After the Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians determined to move ahead with a temporary casino in Vallejo regardless of authorized obstacles, a Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation spokesperson responded to the transfer.
Plans by the Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians to open a on line casino within the metropolis of Vallejo had been met with opposition in March 2025, when the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation and the Kletsel Dehe Nation filed a joint lawsuit blocking the move. They argued that the land sits on Patwin ancestral territory and that the Bureau of Indian Affairs ought to have correctly consulted them earlier than shifting forward with the plans.
The battle continues
That didn’t cease the Scotts Valley Band from shifting ahead with the plans as soon as once more on the finish of final yr, with a doable opening date as quickly as this month. A spokesperson from the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation informed ReadWrite that the choice is “deeply hurtful” and a “short-term money seize”.
“Regardless of repeatedly telling the Metropolis of Vallejo and the general public that it was shifting ahead with a authorities heart, Scotts Valley has determined to blatantly ignore warnings from each the Division of the Inside and the court docket and transfer ahead with a ‘preview on line casino’ whereas its gaming eligibility is underneath evaluation by the federal authorities,” mentioned Chairman Anthony Roberts.
“The Metropolis of Vallejo can be ill-served to offer scarce metropolis providers to facilitate this irresponsible growth which may be defunct in solely a months’ time.
“Past the authorized uncertainty, this transfer is deeply hurtful to Patwin folks, who’ve deep ancestral and cultural ties to this land. It treats our historical past, our sovereignty, and our lived connection to this place as an impediment to be brushed apart for a short-term money seize.”
According to the Instances-Herald, Scotts Valley Chairman Shawn Davis mentioned: “We’re shifting ahead regardless of the deceptive opposition from a small handful of grasping on line casino operators led by Cache Creek.”
The short-term on line casino can be in place till the US Department of the Interior reviews its earlier approval of the challenge, which was issued on January 10, 2025. It’s unclear how lengthy this course of may take.
Featured picture: Canva / Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation
The submit Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation calls temporary Vallejo casino ‘deeply hurtful to Patwin people’ appeared first on ReadWrite.
