Local official open to Sault Tribe off-reservation casino proposal


Area outlined in red shows approximate outline of proposed Sault Tribe casino site in Huron Township, Michigan. Image from Google Maps

The Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians has revived plans for an off-reservation casino near Detroit, Michigan.

The tribe filed a land-into-trust application for 71 acres in Huron Township. Supervisor David Glaab, the town's leader, welcomed the project.

“They can develop whether we want them or not,” Glaab told The Downriver News-Herald . “You might as well have a good working relationship with them.”

The tribe acquired the site with funds from the Michigan Indian Land Claims Settlement Act of 1997. The law mandates that the Bureau of Indian Affairs place the land in trust.

Glaab, however, believes it could take some time for the BIA to make a decision. And other tribes in the state say they oppose the project. The gaming site is less than 7 miles from the Detroit Metropolitan Airport and about 25 miles from the commercial district in downtown Detroit.

Get the Story:
Huron Township supervisor says casino proposal has merit (The Downriver News-Herald 6/18)
Supreme Court Decision Already Having Impact (iGamingPlayer 6/17)
Tribe that wants to build Lansing casino lost Greektown site in bankruptcy (The Lansing State Journal 6/14)

Supreme Court Decision:
Michigan v. Bay Mills Indian Community (May 27, 2014)

6th Circuit Decision:
Michigan v. Sault Ste Marie Tribe (December 18, 2013)

Related Stories
Sault Tribe eyes speedy approval for gaming land applications (6/12)

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