Navajo Nation Council adopts gaming activities ordinance

WINDOW ROCK— The Navajo Nation Council on Thursday adopted an ordinance for the regulation of gaming activities within the Navajo Nation by a vote of 44 in favor, 19 opposed and 2 abstaining.

However, as provided in Title 17 of the Navajo Nation Code, gaming is still prohibited on the Navajo Nation with an exception for Tohajiilee Chapter, a chapter approximately 30 miles west of Albuquerque. The Council approved the exception to the Criminal Code for Tohajiilee Chapter last summer. At that time, President Kelsey A. Begaye supported the exception for Tohajiilee Chapter.

The Council’s approval of the ordinance is only the first of many steps that need to be taken in order to establish a gaming facility at Tohajiilee Chapter. If President Begaye does not veto the resolution, the ordinance will be sent to the National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) for its consideration as provided for in the National Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.

If the NIGC approves the ordinance, it is published in the Federal Register. At that time, the Navajo Nation will be able to start negotiations with New Mexico to compact. This compact will have to be brought back to the Navajo Nation Council for its approval.

The Council also:

Recognized and honored the work and contributions by Mr. Theodore Quasula in instrumental growth by a vote of 67 in favor, 0 opposed and 0 abstained.

Expressed condolences to the family and friends of the late Robert Pino, Sr., by a vote of 66 in favor, 0 opposed and 0 abstained.

Expressed condolences to the family, relatives and friends of the Clarence L. Begaye, Sr., by a vote of 66 in favor, 0 opposed and 0 abstained.

Confirmed the selection of the Honorable Kenneth Maryboy as a member of the Economic Development Committee by a vote of 66 in favor, 0 opposed and 0 abstained.

Tabled until Friday a resolution confirming the appointment of Robert C. Begay to serve on the Commission on Navajo Government Development by a vote of 37 in favor, 33 opposed and 0 abstained.

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