The Muscogee Nation and Poarch Band of Creek Indians are embroiled in a legal battle over the construction of a casino on sacred land known as Hickory Ground in Alabama. The Muscogee Nation, who were forcibly removed from the land during the Trail of Tears, argue that the Poarch Band violated federal laws by excavating the remains of their ancestors to build the Wind Creek casino. They are seeking to reinstate their lawsuit which was dismissed by a federal judge.
The Poarch Band maintains that their work preserved much of Hickory Ground and sees the case as an attack on their tribal sovereignty. They argue that allowing another tribe to control what they can do on their own land goes against tribal sovereignty.
The appeals court heard arguments from both sides, with U.S. Chief Circuit Judge Bill Pryor expressing sympathy for the concerns of the Muscogee Nation. The court did not indicate when a decision would be issued.
Members of the Muscogee Nation marched to the Atlanta courthouse in support of their cause, with Principal Chief David Hill emphasizing the importance of the case in preserving Native rights. The outcome of the legal battle will have implications for the future of tribal sovereignty and cultural identity.
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