ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) – An Oklahoma-based Indian tribe that has been fighting for years to open a casino on homelands in New Mexico is suing Gov. Susana Martinez to force her to recognize its status in New Mexico.

The tribe was granted federal reservation status for a 30-acre plot of its homelands in southwestern New Mexico two years ago, and it alleges Martinez is violating a state law and discriminating against the tribe by ignoring it.

Chairman Jeff Haozous says despite attempts to reach out to the administration, the tribe has been barred from New Mexico’s annual state-tribal summit, excluded from consultations with other tribes and prevented from accessing state capital programs and benefits.

The lawsuit asks the Supreme Court to require Martinez to recognize the tribe.

The tribe has been battling state officials over attempts to build a casino on its homelands in Akela Flats.

“It is a shame that it has come to this,” Haozous said. “The Fort Sill Apache have made every effort to work with the Governor and the State of New Mexico. Despite these efforts the Administration is refusing to follow the law and to recognize our equal rights under New Mexico law.”

Haozous added that being recognized as a state tribe would allow it access to many benefits, “including collaboration with state agencies and economic development opportunities through infrastructure.”

Martinez spokesman Enrique Knell says the tribe is an Oklahoma tribe trying to capitalize on the gaming market in New Mexico.

“Those efforts began by acquiring a small parcel of land for the purpose of gaming, despite representations to the State it would not be used for that purpose,” Knell said. “The federal government has repeatedly blocked the Tribe’s gaming efforts in New Mexico, finding that they are an Oklahoma tribe and lack any government structure or population base in New Mexico.”

The Fort Sill Apache Tribe, which has about 700 members, is the legal successor of the Chiricahua, Warm Springs, Nednais and Bedonke bands of Apache Indians. They lived in southwestern New Mexico and Arizona until they were removed and made prisoners of war when Geronimo surrendered. They were first taken to Florida, then to Alabama and finally Oklahoma.

The tribe has offices in Apache, Okla., and Deming, N.M.