News & Events - Washington Indian Gaming Association

Suquamish Dedicate the Marion Forsman-Boushie Early Learning Center

Suquamish Tribe members see their children as the ones who will carry on their culture and take care of their aging elders — and a building unveiled on September 7, 2007 aims to nurture both those aims.

The public got its first official look at the Marion Forsman-Boushie Early Learning Center, a 12,000-square-foot schoolhouse and day care in Suquamish on Totten Road.

The center started in a small house in Indianola in 1996 and moved to the Tribal Center. It then occupied space in Suquamish Village. But the new home will be a permanent space that serves more than 150 children ranging in age from 6 months to 12.

Tribal Chairman Leonard Forsman said the tribe decided several years ago to make education its top priority.

"We realize our children are our future and they are the ones who will be taking care of us," Tribal Councilwoman Linda Holt said.

Along with day care, the center provides families with early childhood education in the form of Head Start and Early Head Start for preschool-age children. Head Start classes begin Monday at the center.

At the Suquamish ELC, the children also learn about Suquamish culture, including drum-making and the native language Lushootseed.

Money for the building came from the tribe, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the Washington State Child Care Facility Fund — a cooperative program funded by the state's Department of Early Learning and the Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development.

The new center means good things for the children, who range in age from 6 weeks old to 12 years. Currently, 76 students are enrolled in Head Start and Early Head Start classes. An additional 85 children are participating in the preschool program.

The Marion Forsman-Boushie Early Learning Center serves families and children prenatal to 13 years. Priority is given to serving low-income Suquamish Tribe members, especially children with disabilities or in foster care. However, not all children served are low-income and not all are members of the Suquamish Tribe. Currently, about one-third of the children served by the Center are Suquamish Tribal members and another third are members of other federally recognized tribes. The remaining third are Caucasian and Hispanic.

The Marion Forsman-Boushie Early Learning Center offers five different programs:
   • Early Head Start: Half-day program for children ages birth to 3
   • Head Start: Half-day program for children ages 3 to 5
   • Child care during non-Head Start hours, including Fridays
   • Before- and after-school care: Kindergartners through age 13.

The 11th Annual WIGA/Seven Cedars Casino Golf Championship was hosted by the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe on their Cedars at Dungeness Golf and Country Club in Sequim, Washington on September 14, 2007. The Cedars at Dungeness (formerly Dungeness Country Club) is a 6,378-yard, par 72 course, in a beautiful setting in the rain shadow of the Olympic Mountains.

We want to thank our sponsors, who make this tournament and the WIGA Scholarship Program possible: Seven Cedars Casino, Coors, Aecon, Pepsi, KIRO TV, Cadillac Jack, Multimedia Games, Ditronics, Java Trading, Muckleshoot Casino, YESCO, IGT, VGT, GTI/Bingo Tech, Planet Bingo, Gary Platt Chairs, Certegy Gaming Solutions, Chateau St. Michelle Winery, Bank of America, Brown and Brown Insurance, Cintas, Custom Design Sign, Food Service of America, Gasser Chairs, LeMay Mobile Shredding, Rocket Gaming, Technical Security Integration, and Triamp Group.

Finally, we want to thank Jerry Allen, Assistant GM at 7 Cedars, GM Fred Napoli, Judy Walz, Marketing Manager, Tara Mouzakis, Assistant Marketing Manager, Laci Allen and Brianna Allen, Marketing Assistants, Larry Smithson, Food and Beverage Manager at 7 Cedars Casino (and the whole staff). And to all the folks at The Cedars at Dungeness- Denny Negus, Food and Beverage Manager, Bill Shea, Director of Golf, Jeff Lindsey, Golf Pro, Garrett Smithson, Assistant Golf Pro, and Pat Schumacher, Events Coordinator, for making this the signature event that it is.

2007 NW Indian Gaming Tradeshow

The Opening General Session on Tuesday, July 17th featured a report on the national political scene by Ernest L. Stevens, Jr., Chairman of the National Indian Gaming Association. Also speaking were Keller George, representing the United South and Eastern Tribes, Gary George, representing the Oregon Tribal Gaming Alliance, and Jami Hamel, representing the Montana Indian Gaming Association.

Chairman Allen (Jamestown S’Klallam) also complimented the other Northwest tribes on the progress made in so many areas of government services since the time of tribal government gaming.

The conference was attended by 600 people from Washington, Oregon, California, Montana, Idaho and many other states. This year, 78 exhibiting companies occupied all 96 booths in the tradeshow expo held in the Skookum Event Center, which is connected to Little Creek’s 195-room hotel.

We would like to thank our major sponsors- IGT, Bally Technologies, the Tulalip Resort, Merrill Lynch, the Muckleshoot Casino, Wells Fargo, KeyBank, Moss Adams, Food Service of America, Certegy, Klas Robinson, ATI Consortium, and the Squaxin Island Tribe, which provided the traditional salmon lunch cooked over a wood fire for Tuesday’s luncheon for 450 people!

We were pleased to have National Indian Gaming Commissioners Phil Hogen, Cloyce Choney and Norm DesRosiers in attendance. Chairman Hogen served on the “Regulator’s Roundtable” panel, along with Washington State Gambling Commission Executive Director, Rick Day, and Squaxin Island Tribal Gaming Commission Executive Director, Desmond Smith. NIGC also held individual consultations with many Northwest tribes during the conference.

