Buyer of Las Vegas Shooting Site Faces Criticism for 'Repressive' Tribal Governance
The government of the tribe who recently bought the Las Vegas Village festival grounds, the location of the 2017 Las Vegas massacre, has been labelled as "authoritarian" and "repressive" by a group of American journalist veterans.
The Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) has presented North Dakota's Three Affiliated Tribes with their "Black Hole Award". This yearly award is used to "highlight the most heinous violations of the public's right to know"," as explained in an SPJ statement.
The SPJ condemns the secrecy surrounding the tribe's financial practices, violating their own constitution and bylaws.
Tribal officials have constructed a "striking veil of secrecy" around their yearly spending, which includes taxes, oil and gas earnings, and income from their Fort Berthold casino and hotel.
'Continuing Secrecy'
The tribe, also known as the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara (MHA) Nation, is responsible for managing 4 Bears Casino & Lodge on their reservation at Fort Berthold.
The tribal administration has rejected requests to share audits. During this time, Francisco Javier Solis Chacon, an ex-contractor for the tribe, admitted to bribing officials with over $100,000 in return for building contracts, as per court files from 2019.
SPJ's Freedom of Information Committee Chair Jodi Rave Spotted Bear, a citizen of Three Affiliated Tribes, said, "The Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation's leaders undermine democracy daily while functioning as an authoritarian government that suppresses opposition, silences citizen voices, and guarantees ongoing secrecy around government spending."
Las Vegas Property
The SPJ also points out the acquisition of the Las Vegas Village festival grounds, where 60 people lost their lives and many were injured five and a half years ago when gunman Stephen Paddock opened fire.
The tribe's administration didn't inform its people when the Las Vegas deal was sealed. Some citizens believe the deal should have been put up for a tribal vote before it was approved.
In January, tribal chairman Mark Fox told North Dakota's KMOT that discussing the deal prior to finalization was impossible due to a non-disclosure agreement that the tribal council signed with the previous owner, MGM Resorts.
The tribe's administration hasn't confirmed their plans for the land but it could potentially transform into a future casino or a paid parking facility. However, it has promised to respect the 1 October Memorial, a planned construction by MGM Resorts.
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