Calif. land-into-trust on hold

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 16, 2002

A senior Bureau of Indian Affairs official admits that the decision to take 49 acres of land into trust for a California landless tribe was premature.

Wayne Smith, deputy to Assistant Secretary Neal McCaleb, had announced the approval January 4 to take the land into trust for the United Auburn Indian Community. Although expected to be used for a casino, the land was to be considered "restored" due to the tribe's previously terminated status.

The decision is on hold pending review by Secretary Gale Norton.

Get the Story:
Agency reverses decision on plans for tribal casino (The Las Vegas Review-Journal 1/16)

Relevant Links:
United Auburn Indian Community - http://auburnindians.com

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Trust land approved for Calif. casino(1/7)
BIA reopens controversial gaming rule (1/2)