Tribe against casino proposal in Oregon
The Cow Creek Tribe is against the proposed Coquille Tribe’s casino in Medford, Oregon.
US.- A proposal from the Coquille Indian Tribe to build a casino in Medford, Oregon, has been opposed once again by the Cow Creek Tribe of Umpqua Band of Indians, as the latter considers that the project will forever change the state’s landscape.
Michael Rondeau, the CEO of the Cow Creek Tribe, stated that the casino plans have been suspicious from the start, as it will forever change the landscape of Oregon, and if the plan proceeds, “it will happen all over the state.”
“The people of Medford — and all Oregonians — should be alarmed. This one project will forever change our landscape, paving the path for Las Vegas-size developments throughout Oregon, all without any consent or voice from the people who live here. Once this gate is opened, it will never be closed,” said Rondeau in a press statement.
The proposal sets a Class II casino to be built in the city, but it is not allowed to have card games, just bingo and other similar games. The facility would employ over 200 people, half as many as are employed at The Mill Casino, the other facility operated by the Coquille Tribe in the state.
The Cow Creek Tribe sent a letter to Deputy Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs, John Tahsuda, to have a meeting this next week to urge the department to not allow the land to be put into trust.
