Officials for the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe believe their plans for a casino on the shore of Lake Oahe in central South Dakota will create jobs and generate essential revenue for programs on the financially strapped reservation.
The tribe is considering several casino locations, including one in Stanley County on the west side of the massive Missouri River reservoir. That location would be on tribal trust land outside of the reservation boundaries.
“It’s near the lake. It’s a beautiful location,” Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe administrative officer Harold Condon said Wednesday.
With its proximity to the capital city of Pierre and the recreation draw of the Missouri River, the casino would be much more successful than if it were built on the isolated reservation itself, Condon said.
“I know gaming has helped out a lot of tribes, if it’s strategically located where the population base is,” Condon said. “I don’t know that we’d ever get to the point of the Shakopee or Pequot nations. But I know our tribal council would have plenty of places to use the revenue.”
The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community in Minnesota and the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation in Connecticut have generated hundreds of millions of dollars in tribal revenue. Tribal casino operations in South Dakota are much less profitable, although most provide important revenues for tribal government and members.
Tribes and the state negotiate gambling compacts. Gov. Mike Rounds said he had not heard of the Cheyenne River tribe’s casino proposal. In the past, governors have resisted proposals by tribes to locate casinos outside reservation boundaries.
The Cheyenne River tribe’s plans are very preliminary, said Jim Stoeser, a Stanley County commissioner. The Cheyenne River tribe is the only one of nine Native American tribes in South Dakota that does not have a gambling operation.
Stanley County commissioners were told Tuesday that the casino would feature slot machines and card games and eventually would have a motel and boat dock on the Missouri River reservoir.
Global Gaming Solutions, owned by the Chickasaw Nation, would serve as general contractor of the project.
Rounds said he is willing to speak with Cheyenne River tribal officials about plans for the casino. When considering Native American gambling compacts, Rounds said he has to consider how a change would affect other kinds of gambling in South Dakota.
“I don’t have a problem talking about these types of things with tribes,” Rounds said. “It would be better for me if I just keep an open mind for what they’re asking and listen to what they’ve got to say first, and then work my way through the process,” he said.
Condon said he is optimistic about the tribal gambling venture.
“It’s going to happen,” he said. “We’re working out the details. When we do complete it, I think it’ll be successful.”
this story found at www.newsfornatives.com news for natives http://newsfornatives.com politial satire native american indian news and politics
WHAT DO YOU THINK?
Lakotaninja
wrote on Jul 5, 2008 12:50 AM:
” The CRST can’t operate anything they/we have right now. The tribe is run by uneducated people that have great talking skills but no business experience. There are many tribal members that are sucessful business men/women but stay away from the tribal political positions because they are so disfunctional. The tribe should step back and look at what business are sucessful in Eagle Butte and seek out help from those individuals. The casino can work but watch out for the sticky fingers syndrome which is very common around here. “
nativereader
wrote on Jul 3, 2008 2:08 PM:
” take a chance; custer did. “
CRST Member too
wrote on Jul 3, 2008 12:55 PM:
” The Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe also has trust land in Wyoming, why not build a casino there also? We also have other natural resources that we can utilize and profit from, one being wind energy. I was also told that our reservation sets on one of the largest aquafiers in the nation, If this is true we can start our own water bottling company among other things. But.. what the tribe needs to set all this in motion is the RIGHT people and money! I believe that this is were the proposed casino can play an important part in obtaining that need. “
CRST-EB
wrote on Jul 3, 2008 11:11 AM:
” As a CRST member I am all for a casino but right now isn’t the time. As everyone has pointed out, there is some business that needs to be taken care of. The tribe will have to sustain it’s economic situation before taking on such a venture as this. It all starts with the voters and members of the reservation. It’s funny how given a certain amount of authority may change a person. The tribe is a government, and it should be run or treated as such. How much money is the US Goverment in debt, what comes after trillion? What options does the tribal government have for taxation? How many businesses does the tribe actually operate and the revenue trickles back to tribal programs and services? Here comes that darn education problem again. “
CRST Member
wrote on Jul 3, 2008 10:00 AM:
” Golly Gee!….this might just work! “
