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About Smoke signals. (Grand Ronde, Or.) 19??-current | View Entire Issue (July 1, 1993)
I tj'nK n a n THE CONFEDERATED TRIBES OF THE CRAND RONDE COMMUNITY OF ORECON JULY 1993 Plans For Gaming Facility Continue The staff of Spirit Mountain Development Corporation (SMDC), has been devoting virtually all of its time and effort recently to the development of the Tribe's gaming facility project SMDC's Board of Directors (Bob Mercier, Chairman, Mike Larsen, Vice-chair, Pat Mercier, SecretaryTreasurer, and Ed Larsen, Council liaison) have volunteered a large amount of their time and energy to work on corporate business. The Board's commitment to the project and energy have contributed greatly to the early success SMDC has achieved toward development of the project. Many Tribal Council members including Mark Mercier, Kathryn Harrison, Margaret Provost, and Candy Robertson, have spent a great deal of their time and effort on several different aspects of the project. Everyone involved is extremely enthusiastic about the project and the way it is developing. SMDC recently interviewed five prospects as potential management companies or consultants on the project. After extensive and systematic review of all the proposals, SMDC has decided that the Corporation would develop and operate the project itself rather than contract with an outside operator. The Board felt that this approach would enable the Tribe to retain control of the project and save a substantial amount in management fees. SMDC has decided to enter into a consulting agreement with Little Six Consulting, Inc., a tribal corporation owned by the Shakopee Mdewakanton Dakota Community, located in Prior Lake, Minnesota. Little Six Inc. is the parent company, and operates Mystic Lake, one of the largest and most successful gaming facilities in the United States. Little Six is an extremely sophisticated business operation with more the 2,800 employees. SMDC is confident that Little Six can provide the expertise and guidance to ensure that the Tribe's facility will be one of the finest of its kind. A negotiating team consisting of Mark Mercier and Kathryn Harrison, Council Members, Tribal Attorney Michael Mason, and Bruce Thomas, SMDC new General Manager, have negotiated the terms of a compact with Governor Roberts that will allow the Tribe to operate a first class facility while providing the state with assurances that the Tribe's operation will be consistent with the state's goals. The Tribe's negotiations with Governor Roberts were very positive and were concluded in an extremely short period of time. Both sides are satisfied with the result of the negotiations. t ft -i Working for the Tribe's future: SMDC General Manager Bruce Tltomas, Chris Leno and Tammy Cook SMDC expects that the compact will be signed within the next few weeks. At the time that SMDC was interviewing management companies and consultants, it began working with an architect on the design of the facility. While SMDC has not yet selected a final design, it anticipates that the project will consist of a large gaming facility with a 1,000 seat bingo hall, video game section, a gourmet buffet restaurant, a convention hall, and administrative offices. The facility may also include a daycare center for guests, a video arcade, and retail operations. Ultimately, the project may be developed as a destination resort, with a hotel, RV park, and other attractions. Both the interior and exterior of the facility will reflect the Tribe's culture and history. SMDC is currently investigating the possibility of a cultural study to develop and preserve more of the Tribe's history and culture. Tammy Cook of SMDC staff intends to work with Kathryn Harrison, Merle Holmes, and others to coordinate the project. They will attempt to obtain funding for the project and to obtain assistance from local universities in conducting the study. They will need the participation and assistance of tribal members, particularly tribal elders, in completing this project. SMDC is immediately beginning its efforts to identify items and information. If you possess any items of cultural or historical interest, including artifacts, photographs or other items, Tammy requests that you call (879-235 1) or come by the corporate office. SMDC is also interested in collecting any written documents (e.g., books, letters, journals)or other information concerning tribal history and culture. Chris Leno of SMDC staff, Mike and Ed Larsen, Kathryn Harrison and Candy Robertson are serving on a committee to provide accurate information concerning the project to the local community. SMDC and the Tribe want to make sure as much information as possible is made available to community members in order for them to appreciate and understand the positive impact this project will have on the local economy and the Tribe. Chris invites all interested parties to call himat 879-2352. Other members of the committee can be reached at 879-52 1 1. SMDC and Tribal Council believe that the gaming facility and related development represents an incredible opportunity for the Tribe to enhance its standing in the continued on page 8