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Massachusetts Tribal Ruling Overturned, Casino Put On Hold20 November 2001MASSACHUSETTS – Nov. 20, 2001 –As reported by American City Business Journal: "The Bush administration dealt Lakes Gaming Inc. a blow recently when it overturned a last-minute ruling by Clinton officials giving federal tribal recognition to the Nipmuc Nation in Central Massachusetts. "The Minnetonkta-based company is working with the Nipmuc Nation on plans to build a casino on tribal land, provided it is granted official status. And Lakes Gaming is fronting the tribe expense money. "…At issue is the fact that groups recognized as tribes are supposed to show that all, or at least a vast majority, of their members descended directly from a historical tribe. But recently released federal documents show only 54 percent of Nipmuc's 1,600 members descend from the tribe. "…The tribe has 180 days to appeal the decision. It may be able to purge its membership rolls to meet the genealogical requirements. However, the Bureau of Indian Affairs also ruled the tribe failed to meet other criteria, including showing that it operated continuously as a distinct political and social entity since pre-Columbian times. "Reports show Lakes Gaming has already advanced the tribe close to $2 million for expenses…" |