Tribal Chairwoman Lonna Street stated that lawmakers proposed the bill without first consulting the Spirit Lake Tribe
The Spirit Lake Tribe has expressed firm disapproval of Senate Bill 2376, which aims to give the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians permission to construct a casino and resort in Grand Forks County, North Dakota. The suggested $280-$300 million project has gained backing from local Grand Forks officials but has sparked worries among nearby tribal nations such as the Spirit Lake Tribe.
Spirit Lake Tribe Criticizes Casino Bill for Lack of Consultation
Tribal Chairwoman Lonna Street said lawmakers introduced the bill without talking to the Spirit Lake Tribe first. She thinks this should have been a key step before proposing the law. She stressed that talks between governments are vital to tribal independence. She added that choices affecting tribal economies need input from the nations they impact, reported the Grand Forks Herald.
The Spirit Lake Tribe worries about how a new casino might hit their wallet. Their Spirit Lake Casino and Resort brings in money they cannot do without. If another casino opens up in Grand Forks, it could put a squeeze on their cash flow. Tribal leaders are scared that if they lose gaming money, it will hurt programs and shake up the finances of tribal communities that count on these funds.
Although they disagree, Spirit Lake officials made it clear that their position does not mean they are at odds with the Turtle Mountain Band. Instead, they are reacting to a process they think did not involve all tribal stakeholders. The tribe also brought up past state choices, like expanding non-tribal gambling through electronic pull-tab machines, which they think have already hurt tribal casino earnings.
Turtle Mountain Band Pushes Casino Project, Promising Jobs and Tourism Boost
The Turtle Mountain Band claims their planned casino would boost the Grand Forks area’s economy creating jobs and drawing more tourists. Grand Forks city leaders back the project pointing to its potential to revive the local economy. However, some locals worry about gambling addiction and wonder how the city will profit from a casino that does not pay regular property taxes.
The casino would sit on a 146-acre plot of land just outside Grand Forks city limits owned by the Turtle Mountain Band. The big-scale resort plans include more than 200 hotel rooms, a Class III casino, a place for shows, a space for meetings and parties, and a gas station with a convenience store. The argument over SB 2376 goes on as the bill progresses through the lawmaking process. Spirit Lake leaders stand by their view that the state should talk to tribal nations before giving the green light to any big gambling projects.
