LL-RBC chairman responds to Gaming commission threat of casino closure
I hope everyone has had a successful harvest season, and like
myself, are preparing for the winter months ahead This letter is just the
first of an ongoing communication from my office of the events that affect
you, the Leech Lake people. As I promised during my campaign, I intend to
keep you informed of the current and future activities that involve the
strengthening of our government.
The most pressing issue at hand is the lack of cooperation from the
District Representatives to work with the chairman as a Tribal Council that
works for the people. One of the issues affected by this problem is the
situation with our gaming operation and the threatened closure by the
National Indian Gaming Commission.
The NIGC has threatened to initiate closure proceedings by December
3, 1996, if the Tribal Council does not work together to resolve the
dispute. You need to be aware that this is a real possibility. I promised
you open government and accountability and this is one of the reasons that
new people are needed and I appointed them to work for you. The Federal
Subpoena of our records supports my position of the need for change in the
way things were done in the past and a federal review of our records should
answer any questions.
Many people feel that it was I who contacted the NIGC or the NIGC
stepped in because of violations, when in reality, it was the District
Representatives who called the NIGC. The licensing issue is not a valid
excuse for closing our casinos as the two people who are in place are
licensable under all applicable laws. I feel very strongly about keeping
these staff members and I feel that these new people can effectively and
efficiently run our programs. Our financial statements and profit margins
have concerned me and they should concern you also, as it is Leech Lake
funds that are not properly managed. It is a reflection on the way things
have historically been done on Leech Lake.
Finally, I would like to thank you for all the support I have
received from everywhere. Your kind words are encouraging and please keep
the faith in our movement. I appreciate the way everyone has conducted
themselves considering how many of you have been treated because of your
beliefs.
Sincerely,
Eli O. Hunt, Chairman
Leech Lake Reservation
>>> ----------------------------->
Bernard J. Rock, Sr.
Leech Lake Pillager Band
Spotted Eagle Warrior Society
North Central Minnesota Native American Veterans Outreach and Resource
Center