“The anticipation and hope is overwhelming; there are no words to describe such an experience,” said James “Smitty” Hillaire, the head of the Paddle to Lummi Committee.

Committee office manager Stephanie Martin described the event as a “healing journey” in that it marks an expression of native pride — something she said has been constantly challenged in past generations.

Martin explained that the catalyst for the original Paddle to Seattle was actually a tribal response to the “use it or lose it” federal policies on waterway rights for American Indian tribes.

The event promoted Native rights, and the now-annual Intertribal Canoe Journey has spurred on a cultural revivalism not seen in decades.

Upon arrival, the tribes will partake in formal guest processions and share in the traditional songs and dances of the Lummi people.

The event is family-friendly and geared toward reinstituting ancient traditions for the younger generations with its motto of “Hope, Happiness, Healing, Honor and Hospitality.”

Ted Solomon, director of the Paddle to Lummi, described the event as “uniting all nations together into one people, with one goal, on very positive terms.”

The Lummi Nation has been preparing for three years, organizing and gathering community resources in order to host an event with more than 60,000 participants.

The Intertribal Canoe Journey was born out of the Washington State Centennial festivities’ “Paddle to Seattle,” which was a nine-canoe run.

It has grown into one of the largest Northwest tribal events in recent history, with 80 canoes registered, 24 tribes participating and an expected 13,000 people participating each day.

The journey itself is a harrowing athletic accomplishment for the canoe runners; some travel all the way from Alaska and Southern Oregon to the shores of Lummi Stommish Grounds.

Paddle to Lummi Community Cultural Connections (P2LCCC), a non-native organization, garnered community support from Whatcom County through its $300,000 fundraising goal and contribution campaign within local businesses.

“I believe that event will have a solidifying effect on the community [and] that lasting friendships will be formed through the cooperation it takes to host an event of this scale,” said Beth Brownfield, chair of P2LCCC.

Kara Black, her partner in the organization, hopes that this type of event will not only bring an understanding of the history of American Indian culture but will also instill a sense of appreciation, which is increasing all over Washington State.

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime event, and everyone should come on up,” Martin said.

AIRWAY HEIGHTS, Wash. - The Kalispel Tribe's Northern Quest Casino will soon become the Northern Quest Resort with a huge expansion to begin this fall toward a $275 million expansion. The casino will essentially triple in size to 121,000 square feet. Gaming machines will increase from 1,400 to 2,000; 26 table games will go to 50; and six poker tables will increase to 15. The major expansion will occur in other components of the facility.

The new hotel will be contemporary with two towers, each containing 175 rooms of a minimum of 450 square feet in size. Each room will have the latest amenities, including flat screen TVs and luxurious showers.

Connecting the two towers will be the resort's signature feature: a 50,000-square-foot atrium that will soar nine stories high. It's designed to create an outdoor experience indoors with waterfalls, a meandering river, paths, lush vegetation and a cultural discovery grotto where tribal history and culture will be incorporated. One will find a perfect climate here year-round, despite the weather outside. Two adjacent restaurants will also open onto an event terrace.

Restaurants and beverage facilities include a steakhouse for fine dining, a 24-hour cafe, an Italian restaurant, buffet, sports bar, food court, wine bar, center bar and cabaret bar.

Another major addition is a 10,000-square-foot luxurious spa with the latest services and comforts for resort and casino visitors. An event center and theater will provide seating for 2,300, nearly double the capacity of the present pavilion.

A six-story parking structure will be added to provide 1,480 stalls for cars, bringing total parking spaces available to more than 3,000.

Artists' conceptual drawings show an exterior landscape featuring curving streams and rocks symbolic of the Kalispel Tribe's historic connection to the rivers and streams for their survival and culture.

Groundbreaking ceremonies took place July 23. A large crowd of tribal members, casino employees, media and the general public gathered to hear plans for Northern Quest Resort.

''We believe in family, honor, respect and dignity,'' she said. ''The Kalispel Tribe's goal is to ensure a bright, economic future for the entire region. We are very excited about our newest endeavor, a state of the art destination resort that will provide an economic boom to the region and entire state of Washington.''

Kent Caputo, Kalispel Tribe COO, explained the layout of the new resort and casino, describing the atrium as ''the real jewel of this property. It will be around 180 feet across and 270 feet in length and nine stories tall. What this allows us to have - more than 250 feet away from the casino and dropped down about 15 feet, with water falls and other features - is a resort experience, a dining experience and very far from just a casino experience. What is most exciting about this project is that the casino, while an integral part of this resort, is just a part of this overall resort experience the tribe is going to offer.''

Caputo spoke of the cultural grotto and how it would feature Native history and culture.

''One of the things we've learned is that people want to know about the tribe, about its culture, about its history, about Native American culture and history in this region generally. The tribe wanted to make sure it let people have that experience and have it in a resort environment rather than in a casino environment.''

Construction is expected to create about 500 jobs. When finished, the resort will employ an additional 420 permanent full -and part-time jobs, bringing the tribe's total employment to more than 1,400. That's more than three times the number of tribal members. Today, 80 percent of the jobs are filled by non-tribal members and $2.6 million has been donated to events and other organizations since 2001.

