“This is a historic event and we’re so excited, we’re so proud, just so looking forward to the next steps,” Gloria Morgan, tribe member for the Tejon Indian Tribe, said.

Thursday, the Department of the Interior announced two decisions. One, the department approved 320 acres of land in Mettler for the Tejon Indian tribe. The department also approved a compact between the tribe and California that will govern class three gaming on the land.

Morgan said they have been working on getting control of this land for 20 years and have not been able to own it or live on it in 150 years. She said this effects more than just the hard rock casino about to be built.

“We’ll be able to build new homes and build a community and it will be stronger than ever,” Morgan, said.