New Mexico county supports Fort Sill Apache Tribe casino bid

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

The Fort Sill Apache Reservation in southern New Mexico. Photo © Fort Sill Apache Tribe.

Commissioners in Doña Ana County, New Mexico, voted unanimously to support a casino for the Fort Sill Apache Tribe of Oklahoma.

The tribe has a 30-acre reservation in southern New Mexico, its ancestral homeland. The land is held in trust but it hasn't been deemed eligible for gaming so the tribe is seeking approval under the two-part determination provisions of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.

"As we continue to fight to regain the rights that are naturally and historically ours, the passing of this resolution affirms support from our neighboring community," Chairman Jeff Haozous said in a statement, The Las Cruces Sun-News reported. "At the appropriate time, we look forward to receiving support from the governor as well."

Get the Story:
County commission backs Fort Sill Apache Tribe's casino plan (The Las Cruces Sun-News 4/10) $P Federal Register Notice:
Proclaiming Certain Lands as Reservation for the Fort Sill Apache Indian Tribe (November 28, 2011) Related Stories:
Fort Sill Apache Tribe sees support for New Mexico casino bid (01/09)