Sen. Margarita Prentice, D-11th District, enthused about what the tribe has accomplished.

''This is simply an incredible operation. I never dreamed they would have anything as wonderful as this. It's going to do so much for the entire area. It's so well-planned and their contributions to neighboring communities have already been wonderful. I'm so grateful that they've done everything I could ever have dreamed - and they're not done yet.''

A drum group called the Frog Island Singers performed an Honor Song prior to the ceremonial ''shovel dig.'' Frog Island was an ancestral gathering place for the Kalispel Tribe. Fifteen tribal members and others involved with the project then took golden-colored shovels in hand to turn the first shovels of dirt at the groundbreaking ceremony.

The Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation and partner Great Wolf Resorts, of Madison, WI held the groundbreaking ceremony of the Great Wolf Lodge in Grand Mound, WA on October 24, 2006. The 442,000 square-foot north woods-themed indoor water park and conference center is being built as a joint venture. Scheduled to open in early 2008, the resort will feature a 393 room, all-suites hotel, 78,000 square foot entertainment center-waterpark, MagiQuest- a live action fantasy adventure game, teen amenities, miniature golf, 30,000 square foot convention center, two themed restaurants, Pizza Hut, Starbucks, an Aveda Spa, a 100-game arcade, and a fitness center.

L to R: David Schaffert, CEO Thurston County Chamber of Commerce, Greg Helle, CEO Absher Construction, Congressman Brian Baird, David Burnett, Chairman, Chehalis Tribes , John Emery, CEO, Great Wolf Resorts, Stan Speaks, Bureau of Indian Affairs

Tribal Chairman David Burnett said that, “The tribe is excited about partnering with Great Wolf Resorts on this family-themed entertainment destination.” He said that the project will also bring large-scale meeting space and many jobs, 500 or more, to this rural area of the state.

John Emery, CEO of Great Wolf Resorts, said that the Grand Mound property was the tenth resort the company has opened over the past ten years and the most sophisticated to date. “Since the very beginning we have focused on being a family resort company, and we have added many enhancements to this property, learning from our experience at other locations,” according to Emory.

The 39-acre property was taken into trust by the federal government for the benefit of the Chehalis Tribes in order that they could enter into the joint venture with Great Wolf Resorts to develop the property off I-5.

Grand Opening of the Suquamish Clearwater Resort Hotel

The Suquamish Tribe held the Grand Opening of the Clearwater Resort Hotel & Spa in Suquamish, Washington on September 28, 2006. The ceremonies included traditional singing and drumming, speech-making, a dinner for all guests, and finally, fireworks over the water of Agate Passage.

The 85 room hotel offers beautiful water views and four diamond amenities. The architectural and interior design by Degen and Degen, of Seattle, WA was intended to portray the values and culture of the Suquamish Tribe, ancestors of Chief Seattle. Wood and stone features heavily throughout the hotel and into the casino, which underwent a significant renovation at the same time the hotel was under construction.

The waterfront resort hotel on the shores of the Puget Sound is operated in affiliation with Preferred Hotels and Resorts.

The Angeline Spa offers seven treatment rooms for services that include facials, basalt hot stone massages, aromatherapy and full body treatments in private and couples suites.

Lummi Nation Opens Silver Reef Hotel and Spa

The Lummi Nation recently marked the opening of the Silver Reef Hotel & Spa is, an exquisite $24.5 million dollar destination hotel and spa just north of Bellingham in Ferndale.

This is the Silver Reef Casino’s second expansion and consists of 105 deluxe hotel rooms with four executive suites. The sixth floor Diamond Executive Level features restricted access, a private lounge, turn-down service and upgraded amenities. All guests receive complimentary continental breakfast and free Wi-Fi.
The Spa at Silver Reef offers treatment rooms for massages, manicures, pedicures and other body treatments. The indoor pool, whirlpool, steam room, sauna and fitness center are available to spa patrons and hotel guests.
Panasia, the fourth restaurant at the Silver Reef, will feature contemporary cuisine from the Far East.

Native Vote 2006 Rally at the Tulalip Amphitheatre

On October 14, 2006, the Tulalip Tribes hosted approximately 300 people at a rally planned to inspire Native voters to exercise their right to vote. Although the weather was chilly, people of all ages attended including college students, elders and veterans.

Several speakers shared inspiring stories and comments. Speakers included Chairman Stan Jones (Tulalip), Chairman Ron Allen (Jamestown S’Klallam), GOIA Director Craig Bill (Swinomish), actress Elaine Miles (Cayuse/Nez Perce), President Fawn Sharp (Quinault), Councilman Blanchard Matte (Makah) and several others. Also appeared were candidates Rep. John McCoy-38th (Tulalip), Glen Pinkham (Yakama) and Tomás Villanueva, both Democratic candidates in the 15th District.

Information on the history of the Native vote and voter registration materials were available in addition to food and several raffle items. A posting of the colors was performed by the Tulalip Veterans group as a reminder of why voting is important to everyone. The Democratic Party and the National Organization for Women also had representatives on hand to answer questions and encourage action.

Native Vote is a permanent non-partisan campaign of the National Congress of American Indians. The Washington Indian Gaming Association was chosen to assist NCAI with campaign efforts in Washington State.

