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Governor Tina Kotek sent a letter to Tribes opposing all expansion of tribal gaming in Oregon

April 13, 2023 —

Dee Pigsley, Tribal Council Chairman, The Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians issued the following statement:

“The Siletz Casino Project is a unique initiative to build Oregon’s first gaming facility that will directly share revenue with other Oregon Tribes, the State of Oregon and local governments. The revenue from this project promotes self-determination and healing for all of Oregon’s federally recognized tribes.

It is shocking to us that Governor Kotek would oppose economic development projects in Oregon while cities, counties and tribes around the state prepare for an economic downturn.

Blanket opposition to any changes in tribal gaming only perpetuates generations of inequities caused by tribal dependence on state and federal government for resources. The state should carefully consider proposals to expand gaming on a case-by-case basis weighing the impacts and benefits to tribal communities.

We are awaiting approval from the Secretary of the Interior on the Siletz Casino Project and intend to continue with the process of approving tribal gaming venues outlined in federal law.

There is too much at stake to give up now. Siletz Tribal members and Salem residents strongly support the casino project and the benefits it will have on our communities.

We hope the Governor will negotiate with the Siletz Tribe in good faith as federal law requires.”

Background:

Tribal gaming proposals, like the Siletz Casino Project,  the most significant tool available to promote tribal self-sufficiency, self-determination and economic development for all federally recognized tribes.

The unchecked expansion of the Oregon lottery over the past decades has resulted in a dramatic reduction of Oregon Tribes’ share of gaming revenues. Economic opportunity has been further reduced by the expansion of gaming in Southwest Washington.

The Siletz Casino Project would begin to right size Oregon Tribes’ share of gaming revenue in Oregon. The Siletz Tribe’s economic projections show that it expects to create 1,200 new living wage jobs and generate $185 million in annual revenue in the first year of operation, growing to $231 million by the third year.

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About the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians

The Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians is a confederation of all the tribes of western Oregon. In the 1800s, Siletz ancestors were removed from their homelands and moved to the Siletz Reservation on the coast. Its tribal headquarters is located in Siletz, Oregon and the Tribe has operated government offices in Salem, Portland, Eugene, Lincoln City and Siletz for over 40 years. To find out more about the project, visit www.siletz.org.

 

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The Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians is a confederation of all the Tribes of western Oregon. In the 1800s Siletz ancestors were removed from their homelands and moved to the Siletz Reservation on the coast. Its Tribal headquarters is located in Siletz, Oregon and the Tribe has operated government offices in Salem, Portland, Eugene, Lincoln City and Siletz for over 40 years.


AN INVESTMENT IN SALEM'S FUTURE

HELP BRING THE SILETZ CASINO PROJECT TO SALEM

From the locals who will work at the property, to the local businesses who benefit from having more visitors in town, an endeavor like this is an investment in Salem's future. This project is a unique opportunity to add thousands of living wage jobs, spur economic growth, bring world-class entertainment, uplift Tribal communities and capitalize on significant infrastructure modernizations.

In addition, the project includes a unique revenue-sharing proposal. The Siletz Tribe plans to share a percentage of the net revenue with eligible participating Oregon tribes, many of whom are located in rural areas. The State of Oregon and local governments like the City of Salem will also receive a percentage of the net revenue, which will be reinvested into community improvements and programs. Please, listen to our community and say yes to this investment in Salem’s future.