20/07/2002
Indian Gaming Conference: casinos' contribution to society
Northwest Indian Gaming Conference and Expo, is an annual meeting held to discuss issues of gaming industry.
In 1973, Nooksack tribal leaders promissed their members to build a community center. Today, after 29 years the promiss is about to be fulfilled. Thanks to casino profits, the center will be built in the near future. Whatcom Country tribe is also building a Head Start facility and convinience store, and bying back lands taken from it years ago.
In 1998, Fderal legislation allowed tribes to operate casinos under compacts with status. Convention speakers mentioned the contribution of Indian casinos to society and quality of life. They provide jobs and management carreers for tribal members, infuse cash into tribal and local governments and finance social programs.
A study of 11 Washington tribes conducted by Evergreen State College professor, concentrates on the casinos' impact. It concludes the casinos increase tribal members income and employment rates. Casinos' contribution, though, is not stricked to the Indian society. Casinos also benefit non-Native emplyees and local governments.
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