Summary

Historically, Indian tribes were relocated to what was perceived to be non-productive land bases. These land bases included the foothills of California, the deserts of the Southwest, and the barren lands of the Midwest. This relocation may have been done as part of the extermination process of the Native people by the government of this continent. Historically, tribes suffered to develop and build economies on these lands. Survival on reservations and rancherias was largely based on government grants and programs. The lack of infrastructure and other resources (mainly money) hindered the self-determination process on Indian lands.

In 1984 Indian gaming was born (Cabazon v. California.) Today, there are 562 federally recognized tribes and 224 of them are engaged in Class II and/or III gaming. There are 354 tribally operated gaming operations in the United States (some tribes operate more than one facility.) Indian gaming takes place in 28 states in the United States and is reported to generate 14.5 billion dollars for tribes and their members, making up 21% of the total U.S. gaming industry revenue. Of those persons employed in the tribal gaming industry, 75% of the employees are non-tribal members.

It is the goal of every tribe to operate its gaming operation. Many tribes initially sought the assistance of outside gaming management groups and financing. In many cases, tribes saw much of their initial gaming revenues end up in the coffers of gaming management groups and private lenders. From the start, tribes have had to fight local and state governments for the right to establish a tribal gaming facility. In accordance with the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA), tribes are “required” to enter into a compact with the state in which they reside. Thus, the debate about tribal sovereignty continues to be challenged and infringed upon on a number of levels.

Currently there are only 3 off-reservation casinos in the United States. The total land base of these properties comprises only 78 acres. In each of the 3 off-reservation casinos, the state and the local economies have benefited immensely. Tourism has increased, other development has taken place, and the tax base of the state has been substantially increased. Thus, the opportunity for any off-reservation project should be viewed with an open mind and with a sense of vision. Not only should the state support such a venture, it should also encourage such a venture, as it keeps disposal entertainment income from leaving the state.

Gaming may be the only “real” viable economic enterprise that tribes have to choose from. It is doubtful that patrons and tourists would visit most reservations if it were not for gaming. Despite the fact that tribes are diversifying, there is no other economic development that would produce the revenue that tribes have grown accustom to over the past twenty years. It is imperative that Indian gaming continue, and is allowed to flourish. Gaming revenues are responsible for improved housing, education, tribal economic development, and improved health of its elders and youth. Gaming revenues are also responsible for improvements in local governments and in many cases the casinos are the major employer in the local area.

Our goal in Casino Rez is to show that sovereignty and self-determination can be strengthened through strong economies, strong minds, and strong people. It is how Indian people have survived and will continue to survive.