The recent motion filed by the Dunleavy administration seeks to potentially close a tribal gaming hall in Anchorage, which has been operational since January. This motion is part of a federal case that questions the state’s jurisdiction over Alaska Native allotments. Located near Birchwood Airport, the Chin’an Gaming Hall faces legal challenges from both local residents and the state of Alaska. The Native Village of Eklutna, which operates the hall, argues that it could significantly boost economic activity and employment in the area.
Attorney General Treg Taylor submitted the motion as part of the state’s legal efforts to maintain authority over more than 17,000 Alaska Native allotments. The state’s stance, articulated by Deputy Attorney General Cori Mills, emphasizes reaffirming the state’s primary jurisdiction over these lands. If successful, this motion could halt operations at the gaming hall, which the Native Village of Eklutna views as an encroachment on tribal sovereignty and a setback for local economic development.
The Chin’an Gaming Hall is one of only three tribal casinos in Alaska and the sole establishment of its kind in Southcentral Alaska. The state’s lawsuit contests the federal approvals that facilitated the casino’s establishment, including decisions by the National Indian Gaming Commission and the Bureau of Indian Affairs. The case is under the jurisdiction of Senior Judge Paul L. Friedman of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.
The state is requesting a preliminary injunction to cease activities permitted by previous federal decisions until the legal dispute is resolved. This legal maneuver targets a 2024 decision by Interior Solicitor Robert Anderson, which recognized tribal jurisdiction over Native allotments unless exceptions apply. The gaming hall was constructed on an allotment owned by a tribal member, aligning with Anderson’s favorable criteria.
In response, Aaron Leggett, president of the Native Village of Eklutna, expressed disappointment over the state’s actions, perceiving them as an attack on tribal rights and local economic progress. The tribe remains committed to defending their gaming hall, which they describe as a successful venture providing employment and entertainment for the community.
The Bottom Line
The legal battle over the Chin’an Gaming Hall holds broader implications for tribal sovereignty and economic development in Alaska. Should the state succeed, it may set a precedent limiting tribal jurisdiction over Native allotments, potentially affecting future tribal enterprises. This could deter other tribes from pursuing similar economic initiatives aimed at community improvement and self-sufficiency.
For Anchorage and its residents, the closure of the gaming hall would mean the loss of a growing entertainment venue that has started contributing to the local economy. The outcome of this case could shape Alaska’s tribal and state relations, influencing policy decisions and development strategies across the region. As the legal proceedings unfold, stakeholders on both sides are preparing for significant ramifications on land use and tribal independence in Alaska.