This week, Kansas-based Potawatomi tribe had a meeting with DeKalb County authorities to try to obtain an authorization to move ahead with the tribe’s plans to open a bingo parlor near Shabbona.

The representatives for the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation made a presentation to the board’s Executive Committee and exposed the reasons why they believe the 128 acres near University and Preserve roads is reservation land. The lot was purchased by the Potawatomi in April 2006 and the tribe has been negotiating to build a government center and bingo hall up until now, when county official decided to finish negotiations.

“The tribe was told discussion and negotiations could only begin again if the tribe would send a letter to the federal government to clarify the status of the land and the legality of the tribe conducting gaming there,” State’s Attorney Ron Matekaitis explained.

According to tribal officials, the land’s status was clarified in a 2001 letter from the Department of the Interior that states that the Potawatomi have a credible claim to the land, which was given to Chief Shabbona by a treaty, signed in 1829.