Cowlitz Tribe criticizes city's lawsuit against NIGC

Thursday, April 3, 2008

The Cowlitz Tribe of Washington says a lawsuit against the National Indian Gaming Commission is “frivolous” and a waste of money, The Longview Daily News reported.

The tribe wants to build a $510 million casino on 152 acres in Clark County. The NIGC approved a gaming ordinance at the site.

The city of Vancouver says the approval violates federal law because the site is not yet in trust. The lawsuit also says the tribe doesn't have a valid tribal-state compact.

“My position is that we’re supposed to have a government-to-government relationship,” Cowlitz spokesperson Phil Harju said. “A simple phone call from the tribe could have resolved any questions (the city) might have.”

Get the Story:
Tribe decries Vancouver's 'frivolous' suit against casino (The Longview Daily News 4/3)