A North Carolina tribe seeking federal recognition has found a debate over gambling privileges may block its efforts. The Lumbee Tribal Council has hired a gaming consulting firm as lobbyist for the tribe in Washinton, despite lawmakers advising that attempts to incorporate gaming rights in any recognition would doom the effort.Congress has made routine the denial of popularity to new tribes and not using a waiver of gambling privileges during the last decade or more, as groups looking to exploit casino operating rights have cynically sought to register with the federal government. Lumbee attornies had assured lawmakers the tribe wouldn't pursue casino operations.
But a freelance between the tribe and Lewin International has brought that into question. Lewin makes a speciality of advising gambling industry members, and promised within the contract to hunt to circumvent language in any recognition deal that may prevent gambling operations by the Lumbees.
Many tribal members are upset on the turn approved by the council, saying they wouldn't risk the federal funding available through recognition for housing and education on a stand for gaming.
"We've said all along we do not want gaming, we would like recognition," said Beth Jacobs, an outspoken tribal member leading the cry against the Lewin deal. "It makes us seem like liars."
The Lumbee was recognized by North Carolina for the reason that 1880s, but federal action has awarded then Indian status but denied specific tribal recognition.
Published on May 19, 2010 by VirginiaMaddox
Read More... [Source: Native Indian Gambling News]
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