The tribal members of the Native Village of Eklutna have largely been left out of the economic growth that has blessed the Anchorage area. So, we are working to develop a small gaming project that would bring desperately-needed economic opportunity to our tribe. Contrary to the assertions made in Joe Koss’s letter to the editor (“Gambling in Alaska,” Nov. 20), the tribe’s facility would be operated lawfully under tight oversight by the federal Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, which establishes regulations to protect the integrity of the gaming and requires that all net proceeds be used to support charitable purposes including tribal government operations, tribal services and the general welfare of the tribe. By law, the gaming project will not be a for-profit operation.
The proposed site is near the Glenn Highway in Birchwood. Given this location, it will attract different customers than those who go to existing charitable gaming enterprises in Anchorage, Palmer and Wasilla. The tribe’s facility is therefore projected to bring in new revenue that will contribute to local economic development, tribal welfare and charitable causes within our local area. This location is unique, a one-of-a-kind project that is unlikely to have implications for anywhere else in the state. The suggestion that a single tribal gaming facility will “kill” charitable gaming — or force the state to adopt an income or sales tax — is an irresponsible scare tactic, nothing more.
Unlike the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act corporations touted by Mr. Koss, tribal governments in Alaska have very few sources of income to fund basic services to their citizens. Our tribe’s small facility will bring economic opportunity and hope to those who desperately need it. For all those who understand the importance of economic development and charitable services in our state, that should be a goal we can all support.
— Aaron Leggett
President and chair, Native Village of Eklutna
Eklutna
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