I read with interest the observations of those on the list. As an urban Indian, I really must say that because of my geographical location, the benefits of Indian gaming are little to none. I was born and raised here in the cities (the Phillips Neighborhood), and have no intention of ever moving to the reservation for alot of reasons and I believe that alot if not most of our Urban Indians feel the same way. What would we really be going back to.
We are a melting pot of many different tribes and bands here in Minneapolis and we have found kinship and family right here in Minneapolis. Our people do suffer from many of the same social ills found on the reservation. You all must realize that only a few of the tribes/bands within Minnesota have been successful enough to provide "per cap" payments to their members from gaming profits. Some tribes have realized that there are members whom reside "Off the rez" and have provided the opportunity to open Urban Offices for thier Band Members (but what do these offices really offer our Urban Indian people). And there is also another down side to this "going home" issue, there is alot of dysfuntion within some our tribal governments which victimize the poorest of the poor. If you don't have a relative "in office" your application for "help" a home, an education, a job, may not get approved and I think that has a lot to do with the reasons many of our Urban Indians stay here in the cities. Our Urban Indian population has been able to survive, some times barely, without "reservation help", have found jobs, have decent housing in some cases and are able to help each other, without needing to be directly related. The Metropolitan Urban Indian Director's group sits as our Tribal Council (for lack of a better term) here in the Cities, sharing information, creating opportunities and always looking out for our Indians down here in the cities, all without gaming funds. This group should be applauded for their collective efforts to make life better for those living off the reservation. I like the model that the Fond du Lac Band and the city of Duluth (Fond Duluth) created. The Band wanted to strengthen their relationship with the City and the City needed additional jobs and resources to support their city. Communication, collaboration, and cooperation, wha la, you have a win win situation. Additionally, the Band can now provide per capita payments to their members from the additional profits of this partnership with Duluth, have expanded the reservation infrastructure, schools, clinics and so on and the City has increased jobs, basic city services, including Police, as well as creating additional housing and programs for kids. The idea of moving into a partnership with the Red Lake Band and White Earth Band should not be ignored by our Mayor. Minimally, a conversation about the pros and cons couldn't hurt. Our Urban Indian population, as well as our non Indian brothers and sisters stand ready to go to work, to roll up their sleeves and make their communities better, with or without a casino - but boy oh boy, the jobs and revenues created would certainly have a significant postive impact for our neighborhood, especially the Phillips neighborhood (Sears), and our City - where ever, if ever this scenero played out. Mii-gwetch (Thank you) Amik An Urban Indian REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract ________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
