Date: November 22, 2024, 11:34h.
Last updated on: November 22, 2024, 11:34h.
The Coquille Tribe’s plans to construct a casino in Medford, Oregon took a significant step forward with the issuance of a final environmental impact statement (FEIS) by the federal Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) in support of the project.
Opposition to the casino project has raised concerns that the Biden administration might push it through during the lame duck session.
The BIA’s rejection of the land-in-trust application during the Trump administration in 2020 was reversed by the Biden administration in 2021 due to incomplete environmental review process.
Next, the BIA will initiate a 30-day public comment period, followed by the production of a final record of decision (ROD) regarding placing the land in trust for the Coquille Tribe.
‘Reservation Shopping’
The Coquille Tribe, which already operates the Mill Casino in Coos Bay, has pursued plans for a gaming venue in Medford since 2011. Claims of “reservation shopping” and challenges against off-reservation tribal gaming approvals have been made by opponents.
The proposal faces opposition from various tribes in Oregon and California, as well as US Congresspeople and Oregon’s Governor.
In March, several tribes voiced their resistance to the plan to Interior Secretary Deb Haaland.
The Coquille Tribe asserts ancestral connections to the area, despite opposition tribes disputing the claim.
Chair Brenda Meade refutes claims of “reservation shopping” and emphasizes the tribe’s history and rights according to the Coquille Restoration Act.
Congress acknowledged our historical presence and dispersal across the landscape, recognizing our rights to economic self-determination,” Meade stated.
‘No Respect’
Cow Creek Umpqua Tribal Chair Carla Keene expressed disappointment with Secretary Haaland’s handling of opposition to the trust-land application.
Our tribe’s ongoing efforts for collaboration have been disregarded, reflecting past injustices,” Keene expressed.