Today the White Earth Tribe announced a proposed partnership with the state to construct a casino in the Metro area to fund a new Vikings stadium. The casino would be operated in equal partnership with the State of Minnesota and revenues would be split 50-50 between the Tribe and the State.

Rep Kent Eken (DFL-Twin Valley), the chief author of HF 2197, said this provides broad based benefits for not only the Vikings and the White Earth Tribe, but for all of Minnesota. A new casino is estimated to create 2,500 temporary construction jobs and 2,000 year-round, permanent positions. Eken said this is the least objectionable Vikings Stadium bill and is likely to gain the most traction.

Erma Vizenor, Chairwoman of the White Earth Tribe, said they represent 40 percent of native people in the state. White Earth has not discussed their plan with other tribes or considered collaboration with other Minnesota tribes. She said they have the financing and are working out the details regarding payment for the startup costs. The White Earth Tribe owns and operates the Shooting Star Casino and Hotel near Itasca State Park in Northern Minnesota.

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