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Jena Choctaw Band back in spotlight in Louisiana
Tuesday, March 22, 2005

The Jena Band of Choctaw Indians is back in the spotlight in Louisiana as the tribe is moving forward with plans for an initial reservation.

The landless tribe was recognized in 1995. Under federal law, the Bureau of Indian Affairs can establish an initial reservation without approval from the state.

The tribe has been trying to do that but ran into opposition organized by disgraced lobbyist Jack Abramoff. As a Congressman, Sen. David Vitter (R-Louisiana) was key figure in the fight although he denies acting on Abramoff's behalf.

Now Vitter is pressuring Gov. Kathleen Blanco (D) not to negotiate a compact with the tribe. But the tribe only plans to offer Class II gaming on the site, so the state approval is likely needed.

Get the Story:
Blanco, Vitter in tribal gambling spat (The New Orleans Times-Picayune 3/22)
Vitter cautions Gov. Blanco on casino talks (The Baton Rouge Advocate 3/22)

Related Stories:
Vitter won't say why he OKed Abramoff fundraiser (03/17)
Vitter responsible for anti-tribal appropriations rider (3/16)
Griles fought casino opposed by Abramoff client (3/14)
Tribe gave $75K to group founded by Norton (3/14)
DOI investigates contacts with group started by Norton (03/03)
Vitter denies helping Abramoff's former client (03/02)
Report: Former Norton organization subpoenaed (3/1)
Tribes gave $175K to group founded by Norton (2/28)
Coushatta Tribe sues ex-lobbyists for $32M (11/17)
Vitter 'conned' by group opposing tribe (11/12)
Senate panel asks Coushatta Tribe for tapes (10/27)
Ralph Reed paid $4.1M to oppose tribes (10/26)
Congressman denies knowing of tribe's backing (10/18)
Congressman's anti-gaming push backed by tribe (10/15)
Coushattas used lobbyists to spy on tribes, critics (09/13)
Coushatta member threatened over recall effort (08/09)
Coushatta treasurer accuses NIGC of lax oversight (04/12)
Coushatta leaders used tribal money to pay lobbyists (4/8)
Coushatta Tribe paid $32M to lobbyist Jack Abramoff (4/6)
Congressman builds opposition to Choctaw tribe (02/19)
Lawmaker seeks public input on casino plans (01/28)
Congressman to fight Jena casino proposal (01/23)
Editorial: Say no to tribal casino proposal (01/13)
Governor supports tribe's land request (01/10)
Choctaw Tribe still looking for land (09/05)
Still flapping over Jena compact (4/5)
Jena Choctaws still shopping (4/3)
Jena Choctaws continue search (3/11)
Choctaw casino compact rejected (3/8)
Jena casino news (3/8)
Jena casino compact denied (3/7)
Delay in Choctaw decision sought (3/7)
La. senator opposes Choctaw casino (3/5)
Norton lobbied on Choctaw casino (2/28)
Foster, Choctaw for casino (2/27)
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Jena Choctaw plan large casino (2/7)
Choctaw seeking Louisiana casino (2/6)
AP: Choctaw compact approved (2/5)

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