Indian Gaming > WPR: St. Croix Band hopes for off-reservation

September 30, 2009

WPR: St. Croix Band hopes for off-reservation

"The St. Croix Band of Chippewa Indians is hopeful that the White House will change federal gaming policy, as it relates to off-reservation casinos. Some actions by Obama Administration officials are fueling talk that change is indeed coming.

The St. Croix Chippewa want an off-reservation casino in Beloit, 300 miles from their reservation. They’re appealing a directive from the Bush Administration that discouraged off-reservation casinos, which may have led to their application’s rejection earlier this year.

Tribal spokesman Joseph Hunt says a November date for oral arguments in a D.C. appellate court was announced this month. But he says lately there have been signs that the resolution could come from political, rather than judicial means. Hunt says the head of the Bureau of Indian Affairs has actually visited some off-reservation sites in upstate New York. That had never happened in the last eight years under the old administration so the tribe thought that was a positive sign."

Get the Story:
St. Croix tribe has new hope for Beloit casino (Wisconsin Public Radio 9/29)
Audio: St. Croix tribe has new hope for Beloit casino (Wisconsin Public Radio 9/29)

BIA Letter:
George Skibine to Bad River Band/St. Croix Chippewa (January 13, 2009)

Off-Reservation Gaming Policy:
Guidance on taking off-reservation land into trust for gaming purposes (January 3, 2008)