Coquille Tribe’s 12-Year Battle to Open Medford Casino Draws to a Close
MEDFORD, Ore. — A final environmental impact statement by the federal government will seal the Coquille Indian Tribe’s 12-year-long struggle to open a casino on Highway 99 in South Medford.
Project is Fiercely Opposed by State Officials
The Tribe’s efforts have met with fierce opposition not only from other Indian Tribes, but state officials such as Oregon Governor, Tina Kotek.
If finally approved, the 30,000 square foot casino will open in the disused bowling alley and will be named the ‘Cedars at Bear Creek.’ The gaming facility will bring entertainment to the area and generate more revenue for the Coquille’s, says Judy Farm, who represents the Coquille Tribe in economic development.
Opposition to the proposed casino has been lodged by four local Indian Tribes – the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians, Elk Valley Rancheria, the Karuk Tribe, and the Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation. In a letter to Secretary Deb Haaland in March, the opponents state that the project ‘violates the substance and intent’ of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act that regulates gaming on tribal lands.
In a statement, the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe Indians says giving one Tribe an advantage could have a devastating cultural, economic and social impact on other Tribes, and create a precedent that could result in ‘an explosion of gaming’ across the country.
The Tribe elaborates further by saying that if approved, the Administration would pit Tribes against one another, adding that the federal government should not be ‘picking winners and losers.’
The Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe says Indians must work together if they want to ensure that all Tribes prosper.
The casino project is also opposed by Gov. Kotek and U.S. Senators for Oregon, Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, U.S. Representative for Oregon, Cliff Bentz, as well as other state and U.S. officials.
Critics say the Coquille Indian Tribe does not have an historic connection to the land as they have traditionally lived on the Oregon coast.
The Casino is an Investment in the Community
But Farm accuses critics of fearing competition and says they should ‘embrace an abundance mindset’ because there is enough for everyone. She points out that the purpose of the project offers tribes the opportunity to practice sovereignty, while giving back to the community.
She says the casino will invest in the community in which the Tribe does business., adding that ‘when the community thrives, the Tribe thrives.’
If approved, the Cedars at Bear Creek Casino will join the other properties owned by the Coquille Tribe along Highway 99. These include the Bear Creek Golf Center, the Compass by Margaritaville Hotel, and the former Roxy Ann Lanes Bar & Grill.