9th Circuit hears Buena Vista Rancheria compact dispute

Wednesday, January 15, 2014  

The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals is hearing arguments this morning in a lawsuit that challenges a Class III gaming compact for the Buena Vista Rancheria of Me-Wuk Indians in California.

A group called Friends of Amador County sued the Bureau of Indian Affairs to invalidate the compact. But a federal judge said the lawsuit can't continue without the tribe's involvement.

The tribe, however, refused to be included due to its sovereign immunity. The group appealed and is asking the 9th Circuit to reopen the case.

Oral arguments in Friends of Amador County v. Salazar are being broadcast live at www.ca9.uscourts.gov/media/view_video.php?pk_vid=0000006253.

Separately, Amador County is suing the BIA over the compact. The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals revived the case and it remains at the federal district court in Washington, D.C.

Related Stories:
Buena Vista Rancheria pulls $220M bond offer for casino plan (06/06)