California American Indian Tribe Gets Casino Approval
YREKA, Calif. (AP) — A Northern California Native American tribe says federal officials have approved its plans for a casino off Interstate 5 in Yreka.
The Karuk Tribe says it learned of the National Indian Gaming Commission's decision on Monday.
The tribe has been working on getting a casino for almost a decade. It still needs to negotiate a compact with the state.
Tribal councilwoman Dora Bernal says the tribe also plans to meet with city and Siskiyou County officials about the casino project, details of which have not yet been worked out.
The tribe is active in environmental issues. It has been pushing to remove dams on the Klamath River as a way of restoring salmon populations. It has also challenged the return of suction dredges to mine for gold in rivers.
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.