The decision establishes that Indian groups
throughout the United States can operate unregu-
lated gaming enterprises as long as the types of
gambling they offer customers are legal in their
states. This clarification of gambling law leads many
Indian tribes to consider opening casino and gam-
bling parlors to bolster their tribal income.
April 30
The Canadian government proposes the
Meech Lake Accord.
At Meech Lake, Quebec, Prime Minister Brian
Mulroney and 10 provincial premiers meet to
amend Canada’s Constitution Act (see entry for
APRIL 17, 1982). The meeting results in a proposal
called the Meech Lake Accord, which recognizes
French-speaking Quebec as a “distinct society.” The
accord infuriates Native leaders. They resent the
willingness of Canadian officials to grant a group of
citizens of European descent the special status that
Canada’s aboriginal peoples have long been denied.
Despite their protests, the accord is sent on to the
provincial legislatures for ratification (see entry for
JUNE 23, 1990).
June
The first Red Earth Festival is held in
Oklahoma City.
Thousands attend the three-day Red Earth Festival,
a celebration of Indian cultures sponsored by the
Oklahoma Department of Tourism. The festival—
which includes dance performances, art shows, an
Indian powwow, and a parade through the center
of Oklahoma City—will become an annual event
that attracts non-Indian tourists from around the
world.
October 8
Seminole leader is acquitted of killing an
endangered panther.
Seminole councilman James Billie is tried for vio-
lating the Endangered Species Act after shooting
a panther of a rare Florida species. Billie is acquit-
ted after he claims that the Seminole’s 1847 treaty
with the U.S. government gave him the right
to hunt in their lands. The jury also questions
whether Billie knew the animal was a panther be-
fore he fired his gun.“We have frequently been un-
conscious and insensitive and
not come to your aid when you
have been victimized by unjust
Federal policies and practices. In
many other circumstances we
reflected the rampant racism
and prejudice of the dominant
culture with which we too will-
ingly identified. During this 200th
Anniversary year of the United
States Constitution we, as lead-
ers of our churches in the Pacific
Northwest, extend our apology.
We ask for your forgiveness and
blessing.”
—from the “Thanksgiving Day
Proclamation” to northwestern
American IndiansNovember 21Church leaders apologize to northwestern
Indians.
In a meeting at an Indian burial site outside of
Seattle, Washington, Christian leaders from 1,800
congregations and nine denominations apologize
to representatives from 36 northwestern tribes for
the church’s historical attempts to destroy Indian
religions. The clergy involved issue a document,
known as the Thanksgiving Day Proclamation, inP