2006 WIGA Northwest Indian Gaming Conference

The 2006 WIGA Northwest Indian Gaming Conference and Expo was held July 24-25th at the Greater Tacoma Convention and Trade Center. The tradeshow fulfills the important need of providing up-to-date information on gaming technology, management topics, regulatory matters, and current political issues.

The show has grown over the years to become more than a marketplace for new gaming products. The conference is also a source for new ideas to address the economic development and political issues which are a direct result of the successes of tribal government gaming.

The Opening General Session on Tuesday, July 25th was highlighted by a presentation by Jonathan Taylor, a leading national economist and policy expert. Mr. Taylor recently completed a major year long study of the effects of tribal government gaming on both tribal and non-tribal communities. Taylor is a research fellow at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government and a senior policy scholar at the Udall Center at the University of Arizona.

The study, Economic Effects of the Indian Economy on Washington State, assesses the role of tribal government gaming and establishes the benefits that tribal gaming brings to Washington. Copies of the study were presented to the media and interview time with Mr. Taylor was scheduled after the presentation. The study concluded that Tribal governments and Indian-owned enterprises generate $140 million in state and local taxes; plus employ 30,000 Washingtonians. The media response was excellent- including the major local papers, TV, radio and NPR. (link to copy of report already on website)

We were honored to have Pearl Capoeman-Baller, immediate past president of the Quinault Nation, give the keynote address at the conference, drawing on her extensive background in tribal leadership distinctive to sovereign Tribal governments. Chairman Ron Allen presented Pearl with a Salish Drum during the luncheon.

Chairman Ron Allen presented Pearl Capoeman Baller with a Salish Drum during the luncheon.

The conference was attended by 500 people from Washington, Oregon, California, Montana, Idaho and many other states. Exhibitors in the tradeshow expo surpassed 80 companies this year.

The pre-conference WIGA Golf tournament held on July 23rd drew a record 120 players to the Trophy Lake Golf and Casting Club and raised over $10,000 for the WIGA Native American College Scholarship program. Many thanks to our players and sponsosrs!

The 10th Annual WIGA/Seven Cedars Casino Golf Championship

The 10th Annual WIGA/Seven Cedars Casino Golf Championship hosted by Sonny Sixkiller was played on the Dungeness Golf and Country Club in Sequim, Washington on September 22, 2006. The Dungeness Country Club is a 6,378-yard, par 72 course, in a beautiful setting in the rain shadow of the Olympic Mountains.

This year’s tournament field was divided into two divisions—a Tribal Division and a Vendor Division. The winner in the Tribal Division with a best-ball 59 was the 7 Cedars Casino #1 team, made up of Brett Allen, Tony Burke, Turk Cobell and Jerry Allen. The 7 Cedars #2 team placed second, showing that the 7 Cedars people are definitely regulars on the Dungeness course. The Emerald Queen Casino team took third place.

The Vendor Division winner with a best-ball 60 was the Cintas team, composed of Steve McHenry, Jeff Jones, Bryan Boyer, and Tyler Dion. KOMO News placed second with a 61, and the Bally #1 team came in third, also with a 61.

The WIGA/ 7 Cedars Casino Golf Tournament, hosted by Sonny Sixkiller, is a benefit event to provide Native American college students with scholarship money through the WIGA Scholarship Program. The event raises $10,000 for scholarships annually.

Finally, we want to thank Jerry Allen, Assistant GM at 7 Cedars, GM Fred Napoli, Judy Walz, Marketing Manager, and all her people, plus the entire Food and Beverage Department at 7 Cedars Casino for making this the signature event that it is.

WIGA Announces 2006-2007 Scholarship Recipients

On July 24, 2006, WIGA Chairman W. Ron Allen announced the names of the six recipients of the WIGA college scholarships for 2006, totaling $5,000. The five-person scholarship committee -Tracie Stevens, Bob Bojourcas, Lael Echohawk, Lisa Atkinson, and Randy Scott, spent considerable time reading and evaluating over 75 applications before finally selecting the six winners.

Both enrolled members of the WIGA Tribes and urban Indian students in Washington are eligible for WIGA scholarships. The scholarship program is supported by the proceeds from the annual WIGA Golf Tournament sponsored by Seven Cedars Casino. Chairman Allen also announced that the WIGA Board approved a resolution at the July 24 meeting, which will double the 2007 scholarship awards by adding the proceeds from the annual Northwest Tradeshow Golf Tournament to the fund.

2006-2007 Scholarship Recipients

Rena Marie Priest (Lummi)
Sarah Lawrence College-Master of Fine Arts
$1,000

Jaina Camille Fisher (Tlingit)
Seattle University School of Law-Juris Doctor
$1,000

Kho-hay Azul Enos (Tesuque Pueblo)
$600
University of Washington-Business/Sports Physical Therapy

Tracy Lynn Ross (Mohawk Council of Kahnawake)
$600
Central Washington University-Special Education

Teahonna Colleen James (Tlingit and Athabascan)
$600
Fort Lewis College-Cultural Anthropology

Tribal “Economy” Generates $140 Million in State and Local Taxes; Employs 30,000 Washingtonians, Study Concludes

Tacoma -- Washington’s 29 tribal governments are creating economic opportunities for their own people and for other Washingtonians at an unprecedented rate, and boosting local and state tax revenues as a result, according a leading national economist who has just completed a major two-year long profile of the state’s tribal economy.

