Attorney General Rejects North Bass Island Land Claim By Out-Of-State Tribe

Attorney General Jim Petro has rejected an out-of-state Native American tribe’s claim to one of Ohio’s scenic Lake Erie islands.

“Based on the evidence I have seen from our experts regarding this claim, I believe the Tribe is not entitled to any part of North Bass Island or its value,” Petro said in a letter delivered June 1 to Columbus attorney Richard Rogovin, who represents the tribe. “I cannot recommend to the Governor that the State begin to discuss with you a resolution to your client’s claim.”

Much of the island is owned by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. The Ottawa Indians of Oklahoma tribe in January claimed in a letter to Petro it was entitled to all or part of the island, saying it wanted the land for hunting and fishing. Petro met personally with tribe representatives to hear their arguments.

A different tribe, the Eastern Shawnee of Oklahoma, in May made similar claims to 93,000 acres in Ohio. Petro has not yet responded to those claims. That tribe made it plain they were interested in bringing casino gambling to the state, which Petro opposes. Obtaining federal recognition as an Ohio Indian Tribe and establishing “Indian lands” in Ohio are among the legal obstacles faced by Native American tribes wishing to establish gambling casinos here. There are no federally recognized Indian tribes or lands in Ohio.