Earlier today we were honored to give a presentation on Indian gaming at American University Washington College of Law, at the invitation of the law school's NALSA chapter.  Over lunch, we talked about how tribal gaming is portrayed in popular culture and mainstream media.  Coincidentally, last night as we flipped channels in the hotel, we came across a "Malcolm in the Middle" rerun on Nick @ Nite -- the episode where Francis and his wife, an Alaskan Native, "cash in" on her heritage by opening a casino in their home, part of which sits on reservation land.  Sitcom writers apparently are unfamiliar with IGRA's requirement that only an "Indian tribe" may operate tribal gaming . . . as Steve said during our presentation, though, accuracy in law does not usually give rise to good comedy.  Another of our television references was particularly appropriate, given the date.  We mention a "Sopranos" episode, the one titled "Christopher," but usually referred to as the Columbus Day episode.  In the episode, one plot line portrays the tensions over Columbus Day.  As Native Americans protest the holiday's observance, Italian Americans take pride in the day -- and criticize the protesters as anti-Italian.  Another plot line in the episode has Tony and his crew visiting a casino much like Foxwoods, where they are surprised that the CEO looks "white," and shares their cut-throat business savvy.

We had a great time at American University, and appreciated the interesting and provocative questions we got from the audience.