Radio: Catawba Nation casino quest dates to land settlement

The Catawba Indians want to build a $340 million casino and resort in Kings Mountain, North Carolina – which is 45 miles northwest of their reservation in Rock Hill, South Carolina. They've applied for federal permission to make the land a sort of annex to their reservation.

They may also need approval from North Carolina's governor and General Assembly – but both are cool to the concept. So why not just build a casino on the tribe's existing reservation just off I-77?

The "Indian Room" is where Gilbert Blue - one of the longest-serving Catawba chiefs in modern history – invites guests to his home. Musical instruments and the tribe's distinctive pottery made of clay from the Catawba River line the walls.

"And it's where I keep letters and things from the presidents," says Blue, gesturing to a photo of him with President Bill Clinton.

In the place of honor: a framed copy of the "Catawba Indian Land Claims Settlement Act of 1993." The tribe's current quest to build a casino in North Carolina ties back to this document and Blue's tenure as chief, which ended in 2007 after 34 years.

"That's why my hair is gray," jokes Blue, noting the length of his time as chief.