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Minnesota Tribe Opposes Casino Idea

MINNESOTA – As reported by the Timberjay News: "In his State of the Band speech, Tuesday, Bois Forte Tribal Chairman Kevin Leecy outlined a long list of initiatives to improve the tribe's economy and took a strong stand in opposition to Governor Pawlenty's call for a joint state/tribal-run casino.

"Pawlenty has sought support for the plan from the White Earth and Red Lake bands, despite the continued firm opposition of the state's other Indian bands.

" 'Whether it was our timber, wild rice, or our land, Indian people have had a bad experience in these types of deals,' stated Leecy in his speech, delivered at Fortune Bay. 'I want to make it perfectly clear that we will not participate in any action that seeks to divide Indian people. We have made an agreement with the state of Minnesota through legally binding gaming compacts and we intend to uphold our word. We also demand that the state keep their word.'

"…While Leecy was firm in his intent to maintain the tribe's exclusive gaming rights in the state, he said the band can't be solely reliant on gaming revenues in the future, and must diversity its tribally-owned businesses to increase employment opportunities for band members…"

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