SpilyayTymoo
Warm Springs, Oregon
May 11, 1995 3
among opens door to success, prosperity
Tribal officials hold great hope that
newly-established gaming operation
will help with future financial security.
by Donna Behrend
Mtli (pronounced mulee) was the
place where Columbia River
Indians first came together and
stayed when the Warm Springs
Reservation was formed so many
years ago. Mlli, better known today
as Kah-Nee-Ta, is now home to
Oregon's newest, and Central
Oregon's only, gaming facility.
The Confederated Tribes of Warm
Springs opened the temporary Indian Head Gaming Center with
great fanfare and ceremony May 1. The Wasco and Paiute rooms,
once quiet much of the time and used for small gatherings, are now
completely remodeled and filled to the brim with over 130 slot
machines. The upper lobby of Kah-Nee-Ta Lodge is now, for
prospective gamblers, the gateway to casino-style gaming, and
hopefully, great excitement and fun. Indian Head Gaming offers an
opportunity for the Tribe to relieve the demand on reservation
natural resources. Some believe it is a win-win situation for all.
Hundreds of tribal members and various guests and gaming
employees joined for a buffet meal that kicked off the start of
festivities. As time marched by, revelers became more and more
anxious to cut the ribbon and "get the show on the road."
Once inside, members crowded around the machines, eager to
exchange their cold, hard cash for playing credits. Squeals of
excitement could be heard as several individuals hit jackpots of
varying sizes. Money exchanged hands quickly, and the cashier's
cage ran out of small bills.
The only constant in life is change and it has hit Kah-Nee-Ta with a
bang, plus a few mechanical bells and whistles. The resort remains as
beautiful as ever, offering peace and quiet and solitude. Gaming will
offer yet another facet of entertainment at the resort.
As Bernice Mitchell said in her statement at the dinner after briefly
explaining Kah-Nee-Ta's history, "We have opened another door to
Mlli." Hopefully, that door opens on a future that is as bright and
prosperous as the past has been for the Confederated Tribes of Warm
Springs.
Point of Interest: The above logo was designed by Susan Moody. Over
20 entries were received in the logo contest. Taking first place was Moody's
entry; second went to Delson Suppah; Oliver Kirk took third place; Travis
Bobb's entry took fourth and Jackie Estimo's entry took fifth place. Over
$1,700 were paid out to the winning entries.
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Trying to hit the "big won", Jerome Davis tries his luck at one of the 130 machines
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A well-qualified management team has been hired at Indian Head Gaming.
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Gaming Board of directors include, from left to right, Dan Ahem; Leona Ike, secretary; Lynn Davis,
vice-chairman; Dick Donaca, treasurer and Rudy Clements, Chairman. Board members were
appointed by Tribal Council April 17. Their first meeting was held May 5.
Anita Jackson was pleased with her winnings on opening night
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Chris Scott had the "Midas Touch" on the Double diamond nickel
machine.