Menominee Nation Chairman Gary Besaw, center, speaks about off-reservation casino decision. Photo from Bob Hague / Wisconsin Radio Network / Twitter
The Menominee Nation will march 156 miles from its reservation to the Wisconsin State Capitol to rally support for its off-reservation casino. The tribe's hopes for the $800 million casino in Kenosha were dashed when Gov. Scott Walker (R) rejected the project last month. But tribal members, many of whom are still angry and disappointed, say they remain hopeful that they can change his mind. “We’ve seen a lot coming for us and because of one person, could destroy 8,500 lives here," tribal member Rose Schanandoer told Fox 11 News. The march is due to begin on Friday in Keshena, the tribal headquarters. A schedule hasn't been released so it's not clear when it will reach the capitol in Madison.
Artist's rendering of the proposed Menominee Nation off-reservation casino. Image from Casino Kenosha
The Bureau of Indian Affairs approved the casino under the two-part determination provisions of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. Walker exercised his authority under the law to veto the project on January 23, when he said it posed an economic risk to the state. The tribe has disputed the assertion and has offered to cover any potential losses to the state. The tribe also offered $220 million for a new arena in Milwaukee but Walker's administration has rejected the proposal. Get the Story:
Menominee Tribe to march from Keshena to Madison (Fox 11 News 2/10)
Kenosha Casino backers offer $220M toward Bucks arena (WISN 2/10)
Walker unlikely to reconsider Kenosha casino decision (Wisconsin Radio Network 2/10)
Menominee, Hard Rock offer arena aid in trade for casino OK (The Kenosha News 2/11)
State rejects Hard Rock arena offer tied to casino OK (The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel 2/11)
Menominee offers $220M for arena if Gov. Walker approves Kenosha casino, but decision won't change (The Milwaukee Business Journal 2/11) Some Opinions:
Editorial: Tribe, Hard Rock raise the stakes (The Kenosha News 2/11)
James E. Causey: Gov. Scott Walker should listen to the latest casino offer (The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel 2/11)
Editorial: Walker should stick to his decision on Kenosha casino (The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel 2/11)
Editorial: Scott Walker wise to stick with casino rejection (The Wisconsin State Journal 2/11) Bureau of Indian Affairs Documents:
Press Release | Fact Sheet: Menominee Nation Decision | Section 20 Determination: Menominee Nation Off-Reservation Casino Related Stories:
Editorial: Keep up the pressure on Menominee Nation casino bid (2/6)
Menominee Nation pushes governor to change mind on casino (2/5)
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