A group of Anchorage-area residents has filed a lawsuit challenging the Native Village of Eklutna's (NVE) authority to build a casino, claiming the tribe lacks proper federal recognition for gaming operations.

The lawsuit's core argument is that NVE "is not a federally recognized tribe whose governing body possesses powers of self-government," making the National Indian Gaming Commission's (NIGC) recent casino approval invalid. Residents cite concerns about potential increases in crime, traffic congestion, and environmental impact.

The tribe has long sought to establish an electronic bingo hall 20 miles outside Anchorage. Their efforts were previously hindered by the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA), which classified Alaska tribes as private corporations rather than sovereign nations.

A significant shift occurred in 2013 when the US Interior Department ruled that ANCSA doesn't prevent putting land into trust for Alaska Natives. This decision opened the door for NIGC's approval, though the tribe still awaits final authorization from the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA).

The plaintiffs challenge NVE's federal recognition, arguing it was improperly granted in 1993 when Assistant Secretary Ada Deer added the tribe to the Federal Register without congressional approval. They contend this makes NVE ineligible for gaming operations under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA).

NVE president Aaron Leggett dismissed the lawsuit as "disappointing," stating that courts have repeatedly rejected the premise that there are no tribes in Alaska. Despite the legal challenge, the tribe began clearing land for the casino in October, demonstrating their commitment to the project.

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