Yakamas Hold Ceremony For New Casino

The Yakama Indian Nation held a symbolic groundbreaking ceremony Monday for a 45,000-square-foot casino expected to open next spring across the street from the tribe’s headquarters.

Tribal religious leader Fred Ike Sr. offered a benediction and sang in the tribe’s native language.

“Gaming is a traditional way of life for our Indian people,” Ike said. “This is nothing new to us, but we are here to give thanks to our creator for giving us the land for our way of life.”

The ceremony was held just in front of the tribe’s headquarters. The casino will be built across the street, but tribal leaders said the field there was too muddy for the ceremony.

The casino will initially have 31 tables for games such as blackjack, craps and roulette. It will also feature a 600-seat bingo hall.

The casino is expected to eventually employ 570 people. Gaming consultant Jim Gannarelli said initial hiring would begin in January with priority given to tribal members and their families.

Yakama Tribal Council Chairman Ross Sockzehigh said a nearby building on U.S. 97 that already bears a sign identifying it as a Yakama Indian Nation casino would not be used for that purpose.

“The initial planning effort called for a start-up right away. Those plans were shelved for the time being,” Sockzehigh said. He would not elaborate.

xxxx