Coeur d'Alene Tribe once eyed off-reservation casino at track

Tuesday, February 3, 2015

The Julyamsh powwow attracts thousands of people to Idaho every July but the popular event won't be held this year. Photo from Coeur d'Alene Tribe

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The Coeur d'Alene Tribe of Idaho has a long history with a non-Indian racetrack and not just because of the popular Julyamsh powwow.

In the 1990s, the tribe sought to purchase the Greyhound Park and Event Center and convert it into an off-reservation casino. But the governor rejected the idea, according to a 1998 article from The Spokesman Review.

The tribe and the track are now at odds over historical horse racing machines that are being investigated by law enforcement authorities in the state. The dispute has led to the cancellation of the powwow, which was to be held at the facility in July.

“It’s always been a really great event,” said Sen. Bob Nonini (R) told The Spokesman Review. “Hopefully it gets resolved. I’m not sure if either side will like the outcome.”

The tribe held the powwow at the track for the last 17 years.

Get the Story:
Lawmakers surprised, disappointed at Julyamsh Pow Wow cancellation (The Spokesman Review 2/3)
Popular Powwow Event Cancelled Due To Gambling Machines Conflict (NWPR 2/2)
Racing machine disagreement leaves Julyamsh without a venue (KXLY 2/2) Related Stories:
Gaming dispute leads to cancellation of major powwow in Idaho (2/2)