Opinion: Pokagon Band casino shouldn't stir fears in Indiana

Friday, May 8, 2015

Members of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians at the Oshke Kno Kewewen Traditional Pow Wow . This year's event takes place May 23-24

Writer wants to know why Indiana lawmakers are trying to prevent the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians from opening a casino on its ancestral territory:

Why is Indiana being mean to the Indians again? I could scarcely believe my ears when state Rep. Patrick Bauer said on TV, "Any time you try to out-shoot the Indians, they no longer just have bows and arrows, they have the federal government on their side."
He does not want to allow the Pokagon Potawatomi to build a casino in South Bend. The federal government says it is OK. The South Bend Common Council approved it. But Indiana lawmakers passed a resolution asking the federal government to change its law so that Indiana is not required to allow the Pokagon casino.
It was OK for Donald Trump to come build a casino and take its profits back to New York. It was OK for Indiana to allow casinos over water and now it is OK for the casinos to be located on land without floating on water.
But it is not OK with Bauer for the Pokagon Potawatomi Indians to build a casino in Indiana. Several years ago the state legislature blocked the Miami Indian Nation of Indiana from getting federal recognition because they might build a casino.

Get the Story:
Shirley Willard: Don't block Pokagon casino (The Indianapolis Star 5/8) $P Federal Register Notices:
Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Proposed Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians Fee-to-Trust Transfer for Tribal Village and Casino, City of South Bend, St. Joseph County, Indiana (March 12, 2015)
Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for the Proposed Pokagon Band Tribal Village Fee-to-Trust Acquisition and Casino Project in the City of South Bend, St. Joseph County, IN (August 24, 2012) Related Stories:
Lawmaker slammed for comment about Pokagon Band casino bid (5/1)
Gaming bill opposed by Pokagon Band sent to Indiana governor (4/30)
Indiana lawmakers advance bill against Pokagon Band's casino (4/29)
Indiana lawmakers ask Congress to stop Pokagon Band casino (4/28)
Pokagon Band casino remains a concern for Indiana lawmakers (4/24)
Pokagon Band questions bill that affects Indiana casino project (4/22)
Indiana lawmakers not so welcoming to Pokagon Band casino bid (4/17)
BIA hears from public on Pokagon Band gaming plan in Indiana (4/15)
Pokagon Band gains city support for casino ahead of BIA hearing (4/14)