The California Nations Indian Gaming Association (CNIGA) has tried to make itself clear. The association, which represents some 80 tribes, once again sent a message to the proponents of a sports betting initiative to withdraw their application.
Seems the supporters can’t take a hint.
Should the legislative proposition remain on the ballot, CNIGA will launch an opposition campaign against supporters.
“The opposition coming from Indian Country is loud and it is clear. Tribes will not be distracted by outside influences making empty promises. Indian Country will stand firm in protecting our sovereign rights and integrity. We call on the proponents to do the honorable thing and withdraw these flawed initiatives,” said CNIGA Chairman James Siva.
The organization aimed its opposition at Kasey Thompson and Reeve Collins, Eagle 1 Corp. executives behind the proposal. Despite CNIGA’s concerns, Eagle 1 Corp. can collect signatures in support of the ballot drive from January 2.
The day Eagle 1 Corp. filed the initiative on October 27, Thompson admitted he would not proceed without tribal support. He later altered his comments to a majority of tribes.
Siva again: “We are hereby notifying you of the strong opposition from more than half of California tribal nations to these offensive proposals that masquerade as tribal initiatives. Again, we expect you will keep your word and urge you to abandon these proposals without delay.”
The letter came after CNIGA voted unanimously last week to oppose the final language of the main initiative. Supporters of the ballot once again amended their proposal to eliminate problematic language by large tribes.
Thompson believed the amended documents would sway the majority of tribes, he told PlayUSA.
Post amendment, a CNIGA vote among 37 tribes still found no support.
“The proponents of the measures are attempting to divide and conquer tribes by pushing an initiative that attempts to legitimize illicit offshore operators and putting our governments at risk,” Siva said.