Tribal governments “are building, buying, selling, hiring and investing like never before,” reports Jonathan B. Taylor, an independent economic consultant and a research affiliate at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government.

“Tribes employ thousands of Washingtonians in their casinos, their non-gaming enterprises and their governments. They buy millions of dollars worth of goods and services from hundreds of vendors in communities near them and around the state. Those purchases and wages, in turn, yield millions in taxes for state and local governments.”

Taylor presented the results of his research at the 2006 Northwest Indian Gaming Conference and Expo in Tacoma on Tuesday. Key findings included:

Because tribal enterprises, including casinos, are operated by tribal governments all net income remains with tribal governments instead of going to investors. Tribal enterprise net income is used to pay for critical governmental services such as health care, education, housing, public safety, environmental protection and economic development, Taylor observed. “The important thing is the money stays in the community and most of it is spent off reservation which creates jobs and generates taxes for local and state government,’’ he said.

Taylor’s study examined four “case study” tribes in detail – Jamestown S’Klallam, Kalispel, Squaxin Island and Tulalip Tribes.

“Washington’s tribes have come a long way, and we are proud of the progress that has been made and of the contribution we make to Washington’s economy, but we still have a long way to go,” said W. Ron Allen, chair of the Jamestown S’Klallam. Statewide, Indian income remains less than 60% of the all-races average in Washington and on reservations it was less than half, according to Taylor.

“This income gap is what tribal governments are trying to address with investments in economic and social programs,” Allen said.

Northwest Indian Gaming Conference - Exhibitor Information

Northwest Indian Gaming Conference - Attendee Information

The 5th Annual Northwest Indian Gaming Conference and Expo

Newly elected lawmaker Don Barlow, is an enrolled member of the Ottawa Nation of Oklahoma and Democratic representative from Spokane, and Claudia Kauffman, is an enrolled member of the Nez Perce tribe.

The state's other two Indian lawmakers are Reps. John McCoy, Tulalip Tribes, and Jeff Morris, Tsimsian. McCoy was first elected in 2002 and Morris in 1996.

The keynote tribal panel, “Tribal Gaming Summit: The Future of Indian Gaming”, featured a discussion of gaming developments in Indian Country and the resulting economic impact. The panel included Delia M. Carlyle, Chairwoman, Arizona Indian Gaming Association Vice-Chairman, Ak-Chin Indian Community Council, Anthony Miranda, (Pechanga Band) Chairman of the California Indian Gaming Association, Ernie Stebbins, Executive Director of the Washington Indian Gaming Association, and Tim Wapato, (Colville Tribes) the former (and first) Executive Director of NIGA.
Moderated by Ernie Stevens, Jr., (Oneida of Wisconsin) Chairman of the National Indian Gaming Association, the panelists discussed gaming developments in Indian Country and the resulting economic impact. WIGA Executive Ernie Stebbins, discussed the results of a recently published economic development study of Washington Tribes, “The Character and Effects of the Indian Economy in Washington State.”

Muckleshoot Health and Wellness Center

The new Muckleshoot Health and Wellness Center opened for business after a ceremony on June 11, 2005, in Auburn. The state-of-the-art facility is located at 17500 S.E. 392nd St., near the tribal center and includes both a medical clinic, with a pharmacy, dental clinic, optical department, mental health and drug/alcohol counseling program, and a huge fitness center where the tribe’s wellness program will be carried out.

The center’s mission is two-fold. First, to provide culturally sensitive, responsive, cost effective, high quality health care services that meet the needs of patients with diverse backgrounds of traditional, cultural, and spiritual values. Second, to supplement those health services with a comprehensive wellness program designed to strengthen mind, body, heart and spirit and thus enable our patients to improve their overall quality of life.

Many of the health concerns that face tribal members are wellness related, and can be addressed with prevention programs through the wellness center. These are things such as diabetes, obesity, heart disease, teen pregnancy, mental health issues, and substance abuse.

Revenues to build the $19.3 million facility came from the Muckleshoot Casino and the same source of tribal government revenue will be used to maintain the $8 million a year operating budget.

The Muckleshoot Tribe estimates that the 95,000 square foot facility will initially employ 50 health professions, increasing to 80 by year end. Recruiting for the Wellness Center is currently underway.

Old Man House site returned to Suquamish

History was made on June 30, 2005, when the state of Washington returned one acre of land where Old Man House village once stood to the Suquamish Tribe. Old Man House State Park was once the site of a 600-foot longhouse built by Chief Kitsap and Chief Seattle's father, Schweabe, around 1790. The longhouse was destroyed by the U.S. Indian Agent in 1870, to discourage traditional communal living and to eradicate suspected sources of smallpox. Still, Suquamish Indian families continued to live in a cluster of cabins built at the site.

The U. S. War Department acquired 70 acres for a proposed artillery station in 1904, and the Suquamish were moved to allotments, believing that they could one day return, but the station was never occupied and the Army sold the 70 acre parcel to a private developer in 1937. The Washington State Parks Commission acquired the one acre of the parcel in 1950, and established Old Man House State Park, to interpret and preserve part of the longhouse site. The Suquamish Tribe has been in talks with the state since 1983, to return the land to the tribe.

