Artist's rendering of the proposed Cowlitz Casino Resort. Image from Cowlitz Indian Tribe Environmental Impact Statement
Oregon newspaper urges the Cowlitz Tribe work with other tribes in the area as it pursues the Cowlitz Casino Resort in Washington:
The Cowlitz proposal has generated dissent from the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde, which asserts the Cowlitz are overreaching by seeking to absorb La Center property that is well outside the tribe’s traditional home range. A splinter group of the Chinook Tribe has tried to make the same argument. The Grand Ronde clearly has the motive of protecting their own casino, which is farther away from Portland than the new Cowlitz one would be. The Chinooks might have a stronger territorial argument, but aren’t federally recognized and thus probably lack legal standing to get involved in the fight. The Cowlitz has been working toward greater involvement in Columbia salmon recovery and other regional issues. They might very well put gambling proceeds to good use. But it would be both good strategy and good manners to reach out to the Chinook Tribe to avoid hard feelings. All tribes — and potential tribes — can avoid wasteful litigation by working together whenever possible. And it behooves non-Indians to pay very close attention to all of this.Get the Story:
Editorial: Cowlitz casino fight merits close attention (The Daily Astorian 12/23) Related Stories:
Opponents of Cowlitz Tribe plan appeal of gaming land decision (12/19)
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