Artist's rendering of the proposed West Valley Resort. Image from Tohono O'odham Nation
Opponents of an off-reservation casino for the Tohono O'odham Nation are seeking a delay in litigation in light of an upcoming U.S. Supreme Court case. The state of Arizona, the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community and the Gila River Indian Community are suing the Tohono O'odham Nation in hopes of blocking the West Valley Resort. So far, every ruling has gone in favor of the Tohono O'odham Nation. But now the plaintiffs are asking the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals to delay the case. They hope a decision in Michigan v. Bay Mills Indian Community will help them address any sovereign immunity issues. “Watch what happens, if tribal sovereign immunity is lowered, you’re going to see a lot of states going after tribes," Carl Artman, the former head of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, told The Arizona Republic. The Supreme Court will hear the case on December 2. The state of Michigan wants to be able to sue the Bay Mills Indian Community over an off-reservation casino. Get the Story:
U.S. Supreme Court case could stall West Valley casino appeal (The Arizona Republic 11/18) Related Stories:
Opinion: Preparing for outcomes in Supreme Court casino case (11/08)
Tohono O'odham Nation sees shift on off-reservation casino bid (10/17)
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