Discussions picked up in recent years, as did objections by some local landowners, but after two years of public hearings and negotiations, the Parks Commission voted unanimously to transfer Old Man House State park to the Suquamish Tribe on August 12, 2004. Governor Christine Gregoire, Tribal Chairman Leonard Forsman, and Tribal Secretary Linda Holt signed the deed on June 22, 2005.

Tribal members, guests, neighbors and members of the Washington Parks Commission attended the ceremony on June 30th. Chairman Leonard Forsman arrived on the beach by canoe and a welcome song was sung. Traditional songs and dances were performed by Suquamish youth and a blessing ceremony for the land was done in the traditional way, which was explained by Suquamish member Delbert Miller. The tribe invited everyone to a salmon bake at the tribal center, where the speech-making continued until late in the day. It was a good day to be Suquamish!

Problem Gambling Treatment Program Started with Tribal Support

In the 2003 and 2004 legislative sessions, efforts to continue a Washington state-run pilot program to treat problem gamblers fell apart, largely because some lawmakers inappropriately insisted upon involving tribal governments in what is entirely a state-government process.

While Washington’s Tribes historically have been the major contributors to the non-profit foundation that addresses problem gambling- the Washington State Council on Problem Gambling, the state of Washington cannot, as a matter of federal law, include the tribal government gaming operations into any tax proposal or regulatory mechanism to address problem gambling.

Recognizing their role as governments who operate gaming facilities, much like the state lottery, discussions between tribal governments began at a WIGA-WCTSR meeting and eventually led to voluntary tribal contributions of $535,000 toward a state-run treatment program for FY 2006-2007. These contributions were made on December 9, 2004, during a meeting with the new Governor, Christine Gregoire.

This action cleared the way for legislation submitted in the 2005 legislative session and on April 18, 2005 the problem gambling treatment bill- ESHB 1031 went to final passage. Governor Gregoire signed the bill on May 5, 2005, and the state Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) began developing the program and started the recruiting process for a program manger.

The DSHS Division of Alcohol and Substance Abuse (DASA) hired a highly qualified program manager to run the program on May 19, 2005. Linda Graves, currently the chief operating officer for the Delaware Council on Problem Gambling, will be starting at DASA on June 6, 2005 in the Olympia office. She is a nationally certified gambling counselor-II, through the National Council on Problem Gambling. She is also the chair of the National Problem Gambling Helpline Committee at the National Council on Problem Gambling.

WIGA Receives 2005 Chairman’s Leadership Award

The 2005 Annual Convention and tradeshow of the National Indian Gaming Association was held on April 10-13th in San Diego, California. Over one thousand people attended, making it the largest gathering on gaming in Indian Country.

Ernie Stevens, Jr., Oneida of Wisconsin, was re-elected Chairman of NIGA. Tracie Stevens, Tulalip Tribes and WIGA Secretary, was elected to the NIGA Executive Committee as the Northwest Regional delegate.

During the keynote luncheon, NIGA Chairman Ernie Stevens, Jr. recognized both the Washington Indian Gaming Association and the California Nations Indian Gaming Association by presenting their delegates with the Chairman’s Leadership Award.

WIGA was recognized for uniting the Washington tribes in organizing a $5 million political campaign which defeated the commercial gambling expansion ballot initiative, I-892, in November, 2004.

The other side of Initiative 892 was funded by U.S. and Canadian commercial gambling companies and headed up by a professional ballot initiative promoter, Tim Eyman. If I-892 had passed, it would have allowed commercial casinos in urban population centers, cutting off the rural tribal casinos located on the reservations. This was the first time that a ballot initiative promoted by Eyman went down to defeat in Washington.

The Washington tribes mounted a state-wide campaign that included TV, radio, direct mail, public forums and get-out-the-vote rallies. The basic message of the campaign came from Washington voters themselves- they did not want to have slot machine gambling available in thousands of neighborhoods across the state.

In Washington, 20 federally recognized tribes operate tribal government casinos under the federal Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, through compacts with the state. There is a fixed number of gaming terminals permitted under the compacts- 675 per tribe for a total of 18,225 statewide. Rural tribes without casinos participate in gaming through the lease of gaming terminals to casino operating tribes.

Tribal leaders thank voters, coalition partners

“We were proud to be part of a broad-based coalition from across the state – representing elected officials, law enforcement leaders, religious leaders, ethnic leaders and neighborhood groups – that opposed the initiative,” said W. Ron Allen, chair of Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe.

“Rejection of the initiative means Washington will continue to have limited, well-regulated gaming sponsored by the state and by tribal governments to produce revenue for social programs, economic development and education.”

Brian Cladoosby, chair of the Swinomish Tribe, added:

“ One of the positive things about this campaign was it brought together so many different people. We enjoyed having opportunities to meet so many good people from different backgrounds and interests. And we appreciated the interest people showed in learning more about Indian Country and about the progress we are making to improve lives. We are especially grateful for the support of so many ethnic group leaders – Latinos, African-Americans and Asian-Americans – and we look forward to continuing to work together on issues of mutual concern.”

Allen and Cladoosby also said the campaign made Washington’s 29 tribes stronger and more united. “We registered record numbers of tribal members as new voters, especially young people,” Allen said. “It was gratifying to see all of the tribes working together and to see so many new tribal members becoming involved in the political process.”

