Muscogee Nation opposes Class III gaming deal for Poarch Creeks

Monday, June 15, 2015

The Wind Creek Casino and Hotel in Wetumpka, Alabama. Photo from Facebook

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The Muscogee Nation of Oklahoma doesn't want the state of Alabama to enter into a Class III gaming compact with the Poarch Band of Creek Indians.

The Wind Creek Casino and Hotel in Wetumpka is located at Hickory Ground, a historic Creek town and burial site. The two tribes have been at odds over the handling of remains and artifacts uncovered there.

Chief George Tiger of the Muscogee Nation urged Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley (R) not to negotiate with the tribe, saying that a deal would sanction the desecration of the site, the Associated Press reported.

Separately, the Muscogee Nation is suing the Poarch Band and the Obama administration to stop development of the site. Despite dozens of motions and filings dating back to 2012, the judge in the case has not issued a decision

The dispute was also the subject of a May 14 hearing on Capitol Hill. Brenda Golden, a policy analyst and self-governance officer for the Muscogee Nation, told the House Subcommittee Indian, Insular and Alaska Native Affairs that the Wetumpka site was not properly placed in trust for the Poarch Band.

Get the Story:
Oklahoma Creeks oppose Alabama Indian gambling compact (AP 6/12) Related Stories:
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Poarch Creek casinos once seen as illegal now eyed for cash (5/7)
Poarch Creeks eager to discuss gaming options with Alabama (5/6)
Alabama governor won't rush into compact with Poarch Creeks (5/5)
Poarch Creeks question plan to authorize casinos at racetracks (5/4)
Draft bill calls for a Class III gaming compact with Poarch Creeks (5/1)
Opinion: Negotiate Class III casino compact with Poarch Creeks (4/30)
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