Judge dismisses city lawsuit against Lincoln Native American group

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – A City of Lincoln lawsuit over the appeal of a new development near Wilderness Park has been dismissed.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Nebraska said the lawsuit against the Indian Center Inc. and other community members was dismissed on Wednesday.

The city’s lawsuit, filed in September, was aimed at stopping proceedings on an appeal of the Wilderness Crossing development plans, according to a press release.

Attorneys with the ACLU and the Big Fire Law & Police Group said the city’s lawsuit failed “to meet basic requirements for civil litigation.”

Sloan Rupp, vice chairman of the Indian Center, released a statement on the decision.

“The Indian Center is grateful this decision will uphold the democratic process by ensuring the Native community’s voice is recognized and heard against any attempt of suppression,” he said.

Proceedings in the Indian Center’s case are now expected to continue, the ACLU said.

Last May, Lincoln Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird approved the controversial housing development plan.

Since then, Native American groups like the Niskithe Prayer Camp have protested the development, arguing that it would affect ceremonies at a nearby sweat lodge.