Meskwaki casino stays open during leadership spat

THURSDAY, MAY 15, 2003

The leadership dispute within the Meskwaki Tribe of Iowa hasn't yet forced the closure of the tribe's casino.

The National Indian Gaming Commission issued an order on Tuesday but it has been business as usual since then. Still, tribal members aligned with the appointed tribal council, whom the NIGC doesn't recognize, filed a lawsuit to prevent a shutdown.

There's another lawsuit, in state court, over control of tribal funds. The appointed council doesn't want the elected council to withdraw money from the bank accounts.

All the activity has raised concerns about the effects on the local economy. The tribe is a major contributor to jobs and tourism.

Get the Story:
Meskwaki continue to defy federal order to close casino (AP 5/15)
Appointed Tribal Council Files Federal Lawsuit (KCRG TV 5/15)
Casino Issues Bring Charter Ridership Numbers Down (KCRG TV 5/15)
Long-Term Casino Shut Down Could Hurt Tribe, Tama County Economy (KCRG TV 5/15)
CR Riverboat Supporters Look at Meskwaki Impact on Their Plans (KCRG TV 5/15)
Meskwaki Casino Still Open, Judge Hears Money Arguments (KCRG TV 5/14)
Casino Shutdown Could Mean Economic Hardship (KWWL TV 5/14)

Relevant Links:
National Indian Gaming Commission - http://www.nigc.gov

Related Stories:
NIGC orders Meskwaki Tribe to close casino (5/14)
State threatens Meskwaki compact over dispute (5/9)
Meskwaki factions can't agree on discussions (5/8)
Talks between Meskwaki leaders break down (5/6)
Meskwaki Tribe works to resolve dispute (5/5)
NIGC says Meskwaki Tribe in violation of IGRA (5/1)
Meskwaki leadership dispute continues (4/30)
Editorial: NIGC should interfere in tribal dispute (04/24)
NIGC threatens to close Meskwaki Tribe's casino (4/23)
Meskwaki leadership dispute won't affect payroll (4/18)
Federal judge won't intervene in Meskwaki dispute (4/16)
Meskwaki Tribe undergoing leadership struggle (4/10)
Meskwaki tribal council removed and replaced (03/27)