The Nooksack Tribe has yet to comment publicly on the status of its shuttered casino in Washington.
Other than a couple of posts on Facebook and a message on the website of the Nooksack Northwood Casino, the tribe hasn't responded to a notice of violation and closure order issued by the National Indian Gaming Commission. The Bellingham Herald has been trying to contact Bob Kelly, who claims to serve as chairman of the tribe, but has been unsuccessful. “The closure is sad, because it was completely preventable,” Gabe Galanda, an attorney who is representing a group of people ousted by Kelly's disputed council and denied the right to participate in elections, told the paper. Kelly was told more than a year ago that the Bureau of Indian Affairs did not recognize his council due to >disenrollment and leadership questions. A federal judge confirmed that his faction lacks authority to sue on the tribe's behalf because it is not considered legitimate by the government. While the casino remains closed, patrons are able to come in and redeem their slot tickets, according to a post on Facebook. Read More on the Story: