The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe of Massachusetts issued a statement after comments by Vice Chair Jessie “Little Doe” Baird about casino opponents drew controversy. Baird referred to opponents as "xenophobes" and "skinheads" and "NIMBYs" at a Bureau of Indian Affairs hearing on Tuesday. Chairman Cedric Cromwell initially supported his colleague but issued a clarification after the remarks were widely reported in the media. “She in no way, shape or form was speaking about the good people of Taunton," Cromwell said in the statement, The Taunton Daily Gazette reported. Officials in Taunton support the $500 million First Light Resort and Casino. Residents also approved the project in a referendum in June 2012. The BIA is accepting written comments on the environmental impact statement for the application until January 17. Get the Story:
Mashpee Wampanoag tribe addresses controversial remarks (The Taunton Daily Gazette 12/6) Federal Register Notice:
Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Proposed Fee-to-Trust Transfer of Property and Subsequent Development of a Resort/Hotel and Tribal Government Facilities by the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe (November 15, 2013)
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