The Forest County Potawatomi Community has withdrawn from the National Indian Gaming Association in a dispute over an off-reservation casino in Wisconsin.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