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About Siletz news / (Siletz, OR) 199?-current | View Entire Issue (May 1, 2000)
ECONORTHWEST/CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS Robert Whalen from ECONorthwest directed the research study for the tribe’s economic impact report. ECONorthwest, cont’d from page 21 ^^Housing occupied by Chinook Winds employees contributes 14.3 percent of all property taxes collected in Lincoln City. ^^The crime rate for all criminal offenses in Oregon was 4 percent higher in 1995-1998 than in the previous four years. However, Lincoln City statistics reveal that the crime rate rose at a lower rate. Crimes against persons fell 21 percent in Lincoln City since the casino opened. ^^The number of recipients of food stamps and cash welfare Siletz Tribe Contributes to Local Organizations The Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians is contributing $27,755 to several local schools, non-profits, and Native organizations. The money for the donations comes from the profits generated by Chinook Winds in 1998. The funds are being distributed on a quarterly basis. “We’re pleased to be able to help these groups accomplish things they may not otherwise be able to do,” said Delores Pigsley, chairman of the Siletz Tribe. “It’s important for the tribe to continue to help the community with these kinds of projects.” Organizations receiving contributions are as follows: National Indian Child Welfare Assoc. Toledo Sports Complex Committee/Booster Club Siletz School Media Center Salem-Keizer School Dist.-lndian Educ. Program Siletz Elementary - Siletz River Day (bus) Coastal AIDS Network, Inc. Habitat for Humanity - Yaquina Bay Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians Chemawa Indian School VFW Post 732 - Facility Repair Siletz Community Boosters Oregon Coast Aquarium - New Exhibit Rogue Valley Veterans Pow-Wow Siletz School - Siletz River Day (books, software) Toledo Grad Nite Committee Toledo High School - Data Projector $1,000 2,500 2,700 2,230 175 800 1,800 500 500 500 5,000 5,000 250 800 1,000 3,000 benefits has declined since the casino opened. According to the Oregon Liquor Control Commission, between 1995 and 1999 there were > 42 DUI arrests in which a Lincoln City establishment was identified as the last place to serve an alcoholic beverage to the driver. Only four bought a drink from Chinook Winds. More than 90 percent bought their last drink from other establishments in the city. Twenty-four of the arrested drivers (more than half) purchased alcohol from an Oregon Lottery video poker retailer in Lincoln City. (Tribal Councils of all Indian tribes in Oregon with casinos have decided as a matter of social policy not to serve alcoholic beverages to customers while they gamble.) > Contrary to dire predictions about the increased and unmanageable volume of traffic that would be created by the casino, Chinook Winds contributed only about 10 percent to the traffic volume on Highway 101 in 1998. The number of injury accidents in Lincoln City actually declined. The number of all vehicle accidents grew exactly at the same rate as the state as a whole. I want to express my strong feelings and those of the Tribal Council on how proud we are to be identified today as a major economic force in the coastal area. For too long, the Siletz people have been unfairly viewed as a welfare burden on federal, state, and local governmental entities. And for too long, Indian gaming has been unfairly accused of causing social problems. The ECONorthwest study dispels these myths. I shall now open the press conference to questions from the media, public officials and interested citizens. Charitable Committee Seeks Requests The Siletz Tribal Charitable Ad-Hoc Committee has been established and is looking for donation requests. The deadline for third-quarter distribution is May 31,2000. The committee will meet in June to review requests and award donations. Criteria for contributions is as follows: (1) Requests will not be given to individuals for sponsorship (i.e., an individual requesting assistance to attend camp). (2) Requests must benefit an organization or group (number of tribal members benefiting will be considered). (3) Tribal elders activities and tribal youth events will be considered a priority (Siletz- and Toledo-area schools). (4) Other charitable contributions may be made for the following purposes: education, health and social services, the arts, cultural activities, historical preservation, gambling addiction, prevention and/or treatment, and activities that promote economic self-sufficiency. The requesting organization must agree to allow publicity after it receives a donation. The committee also will require an update explaining the results or benefits of the donation. If you have any questions or would like a “Request for Charitable Contributions” form, please contact the executive secretary to Tribal Council at 1 -800-922-1399 or 541 -444-8203.
