April 1999
Marginalised Native Americans are using loopholes in reservation law to beat the USA at its best game: making money.
For decades Indians have been corralled onto tiny unproductive reservations where alcohol and welfare dependency destroyed their culture. But a loophole in the reservation system – meaning they are not subject to state laws – is enabling Indian tribes to reap riches from the US obsession with gambling. Chief Pico speaks proudly of the transformation of his people, “We’re entrepreneurs now, we understand that game…we’ll be building a museum dedicated to conTemporary Native America soon with another casino, golf course and hotel.” This new found capitalist assimilation though has raised plenty of opposition, especially from neighbouring Nevada, who are outraged that the Indians can run casinos tax free in a State where gambling is illegal. The Vegas gambling chiefs are bankrolling huge opposition groups, and waging a high profile debate on State TV. The casino profits, which by law must be spent within the reservations, are allowing the Indian land to bloom, the start Chief Pico says of a Native American cultural renaissance.
Produced by ABC Australia
Distributed by Journeyman Pictures
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