Plans for the Catawba Indian Nation resort and casino in off Interstate 85 in Kings Mountain, Cleveland County, North Carolina are moving forward. David Dear of the Cleveland County Economic Development Partnership said the federal Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Solicitor General’s Office in Washington, D.C. are reviewing the project. The Catawbas submitted a land-trust application to the U.S. Department of Interior last September.
U.S. Congressman Jim Moran of Virginia, U.S. Congressman George Miller of California and former U.S. Congressman and New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson stated the federal government must fulfill its trust responsibility and the promises made to the tribe in the 1993 Catawba Indian Land Claims Settlement Act. In a letter to Interior Department Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs Kevin Washburn, Moran outlined the history of “this fabled tribe” that helped win the Battle of Kings Mountain, which Thomas Jefferson called “the turn of the tide of success” in the Revolutionary War.
The letter further stated, “The Catawbas have been faithful allies of the United States, and yet their lands and rights have been eroded by a combination of federal and state action. It is a familiar story in the long and tragic history of federal Indian policy, but with a twist–the tribe’s rights were further undermined by Congress during my service here through passage of the Catawba Indian Land Claims Settlement Act of 1993.”That legislation restored the tribe’s federal recognition, which the federal government had taken away, but the promise that the tribe has the right to a reservation of up to 4,200 acres seems to have been forgotten.
A small but vocal group opposes the proposed casino, including the Kings Mountain Awareness Group, whose members regularly attend the Kings Mountain City Council and Cleveland County Commissioners’ meetings. Group member Adam Focade said, “We oppose the casino because we are factually certain of a negative economic impact. Our primary concern is quality of life and impact on local small business. And we want people to be an informed voice.”
Pastors from several denominations and area churches also oppose the casino and recently presented the county commission a letter with more than 70 signatures calling for them to withdraw support from the casino. Steve Taylor, a minister in Kings Mountain, said he was upset that local leaders would support the casino.
Kings Mountain Councilman Tommy Hawkins, who recently withdrew his support, told Taylor, “I hear what you’re saying. I hope my fellow council members will someday hear you too.” County Commission Chairman Jason Falls said, “Everyone is entitled to their opinion and allowed to voice their concerns.”
If the casino land is taken into trust, Falls said, “We will make sure we have a good relationship with the Catawba tribe. It will be easier for us to discuss the needs of the community if we have that relationship.” Added Dear, “The ultimate decision is a federal decision. At the local level, it is not their decision to make. If it meets federal law, it will go through.”
