Aquinnah Wampanoag Tribe to partner with Chickasaw Nation for Martha’s Vineyard Growth

The Aquinnah Wampanoag Tribe declared at its General Membership meeting on Sunday that it has selected the Chickasaw Nation as its development partner because of its Class II gaming center on Martha’s Vineyard.

The tribe plans to offer Class II matches such as bingo and electronic versions of bingo at the little gaming center in the town of Aquinnah.

According to this official media launch (pdf)…

Global Gaming Solutions, the commercial business of the Chickasaw Nation, will assist the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head using its gaming center on the Massachusetts island in the Atlantic just south of Cape Cod.

&ldquoWe are beyond pleased that the right of the Aquinnah Wampanoag to run gambling on our tribal lands continues to be affirmed by the federal appeals court and Supreme Court of the United States.

The Chickasaw Nation’s achievement speaks for itself and we are honored to be in partnership together.

Situated in Oklahoma, the federally recognized Chickasaw Nation is among the very prolific Native American Tribes in North America. Its WinStar World Casino and Resort, situated in Thackerville, Oklahoma has 600,000 square feet of casino floor which makes it the world’s largest casino.

In January the Aquinnah Wampanoag Tribe won the right to start a gambling facility on its homelands, when the U.S. Supreme Court refused petitions at Massachusetts v. Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head and Town of Aquinnah v. Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head, putting an end to a long-running sovereignty dispute.

Chief Executive Officer for Global Gaming Solutions, Jump Seeley stated …

“Creating gaming and entertainment operations which further the economic development goals of Native American Tribes is essential to our business charter.

“We’re excited to partner with all the Aquinnah Wampanoag Tribe since they launch this endeavor to encourage the local economy in Martha’s Vineyard and create chances for their own tribal citizens.

Chairwoman Andrews-Maltais stated, “As the People of the First Light, we are the stewards of our lands, and we’re dedicated to preserving the atmosphere and beauty of the Isle. Any gambling center we operate will blend in with the rest of the Isle, along with the Tribe will work with local companies to create a positive financial impact for our neighbors at the larger Island community.

According to this Vineyard Gazette, Aquinnah selectman Jim Newman stated …

“They’re calling it a media release, but we harbor ’t talked about it and they harbor ’t discussed it with us in any way.

“We don’t even know if they are going to require fire, police and ambulance. And when they do, it’s not going to come free… it’s not going to come from our taxation,” he said.