The
Nooksack Tribe has yet to comment publicly on the status of its shuttered casino in Washington.
Other than a couple of
posts on Facebook and a message on the website of the
Nooksack Northwood Casino, the tribe hasn't responded to a
notice of violation and closure order issued by the
National Indian Gaming Commission. The Bellingham Herald has been trying to contact Bob Kelly, who claims to serve as chairman of the tribe, but has been unsuccessful.
“The closure is sad, because it was completely preventable,”
Gabe Galanda, an attorney who is representing a group of people ousted by Kelly's disputed council and denied the right to participate in elections, told the paper.
Kelly was told more than a year ago that the
Bureau of Indian Affairs did not recognize his council due to
>disenrollment and leadership questions. A federal judge confirmed that
his faction lacks authority to sue on the tribe's behalf because it is not considered legitimate by the government.
While the casino remains closed, patrons are able to come in and redeem their slot tickets, according to a
post on Facebook.
Read More on the Story:
If you have slot tickets from closed Northwood Casino, here’s what you should do
(The Bellingham Herald 6/22)
Relevant Documents:
National Indian Gaming Commission Notice of Violation and Closure Order (June 15, 2017)
Press Release: Notice of Violation and Closure Order Issued
Against the Nooksack Tribe (June 15, 2017)
Related Stories
Nooksack Tribe closes doors to casino after being hit with federal order
(June 19, 2017)
Nooksack Tribe told to close casino amid leadership and citizenship feud
(June 16, 2017)
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