Mashpee Wampanaog Tribe overcomes hurdles with casino plan

Monday, May 2, 2016

Leaders of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe of Massachusetts share their flag with the city of Taunton, the location of the First Light Casino and Resort that's due to open in the summer of 2017. Photo from Facebook

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The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe cleared yet another hurdle last week when the Massachusetts Gaming Commission killed plans for a non-Indian casino.

The defeat of the rival project in Brockton came just weeks after the tribe broke ground on the First Light Resort and Casino in Taunton. And it comes as the tribe celebrates eight years since gaining federal recognition.

"Getting federally recognized when nobody said it would happen. Getting land into trust when nobody said it would happen. Getting the reservation proclamation when nobody said it would happen," Chairman Cedric Cromwell told The Cape Cod Times as he ticked off the obstacles the tribe has overcome since May 2007.

And one more hurdle, in the form of a lawsuit against the Bureau of Indian Affairs, could be facing its own setback. The paper suggested that Neil Bluhm -- the billionaire developer who was behind the rival casino -- might withdraw funding for the case, although casino opponents will continue with or without his support.

“The case goes merrily on,” Adam Bond, an attorney for the plaintiffs in Littlefield v. Department of the Interior, told the paper. “It’s a worthy case and a good case.”

Bond added that he hasn't heard from Blumh recently and a spokesperson for the developer declined to comment.

Still, there is no guarantee the lawsuit can stop the tribe from continuing construction on the casino or even opening it. The tribe is not named as a defendant and can't be sued without its consent due to sovereign immunity.

The first phase of the casino is due to open in the summer of 2017.

Get the Story:
Casino dreams become reality for Mashpee Wampanoag (The Cape Cod Times 5/1)
Casino not in the cards for Brockton due to uncertainty in Taunton (The Brockton Enterprise 5/2)

Land-Into-Trust Documents:
Chairman Cedric Cromwell Announcement | Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe Press Release | Bureau of Indian Affairs Press Release | Assistant Secretary Kevin Washburn Letter to Chairman Cedric Cromwell | Record of Decision

DOI Solicitor Opinion:
M-37029: The Meaning of "Under Federal Jurisdiction" for Purposes of the Indian Reorganization Act (March 12, 2014)