The Jena Band of Choctaw Indians plan to open a Class II facility now that the Louisiana tribe has a land base.
The tribe was recognized by the Bureau of Indian Affairs in 1995. Earlier this month, the agency proclaimed a 63-acre initial reservation for the tribe. Chief Christine Norris said the tribe will move quickly to build a Class II facility. She tried to negotiate a Class III compact with Gov. Kathleen Blanco (D) but the governor refused. A previous compact was rejected by the BIA in 2002. Get the Story: