Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi Indians v. Kean-Argovitz Resorts

In November of 1998, the Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi Indians (the Tribe) entered into two agreements with Kean-Argovitz Resorts and Kean-Argovitz Resorts, Michigan, L.L.C. (collectively KAR) relating to the development and management of a proposed gaming facility in Michigan. Before the agreements had been approved by the Chairman of the National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC), the Tribe unilaterally terminated its relationship with KAR. The Tribe then filed this action in federal court, seeking both a declaration that the agreements are void and a permanent injunction to prevent KAR from attempting to enforce the arbitration clause contained in one of the agreements. KAR filed a counterclaim, seeking to compel the Tribe to submit to arbitration. The district court concluded that the agreements were void under federal law and accordingly granted summary judgment in favor of the Tribe. For the reasons set forth below, we VACATE the judgment of the district court and REMAND the case with instructions to refer the case to arbitration.