North Carolina U.S. Senator Richard Burr has published an opinion piece in the Charlette Observer accusing the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians of bullying other tribes to protect its casino.
Burr alleges that the tribe opposed federal legislation that would restore lands to the Catawba Nation and says the tribe helped stop a bill that would have done the same for the Lumbee Tribe, and for similar motives.
The Eastern Band operates Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort and the Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino and Hotel, both in the western part of the state, more than 100 miles from where the Catawba want a casino and nearly 300 miles from the Lumbee Tribe.
The senator wrote, “Whether it’s the Lumbees or one mother’s home, it seems that nothing is too big or too small for the Cherokee to oppose if it affects their bottom line.” He continued, “I hope North Carolina rejects such bullying tactics from any tribe and considers each case, including the Catawbas’ and the Lumbees’, on its merits. The stakes are too high.”
The senator was the co-sponsor of the bill that would have put 16 acres into trust for the Catawba Nation, which would allow them to offer gaming. The Cherokee are fighting the bill, claiming that the land is part of its indigenous territory.
Burr also sponsors the Lumbee Recognition Act, which the Eastern Band also opposes while questioning the bona fides of the Lumbee tribe.
