Forest County Potawatomi Community withdraws from NIGA

Monday, February 3, 2014

Artist's rendering of the proposed Menominee Nation off-reservation casino. Image from Casino Kenosha

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The Forest County Potawatomi Community has withdrawn from the National Indian Gaming Association in a dispute over an off-reservation casino in Wisconsin.

The Potawatomis are battling an off-reservation casino proposed by the Menominee Nation. NIGA hasn't taken a position on the dispute but the Potawatomis say the organization has ties to the controversial development.

"Unfortunately, it has come to FCPC’s attention that a number of NIGA’s consultants and contractors have significant involvement in a controversial off-reservation casino project in Wisconsin which compels the tribe to question the neutrality of the organization," the tribe said in a press release this afternoon.

"FCPC questions how NIGA can remain neutral on off-reservation gaming projects when NIGA’s consultants are simultaneously employed to advocate for them," the tribe said.

The Menominees are proposing a casino in Kenosha. That's about 40 miles from the Potawatomi casino.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs approved the Menominee casino under the two-part determination provisions of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. But the final decision rests with Gov. Scott Walker (R), who is still studying the proposal.

Bureau of Indian Affairs Documents:
Press Release | Fact Sheet: Menominee Nation Decision | Section 20 Determination: Menominee Nation Off-Reservation Casino Related Stories:
Opinion: Menominee Nation casino is about the bigger picture (11/21)