north carolina cherokee casino money influx

In western North Carolina, in a fog-ribboned valley among the peaks of the Smoky Mountains, 16,000 Cherokee reside within the Qualla Boundary. It was better, they determined, to live with only part of the land than to die in the struggle for it all. Instead of continuing to wage war on one another, they decided to create a boundary and divide the grounds. On the fourth day, their leaders met in secret on the land to which they both laid claim. For three days and three nights, they fought without ceasing, until both sides feared they might perish.

Passed down through generations, the tale describes a violent clash between the two tribes deep in the southern Piedmont. It’s tourists.Īn ancient story tells of a battle over hunting grounds that took place between the Cherokee and the Catawba centuries ago.

Only this time, what they are battling over isn’t water or captives or trade routes. As accusations fly and politicians take sides, two tribes that warred for centuries find themselves at odds once again.

But there is a problem: The land the Catawba have settled upon for their casino-land they assert belonged to their ancestors-is also claimed by the Cherokee. Now South Carolina’s Catawba tribe wants to do the same. The state Senate has approved the idea twice since June 2022.In North Carolina, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians found a way to take care of their people: In 1997, they opened a casino on their lands. The federally recognized tribe has about 14,000 members, while 9,600 people live on Qualla Boundary, located about 50 miles (80.5 kilometers) west of Asheville.Īn effort at the North Carolina legislature to legalize marijuana for medical use statewide has idled this year in the state House. The referendum question also would mandate the council to develop legislation to regulate the broader market. “But I do fear that the immense support to push to get us into a deeper market that we don’t really have the financials to support right now, would be overwhelming and could cause some fiscal issues down the road.” “Right now, we’re having issues funding the medical portion of it,” Stamper said. He questioned whether the tribe could handle the expected influx of buyers. “Fundamentally, we’re prepared to handle it.”Ĭouncil member Michael Stamper voted against putting the referendum on the ballot. “Think how many more people will walk through the door,” Parker said.

North carolina cherokee casino money influx