Stupid Stupid and one more time Stupid
wrote on Jul 3, 2008 8:35 AM:
” CRST Tribal Council has not taken care of the responsibility given to them as elected officials. They assume themselves to the position of knowing all and how to fix all. The problem is they don’t know it all and they break everything, including the people. The debt they created or helped create will paid by low income people who can’t afford to have a casino so near. The casino market is so over saturated in South Dakota it’s a joke to put even another gas station casino in place, much less another tribal casino. I recall plans to turn the super 8 into a casion, or build a resort near Bob’s. Well the tribe was in much better condition when those plans were made, and now, the plan is to go deeper into debt to make the tribal member fixed income pay to bring that debt up a bit. Again, Tribal Council is banking on JTAC for healing all the wounds they caused…. problem is the bleeding still hasn’t stopped. Why not try to get tribal employees to show up at 7:30 AM? Service that are paid for by federal funds are limited because of a 4 day work week that is actually only about 3 1/2 days a week… Take care of your people and don’t dig another hole that will affect the future. Don’t be stupid. “
Good luck
wrote on Jul 3, 2008 7:23 AM:
” Do not end up like Pine ridge and pay $20,000,000 for a $10,000,000 facility like Walt & Paul did!! Keep a close eye on your elected officials so you won’t get ripped off like the Oglalas!!!!! “
REZIFIED
wrote on Jul 2, 2008 11:52 PM:
” I have to give kudos to the CRST for standing up and taking on this initiative….. it sounds like a plan from a leadership point of view. Would it be wise for all the other tribal casino’s to invest in THIS casino along with CRST to make and have a casino that would benefit all the SD tribes? Wishfull thinking or not,.. the casinos that would be left behind on the REZ’s could be made into factory type businesses or such….. I think, from my point of view,..the SD Native People have suffered enough,..it is time for all to work together to help each other, for are we not all related?, or is that phrase just being made to be another “tourist draw” to the state and to ourselves to dishonorably and disrespectfully market our ancestral way of thinking to the masses? Would these places that would be left behind employ more tribal members with benefits and higher pay for a more respectfull and livable wage to finally have the pride brought back to some of us to help others and ourselves back unto a road of self sustainability…. after-all… was it not an elder of long ago suggest that “we learn what is good and throw away what is not good”? Me,..as a struggling mother and friend to many other struggling mothers…please take some thoughtful consideration into what can really become of this leadership proposal,..for we all have many talents and skills and may be we “ARE ALL RELATED……” “
re SODAK
wrote on Jul 2, 2008 11:13 PM:
” What are you talking about??? Do you think this would be the first Casino to be built on land off the reservation??? If so, you are very wrong. There are many Native American Casino’s that are built on land that is not on the reservation. It is called trust land. This would be a great thing for everyone exept the politicians in Pierre who have commitments to the video lottery establishments in the Pierre area. That has been one of the issues with the Governor who is influenced by some of those in Pierre. The other issue in the past has been due to past Tribal officials who refused to entertain the idea of a Casino but that changed a few years ago and the Tribe is now serious and determined to build a Casino which would benefit the Tribe and it’s members greatly. The post by CRST MEMBER is innaccurate and misleading. This Casino would benefit the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe (CRST) and it’s members in a very big way. As long as they start small and expand as the market allows, this Casino will be a huge success and will benefit not only the Tribe but the surrounding communities. It amazes me how some insist on keeping others from doing the right thing and being successful. Congrats to the CRST and their leaders for finally recognizing the opportunity they have!!! “
You can take that to the bank
wrote on Jul 2, 2008 9:30 PM:
” A Casino owned and fully operated by a Tribal Nation near the ol’ Fort Pierre. My gosh, Gen. Custer must be rolling in his grave! The naysayers fail to realize. This excercise in soverignty, sad but true will have more of a positive impact on this State than any of the glorious Janklow or Mike Rounds administrations combined. You can take that to the bank. “
To ASAD
wrote on Jul 2, 2008 9:29 PM:
” Don’t forget the Buffalo herd. “
Indian Gaming Regulatory Act
wrote on Jul 2, 2008 9:15 PM:
” Indian Gaming Regulatory Act
Public Law 100-497-Oct. 17, 1988 100th Congress Sec. 2701
******Re: Asad***********
As long as the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe has land that is held in trust by the United States for the Tribe, the Tribe can have a casino even if that land is off reservation. It’s still Tribal land and the Tribe can build a casino if they want it there.
