Update

Construction Halted on Expansion of Poarch Creek Casino

Levi Rickert, editor-in-chief in Native Challenges. Discussion »

ATMORE, ALABAMA – Facing strong opposition for the expansion of its casino due to objections of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, the Poarch Band of Creek Indians have halted construction as of 5:00 pm on Tuesday.

Poarch Band of
Creek Indians

The expansion on Ocevpfv, known as Hickory Ground, has angered many tribal members of the Muscogee Nation because of the desecration by the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, which is federally recognized, of land on where the casino is being expanded.

The Poarch Band of Creek Indians excavated over 60 human remains and associated funerary objects, including the remains of seven mekkos - or chiefs - that were buried in the arbors of the original ceremonial ground.

The news the Poarch Creek Tribe has agreed to halt construction was sent via an email to the Muscogee Nation's Principal Chief George Tiger's Legal Counsel Yonne Tiger informing the Tribe of the stop of construction.

On October 8, the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Principal Chief George Tiger and Chairman Buford L. Rolin and other representatives with the Poarch Band of Creek Indians met to discuss the adversity between the two Nations regarding the ongoing construction and expansion of the Poarch Creek casino.

The decision to halt construction was made to show a measure of good faith from the Poarch Band of Creek Indians after a request from Principal Chief George Tiger. As ongoing discussions between the Muscogee Creek Nation and the Poarch Band continue, construction will not proceed until further notice. According to Chief Tiger, a future meeting is being scheduled in the coming weeks to discuss a resolution to this matter.

posted October 17, 2012 8:40 am edt