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Grand Gateway Hotel ownership guilty on six federal discrimination charges

A Facebook post and email from the owner of the Grand Gateway Hotel calls for a ban on Native American guests. The manager said the hotel would not ban anyone, but the community is still protesting.
Josh Haiar
/
SDPB
A Facebook post and email from the owner of the Grand Gateway Hotel calls for a ban on Native American guests. The manager said the hotel would not ban anyone, but the community is still protesting.

A federal jury ruled against the Grand Gateway Hotel putting an end to the three-year legal battle surrounding the hotel. On almost every count, the hotel and its parent company was found liable for damages.

With just one exception, Retsel Corporation and the Grand Gateway Hotel did indeed discriminate against Native members of the community.

In total, tens of thousands of dollars of compensatory and punitive damages were awarded to the people denied service to the hotel.

Additionally, that discrimination suit means NDN Collective will receive its request of one dollar from Retsel.

In total, Retsel is now liable for six discrimination claims connected to the events of 2022.

Regarding the assault claim against Sunny Red Bear, Retsel Corporation was found liable for connie Uhre’s assault against her. Uhre was also convicted in criminal court for the incident.

For Nicholas Uhre, the current operator of the Grand Gateway Hotel, his two defamation claims against NDN Collective were thrown out by the jury.

The final claim regarding an illegal nuisance was found in favor of Uhre and the hotel.

That nuisance included a light projection displaying an “eviction notice” on the side of the hotel and the months-long protest that took place just off hotel property.
In total, NDN Collective is ordered to pay $812 dollars for that claim.

The decision by the jury came after over nine hours of deliberation represents an end to the three-year legal battle.

C.J. Keene is a Rapid City-based journalist covering politics, the court system, education, and culture.

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