Michigan, a state with the fourth-most COVID-19 related deaths in the country, has been under a stay-at-home order issued by Michigan Gov. It also allows the tribal governments to interact with states in a government-to-government relationship. Federally recognized tribes have sovereignty status that exempts them from state laws. The Hannahville Indian Community is a federally recognized Potawatomi tribe. The resort and casino have 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. The change of plans came after Hannahville Indian Community Tribal Chairperson Kenneth Meshigaud received correspondence from state of Michigan officials that made him rethink the reopening of the facility.
Today, two days after it was to re-open, Island Resort and Casino remains closed. Late last week, the Island Resort and Casino, owned and operated by the Hannahville Indian Community in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, announced plans to reopen on May 6.