Below are the measure results from the Secretary of State website, results were last updated on: 11/3/2004 9:30:00 AM

ABOUT ELECTION RESULTS REPORTING

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WIGA Holds Elections for 2004-2006 Officers

On November 29, 2004 the Washington Indian Gaming Association held its annual meeting, this year hosted by the Swinomish Tribe at the Swinomish Northern Lights Casino in Anacortes, Washington.

The first item of business on the agenda was to hold elections for officers. Officers serve two-year terms.

Officers who were re-elected to terms through 2006, include:
Chairman- W. Ron Allen, Chairman, Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe (term expires 2006)
Vice Chair- Curt Holmes, Vice Chairman, Kalispel Tribe (term expires 2006)
Secretary- Tracie Stevens, Tulalip Tribes (term expires 2006)

Elected to a first term was:
Treasurer- Dorian Sanchez, Chairman, Nisqually Tribe, (term expires 2006)
Executive Committee members re-elected to two-year terms:
Ron Charles- Chairman, Port Gamble S’ Klallam (term expires 2006)
Vince Wilbur- Swinomish Tribe (term expires 2006)

The full leadership team includes those Executive Committee members who were not up for election this year:
John Daniels, Jr.- Chairman, Muckleshoot Tribe (term expires 2005)
Joseph A. Pakootas- Chairman, Colville Confederated Tribes (term expires 2005)
Walter Jackson- Executive Director, Quileute Tribe (term expires 2005)

The Washington Indian Gaming Association (WIGA) is a non-profit organization of tribal government leaders of federally recognized Tribes in the state of Washington. WIGA’s nine-member Executive Committee is composed entirely of duly appointed representatives of the governing bodies of the member Tribes.

Lummi Nation Dedicates New K-12 School

The entire Lummi Nation celebrated the opening of the new school facility on Gooseberry Point on October 4, 2004. This beautiful new $24 million school replaces the “temporary” buildings that the children have used since 1989.

The New Lummi School was made possible through funding provided by the Bureau of Indian Affairs. The facility has been long awaited after the old building was closed and the school moved into modular buildings for temporary use. The school opened with 450 children in attendance and will eventually serve over 750 children of the Lummi Nation.

Despite many challenges, the 2003-2004 school year is shaping up to be a successful year for the children of the Lummi Nation. There is a positive atmosphere in the schools this year as students and staff become familiar with the new Lummi Nation school facilities.
The success of the school’s new athletics programs have also enriched the sense of pride within the school and community.

The mission of the Lummi Nation Education department is to provide every Lummi child with the opportunity to receive a high quality education that will prepare them to graduate with the knowledge, skills and abilities to choose a successful path into the 21st Century.

Dates Announced for 2006 Northwest Indian Gaming Conference and Expo

The 6th Annual Northwest Indian Gaming Conference and Expo, sponsored by the Washington Indian Gaming Association (WIGA), will be held on July 24-26, 2006.

Once again, the headquarters hotel will be the Sheraton Tacoma Hotel, in Tacoma, Washington. The tradeshow exhibits and conference sessions will be in the Greater Tacoma Convention and Trade Center, across the street from the Sheraton.

Last year’s show (2005), drew a record crowd of 485 attendees, plus over 100 exhibitors. By far the largest attendance came from the Washington tribes, followed by Oregon, California, Oklahoma, Idaho, Montana and Canada.

The ever popular WIGA Golf Outing will be held on Monday, July 24, 2006 and we are looking at courses right now!

Washington Tribes Contribute to the Hurricane Katrina Relief Efforts

October 25, 2005

At the September 7, 2005 meeting of the Washington Indian Gaming Association, representatives of Washington’s tribes discussed the Hurricane Katrina relief efforts that were taking place all over the country to help the victims of the unprecedented natural disaster. Many avenues for providing relief came to light, some local, some national, including the efforts of the National Congress of American Indians.

The WIGA Board approved a $5,000 donation, to the Washington Cares campaign endorsed by Governor Christine Gregoire to help one of the front-line relief agencies- the American Red Cross. The Board resolution included a challenge to all tribes in Washington to contribute to the relief efforts by joining with the Governor and others in Washington to make the statement that “Washington Cares.”

The response was overwhelming. Many tribes undertook fundraising events. The Quinault Nation, Tulalip Tribes and Muckleshoot Tribe dedicated the proceeds from their concerts to Hurricane Katrina relief.

Others made contributions through Washington Cares and directly to the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, and the National Congress of American Indians relief fund—the Swinomish, Jamestown S’Klallam, Port Gamble S’Klallam, Suquamish, and Nisqually tribes.

To date, over $125,000 of aid for families and communities suffering in the wake of Hurricane Katrina has been contributed by Washington tribes.

WIGA/Seven Cedars Casino Golf Outing October 13-14, 2005

The Ninth Annual WIGA Golf Championship hosted by Seven Cedars Casino was played on the Dungeness Golf and Country Club in Sequim, Washington on October 14, 2005. This year’s tournament field was placed into two divisions—a Tribal Division and a Vendor Division. Dungeness Country Club offered the 152 players a 6,378-yard, par 72 challenge, in a beautiful setting in the rain shadow of the Olympic Mountains.

The two divisions were equally matched this year, with the top teams carding identical 10-under 62 scores, in best-ball competition.

