Cowlitz Tribe announces name in Salish language for fast-rising casino

Tuesday, June 21, 2016

Artist's rendering of ilani, the Cowlitz Tribe's casino in Washington. Image from Facebook

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The Cowlitz Tribe finally has a name for its fast-rising casino in Washington.

The facility will be known as ilani, which comes from the Salish word for "sing." Tribal officials said the name was symbolic of the long journey they have taken, from federal recognition to the establishment of a reservation.

“We stand on our shoulders of our ancestors to carry this project forward to completion,” Chairman Bill Iyall said at a ceremony at the site on Monday, The Columbian reported. “Our ancestors are here today.”

The 368,000 square-foot facility will feature 2,500 slot machines, 80 gaming tables, 15 restaurants, bars and retail stores and a 2,500-seat meeting and entertainment venue. It's scheduled to open April 17, 2017.

Get the Story:
Cowlitz Tribe reveals name for casino: ilani (The Columbian 6/21)
Cowlitz Tribe picks tribal word for new casino name (The Longview Daily News 6/21)
Cowlitz Tribe casino gets official name (Vancouver Business Journal 6/20)
Cowlitz Tribe Unveils Name, Design Of New Ilani Casino (KUOW 6/20)
Cowlitz Project reveals name of SW WA casino resort (KOIN 6/20)

Federal Register Notices:
Notice of Final Federal Agency Actions on Transportation Project in Washington State (May 3, 2016)
Proclaiming Certain Lands as Reservation for the Cowlitz Indian Tribe (November 13, 2015)
Land Acquisitions; Cowlitz Indian Tribe (May 8, 2013) $P Department of the Interior Solicitor Opinion:
M-37029: The Meaning of "Under Federal Jurisdiction" for Purposes of the Indian Reorganization Act (March 12, 2014)

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