Anchorage Mayor Champions Eklutna Tribe’s Bold Vision for Chin’an Gaming Hall

The Anchorage mayor has expressed her backing for the Eklutna Tribe’s initiative to establish a small casino on the edge of the city. Mayor Suzanne LaFrance’s support comes as the Bureau of Indian Affairs has concluded the public commentary period on the proposed project’s environmental evaluation.

The land in question is situated just off the Birchwood exit of the Glenn Highway. Only approximately six-and-a-half acres are affected — a Native allotment that could serve as another crucial test case for tribal sovereignty in Alaska.

Governor Mike Dunleavy has previously attempted to halt the project. In a list of requests he submitted to Donald Trump shortly after his election, Dunleavy urged him to overturn an Interior Department decision from the prior year that authorized the Eklutna Tribe to pursue its gaming hall.

Conversely, LaFrance has extended her full support. She stated that the initiative will create numerous jobs during the construction phase, with even more opportunities once it opens.

“We believe there would be a spillover effect also, that would enhance nearby businesses, hotels, and employees,” she remarked.

Matt Faubion

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Municipality of Anchorage

Last month, the BIA published its environmental assessment of the project and opened it for commentary on December 20. In her written feedback, LaFrance noted that the assessment revealed no considerable issues.

“We would like to officially convey our support for the Native Village of Eklutna as it exercises its sovereignty and seeks economic growth,” the mayor stated.

She expressed confidence in the tribe, citing its history of environmental responsibility and its readiness to cooperate.

“There is a significant focus on listening, resolving issues, and being very transparent regarding the situation,” LaFrance said. “I believe that is part of what strengthens the relationship.”

Longtime supporters of Alaska tribes, such as attorney Sky Starkey, noted that the mayor’s public remarks regarding the environmental assessment are unprecedented in this state.
“They are extraordinary in this context, considering they are from Alaska,” Starkey said. “They wouldn’t be surprising in numerous other states in the United States that maintain positive working relationships with tribes.”

Starkey added that while other states have long acknowledged the importance of the jobs and economic development tribes contribute, Alaska’s state government has been mired in disputes over the legitimacy of tribes.

“It is truly refreshing to see Mayor LaFrance recognizing what tribes can contribute,” Starkey stated. “It’s an ongoing battle to make progress. Hopefully, through good relationships like that of the mayor and others, Alaska can advance.”

Starkey mentioned that tribal organizations, including the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium and Cook Inlet Tribal Council, bring in hundreds of millions of dollars annually in federal funding to Alaska. He pointed out that this contribution to the Anchorage economy is seldom acknowledged.

Michelle Demmert, an assistant professor in the tribal governance department at the University of Alaska, remarked that the mayor’s statements are uplifting.

“I thought, good for her, for realizing how significant tribes can be,” she commented. “Tribes are excellent partners. We bring in substantial funds, we offer abundant resources. We aspire for the same types of healthy communities for our villages as everyone else desires.”

Eight neighboring landowners argue that the mayor should not have backed the project without first hearing their opinions. They claim in a lawsuit that the land does not possess Indian Country status that would authorize a casino, which would also disrupt the rural character of their community.

Brian Hall, one of the plaintiffs in the lawsuit, states that his objections to the project are entirely personal and not aimed at the Native community. Hall resides on Alluvial Street adjacent to the proposed site.

“We are a tight-knit community,” he noted. “If the casino is constructed, it would alter the entire ambiance of the neighborhood.”

Hall has been a resident of his home for 27 years and takes pleasure in observing wildlife, such as a brown bear that traverses his yard while following Peter’s Creek. He’s concerned that the increased traffic will drive away the wildlife.

Debbie Ossiander, although not a party to the lawsuit, lives about a mile away from the site. Her primary concern is that the BIA allowed only three weeks for public commentary on the assessment and its accompanying materials, which contain hundreds of pages of highly technical content.

Ossiander stated that the mayor’s endorsement feels premature.

“It’s quite a significant commitment to claim support,” Ossiander remarked, “before fully understanding what’s on the table, and we are still discovering that.”

Ossiander is co-chair of the Birchwood Community Council. She mentioned that the council has not officially opposed the project but passed a resolution last week outlining its concerns regarding the BIA’s environmental assessment.

Ossiander criticized the assessment for being filled with inaccuracies. She is also apprehensive about whether a retaining wall that the tribe intends to construct on its land next to Peter’s Creek, a vital salmon stream, will be sufficient to guard it against runoff from the gaming hall’s parking area that could contaminate the creek.

“Peter’s Creek frequently experiences glacial flooding and shifts its banks,” she noted.

Ossiander opposes the endeavor because she believes it will amplify the demand for city services.

“We pay taxes for police and fire services, but the casino will not,” Ossiander stated.

The Eklutna Tribe would not be liable for state and local taxes, as its gaming hall would be situated on a Native allotment, which is exempt from taxation.

Despite this, LaFrance remarked that the advantages would surpass the loss in tax income. She believes that any objections to the initiative can be resolved.

“We are dedicated to hearing from the community. We’re committed to open communication,” she declared. “We are at the initial stages of the process now and acknowledge that there are apprehensions, and we’ll communicate further as we progress.”

If the BIA identifies no significant environmental threats, it may approve the tribe’s gaming hall, which plans to include a restaurant and space for up to 700 electronic gambling devices.

The Eklutna Tribe has stated it will allocate profits towards scholarships, housing, healthcare, and cultural initiatives.

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