The Vendor Division winner was the Bally Gaming's team composed of Dew Willard, Mike Black, Garnett Smithson, and Joe Luce.

The winner in the Tribal Division was the Squaxin Island Tribe team composed of Jim Peters, Andy Whitener, Ray Peters and Jeff Dickinson.

WIGA/Seven Cedars Casino Golf Outing October 14-15, 2004

The 8th Annual Northwest Casino Golf Championship, sponsored by the Washington Indian Gaming Association (WIGA), and Seven Cedars Casino, Sequim, WA, is scheduled for October 15, 2004 at the beautiful Dungeness Golf and Country Club, in Sequim, WA.

The tournament is preceded by a cocktail party at Seven Cedars Casino, Thursday, October 14th at 7:00 PM.

Entry fees for tribal members are $250 per person, in two-somes or four-somes. The Sevens Cedars Marketing Department is handling registrations, call 360-683-7777. We are only reserving 144 spots at Dungeness Country Club, so get your registration in early!

Sponsorship payments and Tournament fees should be mailed to: Seven Cedars Casino, Marketing Department, 270756 Hwy. 101, Sequim, WA, 98382.

Tournament fees include 1st tee prizes, golf carts and dinner Friday night, October 15th at Seven Cedars Casino. Following dinner, there will be a free King of the Hill Blackjack tournament at Seven Cedars.

Hotel reservations may be made by calling the nearby Sequim Bay Lodge at 360-683-0691. Mention WIGA/Seven Cedars to get the special rate.

The 4th Annual Northwest Indian Gaming Conference and Expo

The 4th Annual Northwest Indian Gaming Conference and Expo, sponsored by the Washington Indian Gaming Association (WIGA), was a smashing success this year. Held at the Sheraton Tacoma Hotel, in Tacoma, Washington, on July 25-27, 2004, the conference drew a crowd of over 460 exhibitors and attendees. A total of 81 gaming industry suppliers exhibited at the show. Of the 380 attendees, by far the largest attendance came from Washington, followed by Oregon, California, Oklahoma, Idaho, Montana and Canada.

Exhibitors too, came from across the country, filling up 98 booths in the Sheraton Exhibit Hall, which is directly connected to the hotel. The show is trying to outgrow the meeting and exhibition space at the Sheraton Hotel, although the property is very well suited to our conference. The Sheraton-Tacoma offers high-quality rooms at a price far below the Seattle market, combined with a convenient, walk-to exhibition hall.

The pre-conference Golf Outing at North Shores Golf Course on Sunday, July 25th was a tremendous success! We had 24 foursomes for a total of 96 golfers complete the course. Thanks go out to our golf outing sponsor, Associate member Aecon buildings, Inc. Hole sponsors included: Muckleshoot Casino, KeyBank, Wild Card Golf, Brown and Brown, Nisqually Red Wind Casino, Chehalis Lucky Eagle Casino, Swinomish Northern Lights Casino, Desautel Hege Communications, Sodak Gaming, Joseph Eve, Klas Robinson, Game Tech International, Eagle Eye Protection, MarketPlace Productions, and Jamestown S’Klallam 7 Cedars Casino.

In addition to breakout sessions on marketing, internal audits, database management, security, casino design and theming, casino operations, tribal gaming agencies, tourism, bingo, customer service, and community relations, attendees had the opportunity to consult with the National Indian Gaming Commission, the federal regulatory agency for tribal government gaming. Commissioners Phil Hogen, Nelson Westrin, and Chuck Choney made time available to the Tribal leaders individually, and in a group session, to address relationships between the Tribal governments and the Commission.

Chairman Anthony Pico of the Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians presented the keynote address at the luncheon on Monday, July 26th. His message was one to remember and to act upon, to support tribal governments and tribal members- “Buy Native American!”

The Expo would not have been nearly as enjoyable without our sponsors, who generously contributed to the opening reception, and the many meal functions during the show. Our thanks go out to: Puyallup Emerald Queen Casino, Douwe Egberts Coffee, Colville Tribal Enterprises, Tulalip Casino, Wells Fargo, Moss Adams, KeyBank and Sodak Gaming!

WIGA Annouces 2004 Trade Show Dates

The 4th Annual Northwest Indian Gaming Conference and Expo, sponsored by the Washington Indian Gaming Association (WIGA), will be held at the Sheraton Tacoma Hotel and Conference Center, Tacoma, Washington, on July 25-27, 2004. The Sheraton's direct reservation number is (253) 591-4142.

Last year, the conference drew a crowd of over 440 exhibitors and attendees, from 17 states and Canada. By far the largest attendance came from Washington with 178 attendees, followed by Oregon, California, and Oklahoma.

Something new this year is our pre-conference golf outing on July 25, 2004. Call MarketPlace Productions to sign up!

Exhibitors too, came from across the country, filling up all 80 booths in the Sheraton Exhibit Hall, directly connected to the hotel.

Breakout sessions will include presentations on marketing, national and regional political issues, casino operations, surveillance, food and beverage services, tribal gaming agencies, tourism, new class II bingo technology, customer service, and human resources, among other topics.

Something new this year will be an opening day golf tournament on Sunday, July 25, 2004. Don't forget to bring your clubs!

For exhibitor and registration information call Marketplace Productions, 651-645-6061.

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