DUCK VALLEY — More than 100 members of the Shoshone-Paiute Tribes traveled to the site of their first and only proposed resort and casino along I-84 to bless the land and people working on the project Thursday.
The Coeur d’Alene Tribal Council and tribal members traveled to Boise to participate in the ceremony. The Coeur d’Alene Tribe is partnering with the Shoshone-Paiute Tribes to provide the initial investment and share their expertise to get the resort and casino through permitting, development and into operations.
“When I was growing up, we didn’t have tribal gaming,” said Coeur d’Alene Chairman Chief Allan. “I remember the struggles our community faced because of our lack of resources. We had high levels of unemployment, limited access to medical care and very few of us were going on to college. Fortunately, our children are growing up in an entirely different world — one where we have the resources we need to care for our people. We are excited to help the Shoshone-Paiute Tribes reach this same level of self-reliance.”
The site of the proposed resort and casino, which sits along I-84 halfway between Boise and Mountain Home, is part of the Shoshone-Paiute Tribes ancestral homelands.
The Shoshone-Paiute Tribes envision a resort and casino with the latest tribal gaming machines, luxury hotel rooms, spa, entertainment center and fine dining options. They are committed dedicating 5% of their net gaming revenues to support local schools and education programs.
The Shoshone-Paiute Tribes are currently working on submitting their fee-to-trust land acquisition application to the U.S. Department of the Interior. This is a crucial first step in gaining permission to build a resort and casino on tribal land outside the reservation. They anticipate the application will be ready to submit by late summer.
“Today, we asked the Creator to bless the land, our proposed project and everyone who is helping make it a reality,” said Shoshone-Paiute Chairman Brian Mason. “Life in Duck Valley is full of challenges. We still have some tribal members living in homes without floors or running water. We struggle with high unemployment, we don’t have access to adequate medical care, and we can’t attract enough qualified teachers. Tribal gaming can give us the resources we need to solve these problems.”
Shoshone-Paiute Tribal Council Member Lindsey Manning said the project will give them job opportunities and a much-needed revenue source.
“This land provided for the generations that came before us. Now, it is poised to once again bless our people by becoming the home to our first and only casino,” said Manning.
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