For nearly ten years, the Coquille Indian Tribe has pursued the establishment of a casino in Medford, Oregon, a plan that recently saw significant progress. The Department of the Interior has finalized an Environmental Impact Statement, giving the green light to the tribe’s proposal to transform over two acres of its property into federal trust land—a crucial step in bringing the casino to fruition.
A long-awaited approval:
The tribe’s journey began under the Obama administration, faced setbacks during the Trump era, and found renewed hope with the Biden administration. Despite these hurdles, Brenda Meade, Chair of the Coquille Indian Tribe, remains optimistic. “After more than a decade, we are close to realizing our goal, yet there’s still work ahead,” Meade explained, highlighting the ongoing 30-day public comment period expected before a final decision this winter.
However, the proposal does not come without controversy. Regional tribes, including the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians, express concerns that the new casino would disrupt the informal policy of one casino per tribe in Oregon—a policy not enshrined in law but practiced out of mutual respect. As Jefferson Public Radio (JPR) reports, Lindsay Campman, spokesperson for the Cow Creek tribe, argues that this move could pave the way for more casinos across urban and residential areas in Oregon, a development they believe most residents oppose. “This decision could change the landscape of tribal gaming in our state, and not for the better,” Campman stated, committing to continue contesting the decision vigorously.
The Cow Creek Band, which operates its own gaming facility in Douglas County, predicts the new casino would siphon off up to 25% of their revenues. Michael Rondeau, CEO of the Cow Creek Tribe, voiced his tribe’s concerns over the economic impacts, emphasizing the potential financial losses they might endure.
Economic promises and challenges:
In contrast, Meade recalls the positive outcomes when tribes collaborate on such projects, citing the nearby Three Rivers Casino in Coos Bay as a success story. “When tribes support each other, as seen with the Confederated Tribes of the Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw Indians, all involved can prosper,” she remarked. This perspective highlights the potential benefits of expanding tribal gaming, even in competitive markets.
According to Daily Tidings, the proposed Medford casino would encompass an approximately 30,000-square-foot area with 650 gaming machines, revitalizing an existing building into a vibrant entertainment venue. The Bureau of Indian Affairs supports this project, noting it would provide a sustainable revenue source for the Coquille tribe, allowing them to offer essential services to their members.
Despite the approval of the environmental impact study, which favored the Medford location over other options like expanding the existing Mill Casino or establishing a new venue in Phoenix, the plan faces opposition. The Medford City Council’s recent meeting ended with a narrow approval of a conditional neutrality stance on the casino application, reflecting the complex community sentiments surrounding the development.
As the Coquille Indian Tribe inches closer to adding a new chapter to its history, the debate surrounding the casino underscores the intricate balance between economic development and preserving tribal unity. With the federal decision pending, all eyes are on Medford as it stands at the crossroads of economic opportunity and tribal tradition.
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