The Inconvenient Truth About the Coquille Project

The Coquille Project threatens our Tribal communities. This project could change the rules for Indian gaming. It could hurt many Tribes, not just one.

What is the Coquille Project?

The Coquille Indian Tribe wants to open a new casino in Medford, Oregon. This land is far from their home. They want to use a special rule to make this happen. But this rule should not apply to them. They already have a casino in Coos County. Now, they want another one, which breaks Oregon’s “One Tribe, One Casino” policy.

Why Should We Care?

Harm to Other Tribes: This new casino will hurt other Tribes. It will take away their money. This money helps them pay for healthcare, safety, and schools. If the Coquille Tribe gets a second casino, other Tribes will lose big. The affected Tribes include: The Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians, The Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, The Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw Indians, The Klamath Tribes, The Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde.

Unfair Advantage: The Coquille Tribe is using incorrect history to claim this land. They never lived in Medford. It is unfair for them to break the rules and hurt other Tribes. This move could lead to many new casinos, hurting our Tribal lands and communities.

Legal Issues: Congress made the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) to help Tribes. The Coquille Project goes against this law. This project uses a special rule called the Coquille Restoration Act (CRA) to bypass IGRA rules. This is wrong and sets a bad example.

Fast-Tracking Concerns: The Department of the Interior and the Office of Indian Affairs seem to be fast-tracking this gaming compact. This quick process raises worries that the usual thorough procedures and consultations are being skipped. Fast-tracking can lead to rushed decisions that do not fully consider the impacts on all affected Tribes.

What Can We Do?

Stay Informed: Learn more about the Coquille Project and understand how it affects all Tribes, not just one. Support Opposition: Many leaders and Tribes oppose this project and need our support. Share their concerns on social media and in your community.

Speak Up: Tell the Department of the Interior to follow the rules. They should not give special treatment to one Tribe. They need to listen to all Tribes and make fair decisions.

The Coquille Project is a big deal. It threatens our Tribal communities and breaks important rules. We need to stand together and protect our Tribes. We must tell the Department of the Interior to do the right thing. Say no to the Coquille Project and yes to fair treatment for all Tribes.