The Ojibwa Casino in Baraga, Michigan. Photo from 500 Nations
The Keweenaw Bay Indian Community of Michigan has shut off water and power to its tribal court in a dispute tied to plans for a new casino. The tribal council suspended Chief Judge Bradley Dakota and Associate Judge Violet Friisvall-Ayres without pay, accusing both of illegal "political activity." Dakota's father has filed a lawsuit that could delay the new casino. Friisvall-Ayres started proceedings in the case. “I don’t believe that the executive branch of our government has the authority to tell me that I have to leave,” Dakota told Upper Michigan's Source. The tribal council agreed to purchase the Baraga Lakeside Inn for $2.75 million with the intent of building a new Ojibwa Casino at the site. The decision came after tribal members approved the deal at a community meeting. The lawsuit, filed by former president Fred Dakota, claims the referendum was illegal. He argues that it should have been conducted via secret ballot. Current President Donald Shalifoe said the community meeting process been used several times in the past without question. He doesn't think Dakota should have resorted to filing the lawsuit. The tribal council is due to meet tomorrow to discuss the judge's employment status.
The Keweenaw Bay Indian Community purchased this hotel with the intention of opening a new casino on the waterfront in Baraga, Michigan. Photo from The Baraga Lakeside Inn
Get the Story:
KBIC judges suspended for ‘unlawful interference’ with tribal affairs (ABC News 8/12)
Tribal judges must wait to meet before Tribal Council regarding suspension (Upper Michigan's Source 8/12)
Related Stories
Keweenaw Bay Indian Community suspends
judges in casino flap (8/12)
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