Attorney General's News Release

July 25, 1996

Information obtained by Nixon from Bureau of Indian Affairs about tribe application to be available to public in Seneca, Neosho

Jefferson City, Mo. — Attorney General Jay Nixon today said hundreds of pages of information about an Oklahoma Indian tribe's plans for land in Seneca, Mo., that his office obtained after suing the Bureau of Indian Affairs will be available for inspection to the public in Seneca and Neosho.

Nixon filed suit against the BIA under the Freedom of Information Act to obtain copies of applications filed by the Eastern Shawnee Tribe after tribal officials announced plans to have land in Seneca taken into trust for the purpose of building a casino. Nixon said tribal officials had refused to turn over the information.

“Having this information available will enable area residents to know more about what plans the Eastern Shawnee are making, although we are trying to obtain more information that is still missing,” Nixon said. “I have been steadfast in demanding that full disclosure be made about this proposal, including who is financially behind the project. The information we have now is not complete, and we will continue with any necessary lawsuits to obtain what has been filed with the BIA. This is not the end of this issue.”

The application information may be viewed at the Seneca Public Library from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and at the county clerk's office in the Newton County Courthouse in Neosho, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Nixon has opposed the introduction of Indian casinos into Missouri in part because residents would have no say in whether they want them or not.

“Residents of southwest Missouri should have the opportunity to determine if casino gaming is in the best interest of the community,” Nixon said. “They have not had that opportunity, and I am determined to use the full power of my office to fight this application.”

Inquiries from consumers should be directed to consumer@ago.mo.gov or 1-800-392-8222 (from within Missouri) or 573-751-3321 (outside Missouri).

All media inquiries should be directed to Press Secretary John Fougere.

E-mail      Phone: 573-751-8844         Fax: 573-751-5818