Artist's rendering of the proposed Menominee Nation off-reservation casino. Image from Casino Kenosha
Leaders of the Menominee Nation of Wisconsin say an off-reservation casino will bring positive benefits to their people at home. The tribe has long waiting lists for housing and daycare as well as limited funds for health services. But that could change if Gov. Scott Walker (R) approves the $810 million casino in Kenosha. "Our people are hurting here," Jerry Waukau, the tribe's health administrator, told WJFW. "I think our job as leaders is to take away the hurt." Walker has until February 19 to make a decision. He's facing pressure to reject the project from the Forest County Potawatomi Community, whose off-reservation casino is about 40 miles from Kenosha, and the Ho-Chunk Nation, whose leaders say Kenosha is their aboriginal territory. "With Kenosha, we see this as a godsend as far as employment, jobs, and the boost to the economy," Gary Besaw, the chairman of the Kenosha Gaming Authority, told WJFW. Get the Story:
"Our people are hurting": Challenges on Menominee Reservation explain tribe's push for Kenosha casino (WJFW 7/21) Bureau of Indian Affairs Documents:
Press Release | Fact Sheet: Menominee Nation Decision | Section 20 Determination: Menominee Nation Off-Reservation Casino Related Stories:
Governor working on Menominee Nation off-reservation casino (7/15)
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