Convention explores how tribal gaming has helped Tulalip

TULALIP, Wash. — Tulalip tribal member Toni Jo Gobin showcased Hawaiian-style crownless papale hats woven from cedar wood — traditional to the Coast Salish people — at the Native Hawaiian Convention held on Tulalip Tribes land.

Gobin, who is of Tulalip and Hawaiian descent, told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser on Oct. 6 that she began crafting the fusion hats while attending the University of Hawaii at Hilo, where her education was funded by the Tulalip Tribes.

“I wouldn’t have been able to go to college or do all the things that I’ve done without the help of my tribe and without gaming,” said Gobin, niece of Tulalip Tribes Chair Teri Gobin.

The 22,000-acre Tulalip Reservation reflects prosperity and cultural preservation, with over half its land in federal trust. The tribe, now one of the county’s largest employers, has leveraged gaming to achieve economic sovereignty and improve residents’ quality of life.

“Gaming has been what we call the cash cow,” said Teri Gobin.

Beyond its casinos and bingo hall, the tribe’s business interests include retail, pharmacy, broadband and network services, an amphitheatre, and a cannabis dispensary. Quil Ceda Village, the only federally recognized city outside Washington, D.C., also generates revenue.

The Tulalip Tribes bought land on the Interstate 5 corridor for future economic development. It also has put land in trust to preserve treaty rights to gather, fish and hunt.

“We continue to buy our land back,” Gobin said.

The Tulalip Tribes is in conversation with the Marysville School District to purchase a campus that includes an elementary school, two middle schools and three high schools, she added.

Hawaii and Utah remain the only states with a total ban on gambling, though the issue resurfaces annually in the Legislature. So far, efforts to legalize gaming — even for Native Hawaiians — have failed due to strong opposition.

Kuhio Lewis, Hawaiian Council CEO, told the Star-Advertiser, “We are watching the landscape of gaming closely. Obviously if gaming is going to come, we want to be at the table. I was surprised at how close it got last year.”

Experts tackled the opportunities and challenges of legalizing gambling in Hawaii during a panel Wednesday at the convention. Tyler Gomes, chief administrator of Kilohana and former deputy director of the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, moderated the panel, where he talked about DHHL’s failed effort to get state lawmakers to approve a casino resort to pay for housing for beneficiaries.

Brandon Maka‘awa‘awa of the Nation of Hawai‘i expressed concerns about past gambling bills, saying they lacked provisions for Native Hawaiians. “There would be social ills, there are always social ills. But our people need an economic boost,” he said.

Anthony A. Marnell III, CEO of Marnell Companies, said his team has met with Hawaii state officials and legislators and sees potential for a casino on Maui and up to three casinos on Oahu, in places like Waikiki, Ko Olina and the stadium.

Teri Gobin said the Tulalip Tribes or other tribes might explore partnerships if Hawaii opens to gaming or recreational cannabis. “People would love to jump on that. It would probably be easy to fund,” she said.

Gaming proceeds in Tulalip have supported services and facilities including a youth center, senior center, marina and the 23,000-square-foot Hibulb Cultural Center. The tribe also prioritizes conservation and cultural values.

Ryan Miller, Tulalip Tribes board member, said “everything you’ve seen on the reservation is a product of the hard work and sacrifice of our elders and gaming opportunities.”

In the 1980s, Miller said unemployment was up to 70%, and most households relied on welfare. The 1988 Indian Gaming Regulatory Act opened the door to economic recovery, he said.

Today, Tulalip issues monthly per capita payments to eligible members, with a portion of youth shares placed in trust, Miller said. He added that only about 7% to 10% of the community’s operations are paid for by federal money related to its federal recognition status.

Mytyl Hernandez, manager of the Hibulb Cultural Center, said children can receive up to $4,000 annually for youth activities. Gaming also funds language and cultural programs.

“From a young age, we are taught to walk in two worlds,” Hernandez said.
Source: The Garden Island