It needs to be a business proposition to see if the likelihood of the casino in that area being profitable and from all indications the Tribe has already had a study done on the fiscal decision making in placing a casino in the Ft. Pierre area.
Makes sense to me and the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe should go ahead with their option of building a casino for profit. Other casinos have done the same and placed theirs in a high traffic, population area.
Thanks. “
Asad
wrote on Jul 2, 2008 5:35 PM:
” re: Broke – But they did such a good job with Huron College.
Mark my words, it will never happen at that location. It will need to be within in the boundries of the reservation and there is not the population/visitor/passerby base to support it. There is a reason they don’t have one already. “
CRST MEMBER
wrote on Jul 2, 2008 4:29 PM:
” being a CRST MEMBER, I am one of many Victims of countless mismanagements of tribe programs, i see more of the same (mismanagement) our so called leaders can not think for the people, all the energy is focused on pleasing non-members. it is easier for a white man to get enrolled as a tribal member than it is for a member to get help. – this CASINO is not going to help anyone but the State of South Dakota and a little pocket money for the tribal politicians. “
Re SODAK
wrote on Jul 2, 2008 3:51 PM:
” SODAK
wrote on Jul 2, 2008 3:09 PM:
” Who would have jurisdiction?? I can forsee problems on this if it is off the reservation and the tribe wants jurisdiction>>> “
*****Re: SODAK*************
The Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe would have jurisdiction. The land is held in trust by the U.S. for the benefit of the Tribes and its members. Any Tribe anywhere can purchase or buy land and have the U.S. hold it in trust for them even if it is off the Reservation. Buying addtional lands by the Tribe only makes its land holding larger.
Good luck Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe.
Have a good day. “
Tribal jurisdiction of course land held in trust by U.S. for Tribe
wrote on Jul 2, 2008 3:47 PM:
” When you talk about land held in trust by the U.S. for the benefit of the Tribe, it is Tribal jurisdiction of course.
Tribes can own land anywhere they want and it can be held by the U.S. in trust.
Tribal sovereignty has its benefits, that is the way it goes. Good luck Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe.
Thanks. “
SODAK
wrote on Jul 2, 2008 3:09 PM:
” Who would have jurisdiction?? I can forsee problems on this if it is off the reservation and the tribe wants jurisdiction>>> “
Tribal Member Living off the rez.
