The Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria have expressed their support for California Governor Gavin Newsom's request to the U.S. Department of the Interior to halt new casino projects proposed by the Koi Nation of Northern California and the Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians. These projects are planned at sites outside of the tribes' aboriginal homelands, raising concerns about adherence to federal guidelines and local community impacts.
Governor Newsom's office highlighted that the proposed casino locations are significantly removed from the traditional territories of the Koi Nation and the Scotts Valley Band. The letter to Assistant Secretary Bryan Newland emphasized that the Department of the Interior has not adequately considered alternative sites within the tribes' Lake County homelands.
The Governor's office also voiced concerns that the Department of the Interior might be pushing the boundaries of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act to advance these projects, potentially bypassing state input and disregarding the concerns of other tribes and local residents.
Greg Sarris, Chairman of the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, stated, "The Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria appreciates Governor Newsom's support in protecting tribal sovereignty against Interior's unexplained rush to move these projects forward while ignoring the concerns of local tribes." He added that the projects could have severe impacts on the rights and cultural resources of tribes in the areas where the casinos are proposed.
Chairman Sarris called on Interior Secretary Deb Haaland to ensure that the Department of the Interior protects the interests of all tribes, reflecting broader concerns about the governance and oversight of tribal gaming operations.
