In the letter, Nessel and Rogg told the tribe, citing Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s stay-at-home order, it should limit the resort and casino’s operations otherwise, the tribe’s enrolled members living off reservation and customers could be cited and subject to civil and criminal penalties.Īfter the letter, representatives from the State of Michigan had discussions and a conference call with tribal leaders, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, MDHHS Chief Medical Executive Khaldun and other State offices, a spokesperson for the Michigan Attorney General’s office told Native News Online last week.įollowing those discussions, the Hannahville Tribal Council decided to move ahead with reopening. The 10-day delay in reopening was due to a letter the tribe received from Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel’s office and the Menominee County Prosecutor Jeffrey T. It is owned and operated by the Hannahville Indian Community, a federally recognized Potawatomi tribe. The Island Resort and Casino is located in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The facility had been closed since March 21, when it voluntarily shuttered its doors due to concerns for the health and safety of its team members and customers related to COVID-19.
Ten days after it was originally planned, the Island Resort and Casino reopened its doors for business on Saturday, May 16.