wrote on Jul 2, 2008 3:05 PM:
” The Casino will never happen! We are a sovereign nation. They tried before but they did a bad purposal. Who will work there? Our tribal members can’t drive 2 hours daily to work. Who would it attract? There’s not much population in the Pierre/Ft. Pierre area to go gambling up river a few hours a day. Each tribal member is worth $4000.00 a month to keep the tribe operating. Factories need to be brought in the bring employment to the rez. Who will think of that? No one. I guarantee there will be no casino! “
Get it
wrote on Jul 2, 2008 2:59 PM:
” Tribal Gaming is no different than gaming in Deadwood isn’t it? How many of their patrons are on a fixed income yet still can’t afford quality health insurance, put healthy food on their table and afford any prescriptions drugs they may need? In Western SD we’ve sold our souls to developers and big box retailers putting our small business owners out to the cold. There is a lot of sin going on yet our cowboy and indian mentality in SD wants to keep us fractionized instead of joining to meet a common enemy. All famlies struggle, even Mayor Hanks, Even our Tribal Presidents, if Indian gaming is what we need to support our headstart programs, our health systems, than non-indians should “allow” that so our tribal leaders can build stronger communities for our youth. Indian gaming is good for the goose and the gander. We are chasing the American Dream. “
D Ward
wrote on Jul 2, 2008 2:41 PM:
” As a CRST member I think that I should get delt pocket aces on the hold’em table once every half hour at this new casino. GO GAMBLERS!!!! “
Whitney M
wrote on Jul 2, 2008 2:33 PM:
” Location, location, location. In any business plan, location is a key factor; and especially important for any gambling venture. Some of the Indian casinos do not have ideal locations, as the rez is in an isolated portion of the state.
Gambling in SD is probably stagnant, with little growth. This opinion is just based on the local casino on Rosebud, with revenue being down in some months. Many factors contribute to a decrease: the economy being the largest, marketing, social impacts, etc. Bottom line, can SD economy support another casino? It will be extremely difficult to develop outside of trust lands, or off-reservation. “
broke
wrote on Jul 2, 2008 1:50 PM:
” the crst can’t even run their own tribal government, they are broke, recently, they borrowed $8 million dollars from a 3rd class bonding company and $3.1 million as interest. Law Enforcement Department is $2.5 million dollars in the RED, former Super 8 motel is about $800,000 in the RED, and other failed businesses. Before they venture into new businesses, they need to find out why the present businesses failed. The tribal government lack business minded people to run the tribal government. “
To Jimmy
wrote on Jul 2, 2008 12:33 PM:
” “…..and 90% of the people that waste there mony at Indian casinos are white people…. “
Evidently you have not been to Praire Winds. “
Truthinator
wrote on Jul 2, 2008 12:22 PM:
” To: its just not right – I can’t agree with what you are saying about the tribes catering to their own members.
All the casinos that could be are built with the best exposure to people who will visit the reservation area to enjoy the casino offerings. The reason the tribal casinos are located where they are is because of the necessity to form a “gaming pact” with the state of South Dakota. Several of the casinos, such as those at Flandreau and Watertown are in a bigger population area. The casino at Ft. Randall is in a pretty good position, too, though it is not in a high population area.
I have seen so many cases where the employment offered there has taken many, many families off welfare and food stamp roles and has restored economic pride. Along with that, sadly, is the fact that some people lose all their money and there is undoubtedly corruption in some of the operations – just like any other government- run enterprise.
Tribes should have the maximum amount of self-determination, but also should be ready for the maximum amount of self-reliance, too. You simply can’t have maximum self-determination and still be a ward of the government, or can you? Perhaps they should check with the Halliburton lobbyists… “
James swan
wrote on Jul 2, 2008 11:44 AM:
” tooo hmmm……its not the same thing….not all land is sacred…..the reservations are not sacred …….but there are sacred places on the rez……….would you want a bar or adult book stores next to a place you pray?….I would think not…..but I suppose for the right price …it would be ok?….at least the tribe has enough respect to put this in a place where it wont infringe someones rights…..and 90% of the people that waste there mony at Indian casinos are white people…. “
Sturgis resident
wrote on Jul 2, 2008 10:47 AM:
” That is a good one, This is interesting! You thought the CRST council was doing a good job and they didn’t need the money? Must have been because of that booming buffalo business and college they had, right? Oh wait, nevermind. At least , if it goes through, they are doing it right by not placing it in ir near an established town on the reservation.
