Tribes turn to tourism for jobs

The Associated Press

YAKIMA — Business has grown so rapidly at Legends casino that the Yakama Nation is building a $5 million events center next door and talking about the possibility of adding a hotel.

"It’s been bigger than we thought," said Shawn Haggerty, entertainment coordinator for the Toppenish casino, which opened in 1998 and attracted 1.2 million visitors last year.

The Yakama tribe also hired a tourism coordinator as part of its economic development program, one of several tribes in the state interested in bringing more visitor dollars to the reservation.

Statewide, tourism is a $10.6 billion industry.

The Governor’s Office of Indian Affairs and the state Office of Trade and Economic Development on Friday released their first assessment of tribal tourism, part of what Gov. Gary Locke called his goal to "create real jobs in Indian country."

The yearlong project involved interviews with representatives of 27 of the state’s tribes. It found that 18 tribes are actively involved in the tourism industry.

But only six tribes — the Colville, Yakama, Tulalip, Jamestown S’Klallam, Muckleshoot and Makah — have specific tourism development groups.

Many tribes have struggled to develop visitor opportunities because of a lack of planning and infrastructure, the study found. And several tribes said they would like to promote annual gatherings and festivals along with resorts, cultural centers and other attractions.

"Tourism can bring additional revenues to tribes, surrounding communities and the state," said Walter Jackson, director of the Quileute Tribe and chairman of the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians economic development and tourism subcommittee.

"Through continued and improved cooperative efforts, the tribes and the state of Washington can build a stronger economy."

The Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians has won a $300,000 grant from the Administration for Native Americans that it will use to produce an intertribal tourism conference next year, along with a tourism Web site and a travel guide to the state’s tribal attractions.

The Makah Nation on the Olympic Peninsula, for example, has renovated the Cape Flattery trail to attract sightseers. In central Washington, the Yakama Nation’s cultural center draws about 2,000 visitors a month.

In Western Washington, the Tulalip Tribes have an annual longhouse ceremony that is open to the public, and the building itself is a model for historic tribal architecture.

In northeastern Washington, the Colville Confederated Tribes have boat rentals, cabins and other businesses along Lake Roosevelt.

"From the pristine beaches of the Olympic Peninsula to the rolling hills of the Palouse, tourism opportunities are abundant for Native American tribes in Washington state," Locke said.

The state’s 60-page assessment also provides ideas for tourism opportunities, information about the assistance needed to get such projects going, as well as barriers and concerns to tourism projects, and how individual tribes are currently using tourism for economic development.

Copyright ©2001 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Customers enter and exit the Costco on Dec. 2, 2022, in Lake Stevens. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Costco stores could be impacted by looming truck driver strike threat

Truck drivers who deliver groceries and produce to Costco warehouses… Continue reading

Two Washington State ferries pass along the route between Mukilteo and Clinton as scuba divers swim near the shore Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, in Mukilteo, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Ferry system increases ridership by a half million in 2024

Edmonds-Kingston route remains second-busiest route in the system.

Jasmine Donahue talks about being a place for people leave messages when looking for family members, friends or loved ones on the street on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett extends deadline for homeless service facing closure

Hope ‘N Wellness must now comply with city zoning laws by April 30. The organization is “grateful,” its owner said, but still hopes for a permanent solution.

New Greater Everett Chamber of Commerce CEO CEO Wendy Poischbeg speaks at a kick off event on Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘Everett Rising’: Wednesday’s chamber luncheon to showcase a new era of growth.

The Greater Everett Chamber of Commerce is beginning its efforts… Continue reading

The Edmonds School District building on Friday, Feb. 14, 2025 in Lynnwood, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Edmonds School District faces estimated $8.5 million deficit

The shortfall is lower than previous years, but the effects are “cumulative,” Superintendent Rebecca Miner said.

Robin Cain with 50 of her marathon medals hanging on a display board she made with her father on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025 in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Running a marathon is hard. She ran one in every state.

Robin Cain, of Lake Stevens, is one of only a few thousand people to ever achieve the feat.

People line up to grab food at the Everett Recovery Cafe on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Coffee, meals and compassion are free at the Everett Recovery Cafe

The free, membership-based day center offers free coffee and meals and more importantly, camaraderie and recovery support.

Hundreds rally against Trump on Presidents Day in Everett

People lined Broadway with signs and flags, similar to other protests across the country.

The Everett Wastewater Treatment Plant along the Snohomish River on Thursday, June 16, 2022 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett water, sewer rates could jump 43% by 2028

The rate hikes would pay for improvements to the city’s sewer infrastructure.

The bond funded new track and field at Northshore Middle School on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024 in Bothell, Washington. (Courtesy of Northshore School District)
Northshore School District bond improvements underway

The $425 million bond is funding new track and field complexes, playgrounds and phase one of two school replacements.

Alina Langbehn, 6, center, and Vera A., 6, right, sit on a swing together at Drew Nielsen Neighborhood Park after school on Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett council votes to renovate Drew Nielsen Park

Construction on the $345,000 upgrade could start as early as this fall.

Northshore School District bus driver Stewart O’Leary pictured next to his buses shattered drivers side windshield on Friday, Feb. 14, 2025 in Bothell, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘Put me in, coach’: Bus driver back at work after struck by metal bar

Stewart O’Leary, a Northshore employee, has received national attention for his composure during a frightening bus trip.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.