Colorado Gov. Bill Owens (R) said he will attend a Senate Indian Affairs Committee briefing next month to make his opposition to a land claim and proposed tribal casino known.

The Cheyenne-Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma filed a 27 million-acre land claim covering much of eastern Colorado. The tribes say they will settle for 500 acres and gaming rights in the state.

Owens says the claim is invalid and opposes the expansion of gaming. He has accused the tribes and their backers of trying to extort the state.

The briefing will be held September 8. It is supposed to be an informal session for committee staff but has drawn heavy attention.

Get the Story:
Owens to denounce casino (The Denver Post 8/29)

Relevant Links:
Cheyenne-Arapaho Homecoming Project - http://www.homecomingproject.org

Related Stories:
Senate panel to hold briefing on Cheyenne-Arapaho bid (08/13)
Colorado governor rejects Cheyenne-Arapaho bid (06/21)
Cheyenne-Arapaho Tribes offer $1B for stolen land (05/14)
Cheyenne-Arapaho Tribes file notice of land claim (05/13)