WASHINGTON, D.C. – Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs Larry Echo Hawk today announced that the Indian Affairs Office of Indian Gaming (OIG) will conduct tribal consultation with federally recognized tribes on Indian Gaming Land into Trust Determinations. A letter announcing the meetings was sent to tribal leaders on August 24, 2010.
“I am pleased that Indian Affairs is continuing our consultation with tribes,” Echo Hawk said. “It is critical that we work together with tribes to address important issues regarding Indian Gaming and sovereignty.”
Secretary Salazar issued a directive on July 18, 2010, recommending a thorough review of the "current guidance and regulatory standards" used to make decisions for off-reservation two-part determinations under Section 20 of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) and its implementing regulations. In accordance with the Secretary's directive, and in keeping with the Department of Interior's commitment to government-to-government consultation, the OIG will engage with tribal governments on three major subjects: (1) the January 3, 2008 Memorandum regarding Guidance on Taking Off-reservation Land into Trust for Gaming Purposes; (2) whether there is a need to revise any of the provisions of 25 C.F.R. Part 292, Subpart A (Definitions) and Subpart C (Two-Part Determinations); and (3) whether the Department of the Interior's process of requiring compliance with 25 C.F.R. Part 151 (Land Into Trust Regulations) should come before or after the Two-Part Determination.
The Office of Indian Gaming implements the Secretary’s responsibilities under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. The office reviews and approves/disapproves fee-to-trust applications; gaming leases; tribal/state compacts; per capita distributions plans; gaming contracts; Secretarial procedures for class III gaming and requests to game on land acquired in trust after the enactment of IGRA. The office is also charged with developing policies and procedures, providing technical assistance and training in all of the above areas.
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September 23. 2010. 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm Hilton Garden Inn Spokane Airport 9015 US 2 or 9015 W. Sunset Hwy. Spokane, WA 99224 (509) 244-5866 Held on the last day of ATNI Annual Conference |
October 21. 2010. 9:00 am -12:00 noon Mystic Lake Resort & Casino 2400 Mystic Lake Blvd Prior Lake, MN 55374 (952) 445-9000 or (800) 262-7799 Held following NIGA Conference |
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October 5. 2010. 9:00 am -12:00 noon Red Lion Hotel at Arden Village 1401 Arden Way Sacramento, CA 95815 (916) 922-8041 |
November 16. 2010.1:00 pm-4:00 pm National Indian Programs Training Center 1011 Indian School Road, NW Albuquerque, New Mexico 87104 (505) 563-5400 Held concurrently with NCAl Conference |
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October 14. 2010.1:00 pm - 4:00 pm Turning Stone Resort & Casino 5218 Patrick Road Verona, NY 13478-3012 (315) 361-8248 Held on the last day of USET Conference |
November 18. 2010.1:00 pm - 4:00 pm Rio Las Vegas Hotel & Casino 3700 West Flamingo Road Las Vegas, NV 89103 (702) 777-7777 Held concurrently with G2E Conference |
Comments may be mailed or hand delivered to the Office of Indian Gaming, 1849 C Street N.W., MS-3657-MIB, Washington, D.C. 20240. Please contact the Office of Indian Gaming at (202) 219-4066 for any additional questions you might have about the upcoming meetings.
Additional information can be found on the “Current Tribal Consultations” page of the Indian Affairs website at http://www.indianaffairs.gov/WhoWeAre/AS-IA/Consultation/index.htm
