Story Published:
Jul 27, 2010
Story Updated:
Jul 27, 2010
PHOENIX (AP) – A southern Arizona Indian tribe has overcome a key hurdle in its bid to build a Las Vegas-style hotel and casino in suburban Phoenix, but it still needs permission to allow gambling on the site.
The U.S. Department of Interior announced July 23 it would take into trust 54 acres of unincorporated land near Glendale, a move that makes the land part of the Tohono O’odham tribe’s reservation.
“We’re pleased with this decision and we look forward to the next step in the process,” tribe Chairman Ned Norris Jr. said.
The project has sparked controversy because the tribe seeks to build a casino in the Phoenix metro area and about 40 miles from its nearest existing reservation land.
The City of Glendale opposes the project, saying the casino is being imposed without input. The city had argued that the land cannot be added to the tribe’s reservation because it is surrounded by Glendale on three sides and within the city’s planning zone.
In a letter to tribe officials, Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Larry EchoHawk wrote that Arizona law does not support a finding that the land is part of Glendale and therefore ineligible to be a reservation.
The letter leaves open a question about whether the land meets the stricter requirements for operating a casino.
Federal law does not allow casinos on new reservation land except in certain narrow circumstances.
The Tohono O’odham Nation argues that one of those narrow circumstances applies in this case: A provision allowing casinos on land acquired as part of the settlement of a land claim.
A separate federal law authorizes the tribe to add nearly 10,000 acres of land to its reservation as compensation for land flooded after a dam was built near the town of Gila Bend.
The Gila River Indian Community, which operates the nearest competing casino, also opposes the project, arguing that it could impact gaming compacts affecting all tribes.
Tohono O’odham officials deny they’re imposing the casino on Glendale, saying they have tried to reach out to the city but officials have been uncooperative. They also deny the casino would affect gaming compacts.
Glendale spokeswoman Julie Frisoni declined to comment on the ruling until the city’s attorneys could review it.
Copyright 2010 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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AzNative said on Friday, Aug 6 at 2:35 PM
thank you Akimel, I Hope it happens soon. WIth all the unemployment you would think that we, including glendale and Arizona would want a new casino and all the jobs that it would create. Plus all the LOCAL supply bussinesses it would take to keep it running. We are all O'odham out here anyway.
49307969az pima wildcat said on Friday, Jul 30 at 1:25 PM
who's being greedy we are looking out for the best interest of all tribes. Go ahead and build your little casino we are not trippin.
48842019cheerleader one said on Wednesday, Jul 28 at 12:02 PM
some people will gamble. take advantage of it. if this means employment for our neighbors, go for it!
48635039A bright spot for the State said on Wednesday, Jul 28 at 1:54 AM
By allowing the tribe to finally build a casino in Glendale, this issue could be used as a political tool to show social unity for a state that is tainted with controversy. With our 24 hour new cycle, it would be a refreshing change to see all parties and factions join together and show the world that Arizona has the wherwithal to overcome cultural differences for the betterment of all americans.
48599199tohono oodham ride or die said on Tuesday, Jul 27 at 8:19 PM
I don't know what the Pima are trippin on, we were once the same people, we speak the same language, we are both Native, what is wrong with u.. Quit being greedy and look at it as we are helping our people and not letting the white man knock us around anymore..
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