Tribal chairman questions Schweitzer mailing on gambling dispute

MISSOULA (AP) - A mass mailing by Gov. Brian Schweitzer about failed negotiations with the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes over a gambling compact is "not appropriate and it's not appreciated," tribal Chairman James Steele says.

The letter began arriving in reservation mailboxes this past week, although the tribal-state compact expired two months ago on Nov. 30.

"It seems we were past an issue and then this letter comes out," Steele told the Missoulian newspaper for a story Saturday. "The Salish, Kootenai and Pend d'Oreille have moved on and past Class III gambling."

Steele said the tribes are now focused on Class II gambling operations, which don't require a state gambling compact. Class II games allow players across the country to compete simultaneously for bingo jackpots, sometimes amounting to millions of dollars.

Sarah Elliott, the governor's spokeswoman, did not know who was targeted to receive the letter, but said names were likely culled from several mailing lists.

"It was an attempt to clarify our issue. It wasn't intended to raise questions," Elliott told the Missoulian.

The issue centers on the Nov. 30 expiration of a 5-year-old gaming compact between the Flathead Reservation tribes and the state of Montana. Class III gaming on the reservation became a federal offense after the state and tribal compact expired.

Class III games include electronic keno and poker machines, the state lottery and sports boards. When the compact expired, all bar and casino owners on the reservation had to quit using their Class III gambling machines, including keno and poker. Grocery and convenience stores also had to quit selling lottery and Powerball tickets.

The Salish and Kootenai are one of the few tribes in the United States who ever agreed to allow non-tribal members to participate in Class III gambling operations within tribal borders. Tribal leaders sought to regain control over non-Indian gambling on the reservation, and on that point the state and tribes could not agree.

"From the outset of negotiations, I have tried, in good faith, to move the process forward recognizing the constraints of Montana's constitution and laws," wrote Schweitzer in the Jan. 30 letter. "I recognize and respect the sovereign status of the tribal nations in the state of Montana and remain committed to government-to-government negotiations. I remain ready to restart negotiations on a new Class III gaming compact at the tribes' request."

If negotiations are to resume, "it will have to come from the governor's office," not the tribes, Steele said.

See also: Members dismayed over Governor's letter