Grand Ronde Tribes might stand alone in battle against new casino

Monday, August 22, 2016

Construction is progressing quickly on the Cowlitz Tribe's casino in Washington. Still image from Live Construction Feed / Cowlitz Casino Project

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The ink was barely dry on the decision when the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde announced plans to take a casino dispute to the U.S. Supreme Court.

But the Oregon tribe might be going it alone in the effort, The Columban reports. One opponent has already dropped out, another is reconsidering its stance and the other parties haven't decided what they will do as the Cowlitz Tribe continues construction on the new casino in Washington.

The Cowlitz Tribe's ilani resort is due to open in April 2017. It's not anywhere near the Spirit Mountain Casino, owned by the Grand Ronde Tribes.

But ilani is a lot closer to Portland -- Oregon's biggest city -- than Spirit Mountain. The Grand Ronde Tribes have told the media that revenues will drop as much as 41 percent once the new facility opens.

It could take several months before the Supreme Court considers a petition in the case. And the chances of the justices actually hearing it are slim -- Indian gaming and gaming-related cases are rarely accepted by the nation's high court.

Read More on the Story:
Grand Ronde gamble on challenge to Ilani (The Columbian 8/21)

An Opinion:
In Our View: Know When to Fold ’em (The Columbian 8/21) $P D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals Decision:
Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde Community of Oregon v. Jewell (July 29, 2016)

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)

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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