Quapaw tribe speaking out about request for federal land trust

PULASKI COUNTY (KATV) — The Quapaw Tribe has declared themselves their 160 acres of property in Little Rock as a sacred site. This comes after the tribe trying to acquire federal trust of this land.

Senators Tom Cotton and John Boozman along with Congressman French Hill and Bruce Westerman sent a letter to the secretary of the Department of Interior in support of Governor Asa Hutchinson opposing the tribe applying for the land to be put into federal trust status.

The Quapaw tribe said they acquired this land a few years ago, but want this status because of the historical significance the land has. However, many are concerned they will build a casino there which would bypass Arkansas laws.

"We're just doing this specifically to protect the gravesite," Chairman John Berrey of the Quapaw Tribe said. He told Channel 7 this land adjacent to the Little Rock Port Authority was once home to their tribe.

"Quapaw people were at that location and are buried there. There's a lot of history in the Quapaw tribe there," Berrey said. He continued to say how their blood runs deep within Arkansas veins.

"We do really have a long history in the state. Arkansas, the word, comes from Quapaw," Berrey said.

Just a few reasons why they said they're anxiously awaiting federal trust status of this land. However, many, including Governor Hutchinson, are concerned with the Quapaws acquiring that status because it gives exemption from state regulation.

"There is real concern in this kind of transfer of the Quapaw tribe that they might use it to avoid state law they might use it as to build a casino," Senator Tom Cotton said.

"With the door open such as they could use it for gambling then again i would be in favor of not going forward with the designation," Senator John Boozman said.

Chairman Berrey said he understands the concern, but says it's all a misunderstanding.

"That's not our intention what so ever and making it a sacred site really emphasizes the fact that we believe it's a very culturally significant piece of property," Berrey said.