Letter: Cowlitz Tribe trying to restore rights through gaming

Wednesday, October 19, 2011  

"The Cowlitz Tribe’s battle to re-establish their ancestral right of self-determination will once again be fought in a federal court in Washington, D.C. A judge will decide if trust land should be given to the Cowlitz to build a casino. The lawsuit pits the tribe against Clark County and others who oppose their plans.

To fully understand this case, one must examine the path of the Cowlitz on their long and painful journey through Washington state history. The bleeding injustice that has befallen this tribe smacks of the worst kind of humiliation inflicted by federal and state authorities. Their land and honor was stripped away in 1855 and their members banished to what is now the Quinalt Indian Reservation. Not until 2000 did they gain full tribal recognition.

It’s time that the people of Clark County recognize the right of equality among its citizens, including the Cowlitz, and that the right of ownership to their land be restored."

Get the Story:
Rolf Knapp: Restore tribal rights (The Columbian 10/19)

Related Stories:
Cowlitz Tribe negotiating gaming agreement with former rival (9/14)
State won't intervene in lawsuit against Cowlitz Tribe's casino (9/8)
State pressed to intervene in lawsuit on Cowlitz Tribe's casino (8/29)