MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — The descendants of Alabama Creeks forced to walk the Trail of Tears are urging Alabama's governor not to sign a gaming agreement with a tribe they say built a casino on sacred land.
The Muscogee Nation of Oklahoma sent Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley a June letter urging him never to sign a compact with the Poarch Band of Creek Indians.
The Poarch Band built a hotel and bingo casino on tribal land in Wetumpka. The letter came after some legislators suggested a gambling compact as a revenue source for the state.
Muscogee Chief George P. Tiger says the land is a sacred burial and ceremonial site. Tiger said a compact would signal the state's approval of the desecration.
The Poarch Band has said it has been respectful in the land's development.