OKLAHOMA BASED TRIBE CASE TO SUPREME COURT IN APRIL
The Fort Sill Apache tribe of Oklahoma will get their case to permit a casino in southern New Mexico heard in the state Supreme Court in April.
They put their 30 acres in Akela Flats, near Deming, in “trust” status in 2002, with the promise that they would not introduce casino gambling at the location. They claim to have a historical presence in the area, although there have not been Indians, tribal government, or recent tribal history in the area since the 1800’s.
Both Governor Richardson and Governor Martinez have opposed recognizing the tribe as a legitimate New Mexico tribe, and have been opposed to them building a casino there.
Stop Predatory Gambling still opposes a reservation-shopping casino in southern New Mexico, and is disgusted by the subterfuge that was carried on by the tribe.
An article in the Albuquerque Journal about the case can be read here.
