MEDFORD, ORE. — The Bureau of Indian Affairs, handling the Coquille Indian Tribe’s application for a class 2 casino, in Medford, made a big announcement this week.
The B.I.A. is starting the process of conducting an Environmental Impact Statement, or E.I.S., for the casino which is proposed to go on Highway 99 in south Medford.
“It is a small step in what is a long involved process. and we are excited about the opportunity to work out way through this process” said Mark Johnston, the deputy director for theCoquille Indian Tribe.
The statement must be completed before it can even be decided whether or not a casino will be allowed.
“It’s a priority for the tribe to diversify their economic development,” Johnston continued.
When the Coquille’s announced their intent by purchasing the land in 2012, a dispute was raised by the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe which runs 7 Feathers Casino in Canyonville.
“It’s a jurisdictional issue. We’re a tribe that is located here in Southern Oregon. Douglas, Josephine and Jackson County are our aboriginal territories. The territories that historically where our ancestors have grown up and lived,” said Michael Rondeau, the CEOCow Creek Band Tribe of Indians in April 2014.
In addition, Jackson County Commissioners in 2013 said they did not recommend the project.
“We don’t want to be known, the city of Medford and Jackson County as the gambling center of Southern Oregon,” said former Jackson County Commissioner Don Skundrick in April of 2013.
The bureau’s announcement will allow for public commentand says it will take any and all input before a decision on a Medford Casino is even made.
“We believe in win win and collaboration, we’re certainly hope when this process is complete that will show those things,” said Johnston.
NBC5 did reachout to the Cow Creek Tribe Friday for comment, they told us by phone that they are confident the Department of Indian Affairs will do the lawful thing and deny the Coquille’s request.
A meeting is scheduled February 3, at 5:30 at North Medford High School.
The Bureau of Indian Affairs says that’s when people can come and speak their thoughts about the casino.
The meeting will not end until all comments are made.
You can also send written comments before February 17:
Mr.Stanley Speaks
Northwest Regional Director, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Northwest Region
911 Northeast 11th Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97232-4165
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