Tribes Unite Against Biden’s Controversial Medford Casino Approval: A Fight for Sovereignty and Economic Stability
In a move that has ignited intense debate and concern among Native American tribes across the Pacific Northwest, President Joe Biden’s administration has hastily approved a controversial proposal for an off-reservation casino in South Medford, Oregon. The decision, which follows the filing of a Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) by the administration last month, has the potential to fundamentally alter inter-tribal relations not just in Oregon, but also in neighboring California.
The Proposed Project
The Coquille Tribe of Coos Bay has been pursuing plans to open a Class II casino known as The Cedars at Bear Creek for the past 13 years. Located off Highway 99 in Jackson County—approximately 165 miles from their reservation—this project seeks to convert the existing site of the former Roxy Ann Lanes bowling alley into a slot machine-only gaming facility. The Coquille Tribe already owns the land and has emphasized its desire for economic development, citing the Coquille Restoration Act which allows them to pursue self-sufficiency.
Opposition from Nearby Tribes
However, the plan has faced vehement opposition from other tribes, particularly the Cow Creek Band of the Umpqua Tribe of Indians, Karuk Tribe, and Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation. The Cow Creek Tribe claims that the proposed casino would jeopardize their financial stability by diverting patrons from their existing Seven Feathers Casino Resort in Canyonville. In a statement, Cow Creek Umpqua Tribal Chairman Carla Keene expressed her frustration, emphasizing that the decision could lead to significant economic, cultural, and societal repercussions for multiple tribes.
‘We are asking a federal court judge to stop the casino plans that would cause irreparable harm to our economic, environmental, cultural, and historic wellbeing,’ Keene stated. ‘This legal action is our option of last resort after being denied repeated requests for consultation.’
The tribe has characterized the approval of the casino as a breach of trust and consultation, asserting that the federal government has not adequately considered the interests of all affected tribes.
Legal Action and Political Response
In response to the Biden administration’s approval, the Cow Creek Tribe, Karuk Tribe, and Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation filed a lawsuit on Monday seeking a temporary restraining order against the Department of the Interior and other governmental bodies involved in the decision-making process. The urgency of this legal action underscores a growing sense of discontent and frustration among tribal leaders who feel sidelined by the federal government.
Moreover, Oregon Governor Tina Kotek has requested an extension of the 30-day public comment period for the FEIS, wishing to ensure that all stakeholders, including local tribes and communities, can thoroughly assess and voice their concerns regarding the project.
Broader Implications and Concerns
Tribal leaders and politicians from both Oregon and California have expressed worries that the approval could set a dangerous national precedent. Senator Ron Wyden remarked that the decision could lead to a “gambling arms race,” fundamentally altering the economic landscape for tribes across the state. Senator Jeff Merkley also voiced disappointment over the administration’s actions, fearing that it undermines agreements previously established to ensure equitable opportunity among tribes.
Keene speculated that the Coquille Tribe’s claims of ancestral ties to the land may not hold historical validity, stating, “Historically speaking, the Coquille simply did not exist in Medford.” In a rebuttal, the Coquille Tribe, represented by Judy Farm, defended their right to develop the land based on historical legal frameworks set forth by the Coquille Restoration Act, emphasizing that competition rather than entitlement is at the heart of the opposition.
Next Steps
As the 30-day feedback period wraps up, stakeholders await the outcome of the lawsuit and the publication of the Record of Decision by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, which will finalize the casino’s fate. Meanwhile, various stakeholders—including other tribes, government officials, and local residents—continue to raise their voices in expressing concerns about the implications of this decision, fostering an environment of anxiety and uncertainty in affected communities.
In a letter to the Department of the Interior, Oregon’s Governor emphasized the critical nature of this decision, stating it ‘carries significant implications for Oregon’s communities, economic landscape, and broader state interests.’ The situation remains fluid, with deep rifts forming among tribes as they navigate the complexities of tribal sovereignty, economic development, and inter-tribal relations.