Tribal countries against the Coquill Casino project
Tribal countries against the Coquill Casino project
Blog Article
The Coquill Indian Tribe's efforts to create a new casino along Medford's South Pacific Highway face opposition from four tribal nations based in Northern California and Oregon. The Karuk, Cow Creek, Elk Valley, and Tolo and Deeney tribes united against the Coquill Tribe's project and drafted a letter to Interior Department (DOI) Secretary Deb Haaland.
New Casino May Break the Traditional Balance
At the heart of the matter is the Corkill Tribe's plan to put 2.4 acres of land in trust through DOI for casino projects. The process typically applies only to land near tribal reserves, but the proposed site is 150 miles from the Corkill Tribe's reserve. In contrast, the Karuk Tribe's service area is within 50 miles of that location.
In a letter to DOI Secretary Deb Haaland, four neighboring tribal nations urged her to visit them before announcing an exception to the Indian Game Regulation Act for the Coquill Tribe. According to local news outlet KMTR, Buster Atthebery, the chairman of the Karuk Tribe, expressed concern about the lack of consultation with local tribes about the project's potential economic impact.
Ateberi emphasized the importance of consulting with tribes that have ancestral ties to the region, highlighting their thousands of years of best practices. Four countries that oppose the project are concerned that such a high-profile location could create unnecessary competition and affect their revenue streams. Since many tribes rely on their gaming business to ensure an adequate standard of living for their members, Kokil's project can be considered hostile behavior.
The Coquille Tribe's efforts continue over the years
In response to the growing controversy, Corkill Tribe Chairman Brenda Made defended the project, citing the 1989 Coquille Restoration Act of 1989, allowing land to be trusted for economic development within designated conservation and restoration areas, including Jackson County. Meade expressed disappointment with the opposition of other tribes, emphasizing the rights of the Corkill Tribe within the conservation and restoration areas defined by Congress.
The project for the Medford casino has previously faced significant opposition from Oregon Governor Tina Kotek, who has expressed concern that the site will negatively impact all tribes in Oregon and lead to the spread of gambling. Despite Kotek's position, the final decision lies with the DOI, which has previously rejected efforts by the Kokil tribe. 바카라사이트
As the conflict continues, the fate of the Corkill tribe's casino project is on the line, with opposing tribal nations defending their sovereignty and economic interests in the region. While the new project technically meets legal requirements, its impact and long-term impact have sparked an ongoing debate that could reshape Oregon's gaming landscape.