I still think the tribe dropped the ball and should have put one on the river across from Bob’s, before they built their current facility. While it would have been close to Swithbird, it would have hopefully received the hunting and fishing money that rolls into the area annually. Isn’t that what has helped the Grand River Casion across the river from Mobridge? “
Wrong place
wrote on Jul 2, 2008 10:43 AM:
” The land around Bear Butte would be the perfect place for a tribe to build a casino. Get’em before they get to Deadwood. The property can be bought as long as a profit can be turned. It is not to late. As far as the Meade County Commisioners are concerned they did the right thing and used common sense in thier decision. Laws were not broken and there was no reason to deny the license. Emotions should always take a back seat to written law other wise nothing would ever get built or organzations,good or bad, would never be formed and criminals would run free. “
Pierre
wrote on Jul 2, 2008 10:36 AM:
” This casino 25-30 miles up river from Pierre,I would reccomend Deadwood,use the millions on a clear bet. Pierre has already to many casinos plus the shuttles going to the other reservation casinos are almost never running unless you put a group together. A casino to work needs to be where there is a constant population of people who like to gamble.tribes next to Minneapolis,Phoenix ect.. have millions of people and do fantastic.Creating jobs on the rez not off should be where this money could be spent. “
hmmm
wrote on Jul 2, 2008 10:26 AM:
” i find it interesting that an article about protesting sale of liquor on bear butte is in the paper as well as an article about a tribe building a casino for gambling and drinking…
i guess this area is not land that is considered sacred? or since this is to benefit native americans financially no one is fighting this like they are bear butte? just intriques me “
James Swan
wrote on Jul 2, 2008 10:25 AM:
” Did I miss something here?……..Good luck to in gods country ……hope it works out for you….. “
kevin
wrote on Jul 2, 2008 10:12 AM:
” As James Swann says,”greed,just pure greed”. “
its just not right
wrote on Jul 2, 2008 10:04 AM:
” yeah most casinos are built with one thing in mind to make money from anybody..a few business minded ppl actually think right about location and to please the money crowed but reservation casinos cater to their own ppl who live off of welfare and tribal jobs..the whole point is to get money from out side to bring in to the tribe but so much goes down hill like the rosebud casino which looks like a prison with out the guard towers and there are so many drunks in that place its hard to have fun and feel safe and the machines are so tight pl spend thousands a night and get pennies back thats not vegas style or good business you have to give a lil to get alot back ..but who know they trust those ppl they hire as gaming managers to i guess they think they know what they are doing ..peace “
This is interesting
wrote on Jul 2, 2008 10:01 AM:
” This is very interesting because I was proud to say that we didn’t have to depend on gambling to run our government, although its true that its just getting by day to day financially. If the CRST has Social Economic brains this wouldn’t happen. I am so against this “
Reader
wrote on Jul 2, 2008 10:00 AM:
” The land is on north Hwy 1806 a couple miles from the emergency spillway. It borders Buffalo Ridge Estates. “
sgj
wrote on Jul 2, 2008 9:40 AM:
” All we need is another Casino in the state so there will be more poeple broke and in poverty and more kids hungry. Can’t people figure out that these Casinos aren’t built with winners money. In the long run you always lose! Duh! “
If We Build It They Will Come
wrote on Jul 2, 2008 9:32 AM:
” I think while we are at it, the cowboy and indian fight and all, we should build a joint tribal casino at Sioux Addition in Rapid City. That too is still under tribal jurisdiction. If we build it, they will come. As the recession worsens, State budgets will soon be begging the Native community to build tribal gaming so the State will have revenue to pay teachers, State troopers and failing infrastructures. What part of a win win situation does Gov. Mike Rounds not understand? “
wondering
wrote on Jul 2, 2008 9:27 AM:
” where exactly is the land they plan to build this on? “
Truthinator
wrote on Jul 2, 2008 9:05 AM:
” This should be interesting. Rounds is a well-known Indian fighter and the land they are planning to build on is not considered trust land. They went through this same program before, with the state denying the project and the tribe threatening to put a landfill there, instead. I hope the casino goes through! “