Recently, the Biden administration’s assessment of three potential tribal casinos in both California and Oregon instigated a contentious discourse over tribal sovereignty and land rights. Almost ten years prior, the Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians, a Native American tribe hailing from Northern California, took a leap of faith when they purchased 160 acres north of San Francisco. They harbored plans to establish a $700 million casino resort, not having surety of formal approval. This project is one among three tribal casino endeavors that have become entrapped in contention while the Interior Department keeps them in abeyance.
The tribal groups argue that federal law permits these ambitious projects, triggering a debate focused on the rights and self-governance of tribes. A curious detail emerges as the events unfold: tribes opposing the prospective casino resorts find themselves at odds with a government that, ironically, professes to bolster Native American interests. In stark contrast to the administration’s public stands, allegations of behind-the-scenes secrecy and hurried process timing have been circulating.
Anthony Roberts, the Chairperson of Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation, another tribe from California, passionately voices opposition against the Scotts Valley casino. Roberts decried a ‘secretive, backdoor, fast-track process’ employed by the Department of the Interior that seems to have egregiously sidelined tribes such as the Yocha Dehe.
A a considerable number of tribes have taken legal recourse, initiating lawsuits to impede progress on two out of the three controversial casinos. A recent lawsuit led to a temporary injunction granted by a judge last week, putting any future plans for one of the casinos to a sudden halt, pending a hearing the following month.
The question looms large whether the legal and political tussle over these casinos will attain a resolution within Biden’s administrative tenure. Speculations abound regarding potential actions the Trump administration could adopt on the issue, providing an interesting contrast to the current state of affairs.
Wading through the history the Scotts Valley tribe, along with two other tribes – the Koi Nation located in Sonoma County, California, and the Coquille Indian Tribe based in southwestern Oregon – it’s to be noted they tragically lost their lands during the 1950s and 1960s. This occurred when the U.S. government stripped many Native American tribes of their federal recognition in a dashingly cold move.
In the ensuing decades, the government executed a U-turn, once again acknowledging the status of the three tribes. However, the question remains – If only recognition could restore the severed links to their ancestral lands.