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Minnesota Governor, Tribal Leaders Pleased with Meeting

MINNESOTA – As reported by the Minnesota Public Radio: "Gov. Tim Pawlenty and leaders of three northern Minnesota Indian tribes say they were pleased with an historic meeting on the White Earth Reservation Thursday. Much of the discussion centered on the governor's push to change the landscape of casino gambling in the state.

"White Earth, Minn. — A drum group welcomed Gov. Pawlenty with an honor song. The governor shared fry bread and wild rice with the tribal leaders, and participated in a pipe ceremony. The gathering included leaders of the White Earth, Red Lake and Leech Lake reservations. The three Ojibwe bands want to open a casino close to the Twin Cities.

"…The governor has been trying to get the state's wealthier tribes to share their casino profits with the state. The three northern tribes say because of their rural location, they have nothing to share. But White Earth, Red Lake and Leech Lake leaders are promoting legislation called the Minnesota Gaming Equity Act, which would allow them to open a casino in the more lucrative Twin Cities area.

"The proposed $476 million facility would be the largest casino resort in the state. It would include up to 5,000 slot machines and a 500-room hotel. The casino would be run jointly by the tribes and the state of Minnesota.

"The state would get an estimated $90 million in revenue each year, while the the three tribes would split about $130 million annually. Pawlenty didn't commit his support for the plan. He says for now, he's leaving the state's options open.

"…Pawlenty and tribal leaders met behind closed doors. None of the participants would share specifics about what sort of proposals the governor suggested. Pawlenty made clear the two sides aren't interested in renegotiating current gambling compacts. He also said any potential partnership would leave management of a gaming facility to the tribes…"

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