Miami Indians fight for land
Tammy Hilaris The
Daily Illini |
| David Two-Feathers of Urbana listens to speakers
at the Champaign County Board Policy Committee meeting Monday
night. Two-Feathers is a native of this land and a supporter
of the Miami Native American Tribe's lawsuit. |
Representatives of the Miami Indian tribe
came before the Champaign County Board Policy Committee and county
residents Monday to urge a settlement of their pending lawsuit.
"We'd like to settle this claim," said Thomas Osterholt, the tribe's
attorney. "We'd like to dismiss this lawsuit."
The lawsuit, filed June 2, alleges that tribal lands amounting to
2.6 million acres of land in Illinois were wrongfully taken from the
tribe. They are suing farmers around the state to recover the land
they feel is rightfully their property, according to a treaty signed
with the United States in 1805.
Osterholt said that the tribe has spent four years in negotiations
with the state of Illinois to resolve the land dispute. However, no
agreement was reached. Thus, the tribe was forced to file the lawsuit,
said Osterholt.
Much controversy at the meeting resulted over the issue of a possible
land-based casino in the area run by Indians.
"Casinos in Illinois do not bring tourism dollars," said Richard Porter,
of Paxton.
He argued that most patrons of casinos are local. He said casinos
suck money from surrounding communities rather than boost the economy.
Osterholt said that the tribe had never openly expressed interest
in building a casino. The possibility of a casino was suggested by
the state during negotiations, according to Osterholt.
County Board Member Joan Dykstra said that the purpose of the meeting
was to discuss the implications of a settlement.
"The reason we are here is because of the casino issue that might
come down the pike," Dykstra said. "The merits of the lawsuit are
frivolous."
Dykstra, along with all other members of the committee, supported
a resolution that will be presented to the entire county board. The
resolution opposes the lawsuit and settlement resulting in an Indian
casino in Central Illinois.
However, Osterholt replied that the tribe would accept a cash-only
settlement of the lawsuit. He suggested that the state should reimburse
the tribe at the rate of $1.25 an acre, plus 5 percent interest for
each year in violation of the treaty.
While this invoked much laughter from the crowd and board members,
Osterholt said he felt it was a very fair alternative to a lawsuit.
He added that he expects a Miami tribe victory in the lawsuit if it
proceeds into the courts.
"We have a legitimate and legal claim," Osterholt said.
Some county residents did agree with the tribe.
Paul Hixson of Urbana said that he likes the idea of a compromise
with the Miami people. He said the state should strive to reach a
middle ground that would be favorable to both sides.
Related DI Stories
Farmers
facing lawsuit by Miami tribe (6/23/00) |
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