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As you all have seen, the Hidden Oaks Casino and Restaurant is almost complete. We hope to
open in July, beginning with a private Grand Opening for our Community. We have made a
capital investment in the casino, but are confident that the casino will turn a profit and generate
many jobs for our citizens. We have already hired Tribal members to help construct and manage
the casino, and to serve as our Tribal Gaming Commission.
I am proud of our new Interim Casino General Manager, Donna Whipple. I am proud of our
Gaming Commissioners, Cindy Hoaglen and Sonda Whipple. These people are all working hard
to make the casino a success, and I thank them for their efforts and for their positive attitudes.
Once the casino is up and running and bringing in revenues for our government, we will focus on
further developing our Tribal economy. On the horizon, I see us building a convenience store,
hotel, gas station, car wash, laundromat, bank, and whatever else we set our minds and hearts
to. We are building our own town, and I know we will succeed.
We have received a grant to pay for a feasibility study for an RV park and campground, which will
further develop and improve Hidden Oaks Park and the softball diamonds. With our gift shop,
casino, restaurant, and RV park and campground, we are just beginning to create a reason for
people to come, stay and spend their money in the Valley.
Thirdly, we are seeking reparations for the harms that have been done to our people since 1856.
In December we joined 103 other tribes in suing the United States for mismanagement of tribal
truss assets.
As you know, Round Valley lands have been leased to non-Indians by the federal government for
grazing, farming, gravel extraction, timber harvesting and rights of way.
The federal government was supposed to collect and manage those monies on behalf of the
tribe, but they never did. An expert from Washington DC who we are working with estimates that
for only a 20 year period -- 1972-1992 -- the federal government mismanaged RVIT's account to
the tune of $14 million. And that does not include what could be owed to us dating back to 1856,
or from 1992 to the present. Last week, the Tribal Council met with attorneys for the United
States in Healdsburg to talk about settlement of the mismanagement claims. We hope to resolve
the lawsuit against the U.S. peacefully but we are not afraid to fight them in court if necessary.
We are also evaluating Tribal and Tribal member land claims against the non-Indians who have
come into our Valley since 1856 and stolen our lands. This project is still in the research state,
but we are moving ahead as we obtain more information.
We are working closely with the Dry Creek Rancheria/River Rock Casino on a gravel operation
and on a bottled water sales project. Other activities and programs we are working on include:
logging, fire crews, border patrols (Rangers), and a TANF program (Tribal Aid to Needy Families).
Councilman Steve Brown is the point person for the TANF Program, assisted by Council Member
Bertha Gonzales.
So, again, our current focus as Council is threefold: (1) strengthening our sovereignty; (2)
economic development and job creation; and (3) pursuing monetary amends for the historical
harm that has been done to us. We are working hard to make Round Valley a better place for our
citizens, and it is our honor and responsibility to do so. I would like to close by honoring all of the
people who are committed to the success of the Tribe. I thank them for their efforts on behalf of
the community, their service to the Council, and for their dedication to their jobs.
I would like to personally recognize each of my fellow Tribal Council members for everything they
are doing for the People. We sometimes do not see eye to eye. But we are family and we all
want what is best for our community.
Finally, I would like to thank the citizens of Round Valley for the opportunity to lead, and be of
service to, the People. I look forward to seeing you all at the next meeting.
Sincerely,
Eugene W. Jamison, President
Round Valley Indian Tribes.
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