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About the Siletz
Entertainment & Gaming
Center
(The
fo llo w ing
is
th e
text
of
a
b ro c h u re
re c e n tly
p u b lis h e d
and
distributed to help the general public
better understand the position of the
Siletz Tribe on Indian Gaming and the
recently proposed gaming center in
S a le m )
In 1992, the Siletz Tribe brought forth
a proposal to build an entertainment and gaming
center in Salem. The proposal created a great
deal of emotion, both for and against the
project. The following is a review of some of
the projects major issues.
Why A Gaming Center?
In 1988, Congress passed the Indian
Gaming Regulatory Act which allows tribes to
use gaming as a source o f economic
development and for strengthening tribal
governments. There are more than 150 such
throughout the United States.
Why Locate in Salem?
• Salem is part of. Siletz aboriginal
lands.
The Siletz
were restored to tribal
status in 1977.
The federal government
established an 8-county service area including
Marion County - instead of relinquishing land
previously owned by the Tribe.
• Hundreds of tribal members live and
work in the Salem area. A Siletz tribal office
has been located in Salem, serving Native
Americans, since 1972.
• Access to lnterstate-5 is essential to
business. Siletz has a small business operation
in Independence, Oregon, but it does not
generate enough income to sustain the Tribe.
•The Siletz Tribe does not have
property in Lincoln County suitable for a gaming
center.
What Kind of Games Will Be Played?
Class II and Class III games; these
games are legal in Oregon and played in
thousands of other locations-bingo halls,
taverns, at churches and county fairs.
• Class II Games include bingo and pull
tabs. These will be allowed as soon as the
center is opened.
• Class III Games include video poker,
keno, off track betting, sports action betting.
These will only be featured after successful
negotiations with the Governor are completed.
What About The Kind Of People
Attracted To Gaming?
A nationwide survey of Indian gaming
centers shows that most customers are middle
aged, with a family income over $30,000. The
U.S. Justice Department has monitored Indian
gaming and has found no "organized crime"
influence in any of the gaming centers.
The Siletz Gaming Center will be a ’
m ajor. tourist attraction in the Willamette
Valley.
What about Safety?
In order to ensure the safety of the
players and as a way to guarantee a "clean"
operation, the Siletz will:
• Employ 500 people, the majority of
who will be non-Indian.
• Add $20 million to the Salem
economy in the first year.
r e
September 1993 I---------- L
12 1 I
• Pay an estimated $10 million in
annual salaries.
• Generate an additional $3.5 million in
goods and services.
Businesses benefiting
from new customers will include motels, gas
stations, restaurants, grocery, and souvenir
stores.
• Improve the value of north Salem as a
destination and as a place to site a business.
The Siletz have agreed to pay for development
of utilities and roads in conjunction with the
gaming center.
• Foster close working relationship
with business and neighborhood groups to make
north Salem more attractive.
How will a Gaming Center help the
T rib e ?
The Center will diversify the Tribe's economy
and will help raise the standard of living of the
S iletz.
P ro fits from S iletz economic
development pay for programs that:
• Reduce unemployment
• Increase life expectancy
• Lower the high school drop-out rate
• Improve housing
Research shows that Indian gaming in other
states benefits the whole economy.
While
pumping millions into local economies, it also
reduces the cost of government support for
tribes, with fewer claims for health care,
welfare, and unemployment.
Employees Honored for Outstanding Service
Congratulations are in order to four outstanding employees honored for service to the Tribe at the August 7 General
Council Meeting.
A d m in istra tive A ssista n t Darlene C arkhuff was chosen as Employee of the Quarter for the 2nd Quarter of
1993. Soft spoken and chperful, you will find Darlene at Central Office attending to administrative duties always with a smile
and without hesitation. Whatever needs to be done that no one else knows how to accomplish, Darlene tackles!
C linic Computer Specialist Amy Rouske was given the Outstanding Service Award for preparation of Medicaid
audit materials and reports for CPA's. If you have ever worked with medicare, you'll know this award was well deserved!
Medical Records Technician K athryn H a rrin g to n was awarded the Superior Accomplishment Award for
increasing Medicaid reimbursements to the Siletz Clinic. Keep those dollars coming in, Kathryn!
Education S pecialist Robert Tom received the Outstanding Service Award for contributions to our student
gatherings, TECA and OIEA Conferences. Bob's done a lot of good work for our students over the years!
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF YOU!!!!
Bob Tom
Amy Rouske
Darlene
Carkhuff
Kathryn
Harrington