This is how others described the people behind the Bay Mills Indian Tribe in testimony before the U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs:
“It is another step in the hijacking of federal Indian policy by non-Indian gaming interests, and would further distort the federal-tribal relationship in a way that tarnishes tribes to their future detriment.”
“Bay Mills is apparently fronting for a group of non-Indian movers and shakers who have carried Bay Mills along on their casino quest.”
“It is the shame of current federal Indian policymaking that powerful non-Indian gaming interests, or those who want to become involved in gaming, have latched on to tribes who have proven all too willing to lend themselves out to such interests. Bay Mills is just one of many examples around the country.”
“There is a surge of groups seeking federal recognition as tribes in Michigan, and all have deals with outside interests. In fact, it seems that they are seeking federal recognition at the instigation of those outside interests.”
“Federal Indian policy has been hijacked by these interests, who are increasingly to be found behind every tribal recognition effort, every “settlement” of a land claim, every “restoration” of tribal lands. This distorts Indian policy in favor of these interests and weakens the voice of those tribes who have not been enlisted to front for such interests."Such exploitation travels a familiar path in Indian affairs. Before them others used Indian tribes for their own purposes: there were the coal, oil, and gas interests; before that, land speculators; and before that, the fur traders.”
You may want to review these additional posts:
- Is the Bay Mills Tribe using Charlotte Beach land claims solely to leverage developer's off-reservation casino plans?
- Michael Malik, a casino syndicator, has never been approved for gaming license
- Was it a law firm that first proposed Charlotte Beach land claims idea?
- Michigan Courts tossed out Bay Mills tribe's land claims to Charlotte Beach subdivision
- Why would attorney for Tribe's Port Huron casino developer be acquiring property up north in Charlotte Beach?
- Tribe hoped language slipped into 2004 Transportation Bill would grant approvals for Port Huron casino
- Seven attempts by tribe's backers to win congressional approval for off-reservation casino using IGRA loophole
- Promoter found unsuitable for gambling license is intimately involved in Homeland Security matters
- Casino developer has track-record of dishonesty and deceipt
- Detroit-based Barwest LLC fined $6,500 for violating CA Political Reform Act
- Casino developer may have mislead Schwarzenegger's negotiator to get approvals for twin casinos
- Tangled Web: Malik's alleged mistress admits she committed perjury to shield his assets in divorce proceedings
(originally published 4.17.07)
No comments:
Post a Comment