The federally recognized Koi Nation of Northern California and the Chickasaw Nation of Oklahoma recently announced a predevelopment agreement for the Chickasaw subsidiary Global Gaming Solutions to develop and operate the Koi’s planned Shiloh Casino & Resort near Windsor.
The facility will include 2,500 Class III gaming machines, a 200-room hotel, six restaurants, meeting space and a spa. When fully operational, the venue will provide more than 1,100 jobs.
Koi Vice Chair and Director of Development Dino Beltran said, “We are honored to build this important business relationship with our brothers and sisters of the Chickasaw Nation, one of the most experienced Native American tribes in the gaming industry. Not only does the Chickasaw Nation have great expertise in gaming and resorts, but they also share the same values as the Koi Nation.
“Chickasaw leaders understand the importance of this project to the restoration of our economic self-reliance because they have walked the same path many times in support of their own people’s future.”
Beltran said the tribe was “courted by quite a few” tribes interested in partnering on the Shiloh project, which the Koi would not have been able to develop on its own. “I think at the end of day, it’s probably a matter of means to help us get through the process. And we had limitations there.”
Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby stated, “The Chickasaw Nation is pleased to play a role in this project, and we look forward to a successful collaboration. The prosperity of our citizens and a commitment to working together with our partners in the Koi Nation, as well as local, state and community officials are key components to our mission. We look forward to witnessing new jobs, additional businesses and increased tourism to this region.”
The Koi Nation, a distinct band of Pomo Indians with roots in Lake and Sonoma counties, bought the 68-acre Shiloh tract for $12.3 million last September. Area residents and the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, owners of the Graton Casino & Resort in Rohnert Park, immediately opposed it. Recently, Graton Tribal Chairman Greg Sarris called the Shiloh proposal “an egregious attempt at reservation shopping outside the Koi Nation’s traditional territory and within the territory of other federally recognized tribes.”
Beltran said Koi tribal leaders have had little communication with local political leaders since the casino-resort was announced in September. He stated many residents have been misinformed about it. “I don’t know where people get these theories. One very popular thing that has been stated from the public is that we had a Las Vegas backer. We’ve never even spoken to a Las Vegas interest. And they think the developer is getting all the money. That’s just not true,” Beltran said.
The Chickasaw Nation, based in Ada, Oklahoma, operates about 200 business ventures including 23 gaming establishments. The tribe’s Winstar World Casino and Resort in Thackerville, Oklahoma is considered the world’s largest casino.
