Alaska Attorney General Treg Taylor has filed an injunction against the Native Village of Eklutna and the U.S. Department of the Interior in an attempt to shut down the Eklutna gaming hall. The injunction comes after a new Solicitor Opinion in February 2024 disagreed with a previous court ruling, stating that Alaska tribes have jurisdiction over Native Allotments owned by their members. The State of Alaska had previously filed a lawsuit against the tribe for operating the gaming hall on land that the state claimed was unlawfully considered a Native Allotment.
In response to the injunction, the Village President Aaron Leggett expressed disappointment in Governor Dunleavy’s actions, accusing him of attacking Tribal sovereignty. The Village of Eklutna argues that the gaming hall has been a successful economic development, providing jobs and economic activity for the community. They are committed to fighting against the injunction to ensure the gaming hall remains open.
As of now, the gaming hall remains operational, and updates on the situation will be provided as they become available. The Village of Eklutna is determined to protect their economic opportunities and Tribal sovereignty against the efforts of Governor Dunleavy and Attorney General Treg Taylor.
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