

“There’s not going to be an exodus of tribal members coming to Shullsburg," Chapman said at the meeting, SWNews4u reported.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs held the meeting in order to prepare a draft environmental impact statement for the casino. Comments are being accepted until August 30.

Get the Story:
Majority of speakers at meeting favor Lac du Flambeau casino in Shullsburg (SWNews4u 8/21)

Federal Register Notice:
Notice of Intent to Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for the Proposed Lac du Flambeau Band Fee-to-Trust Acquisition and Casino Project in Shullsburg, Wisconsin (July 29, 2013)

Related Stories:
Lac du Flambeau Band sees support for off-reservation casino (8/16)