Land claim settlement act might aid off-reservation casino

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

The Michigan Indian Land Claims Settlement Act might help the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians with its off-reservation casino.

The tribe plans to open a $245 million casino in Lansing. The land isn't in trust but that could change thanks to the law.

The law states that land acquired by the tribe using settlement funds "shall be held in trust" by the federal government. That means the tribe might not need separate approval from the state governor to open the casino.

In the history of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, only two other tribes have opened casinos in connection with a land claim settlement.

Get the Story:
Tribe's board votes to move forward with proposed $245 million casino in downtown Lansing (AP 1/25)
Lawyers say 'unique statute' in federal act will make Lansing casino possible (The Lansing News 1/25)
Lansing mayor tells casino opponents: 'Screw off!' (The Mt. Pleasant Morning Sun 1/25)
Charlie Langton: Lansing Mayor Tells Casino Opponents To ‘Screw Off’ (CBS Local 1/24)
Congressman Mike Rogers: Casinos bring 'cannibalizing of local businesses, more crime and prostitution' (The Lansing News 1/24)