UPDATE: The Nez Perce Tribe held a pivotal presentation at the Red Wolf Golf Club in Clarkston this week, aiming to deepen community ties and showcase its contributions to the region. Local government officials from Asotin County, Clarkston, and Nez Perce County attended the two-hour session, emphasizing the tribe’s commitment to being a valuable neighbor.
Tribe Chairperson Shannon Wheeler highlighted the tribe’s significant role in the Lewiston-Clarkston Valley, stating, “When the tribe comes to town, we bring a lot to the community. We want to be the best neighbor you have.” The Nez Perce Tribe is the region’s third-largest employer, providing approximately 1,500 jobs to local residents.
The presentation detailed the tribe’s historical and ongoing contributions to local schools, cultural organizations, and the economy. Speakers emphasized the tribe’s profound social and political impact, along with its rich cultural resources and history as a sovereign nation. Nakia Williamson, manager of the cultural resources program, expressed the tribe’s desire to foster partnerships in good faith, stating, “Our people have always maintained connections to these places.”
The tribe purchased the Red Wolf Golf Club in 2019 and is currently applying to place the land into trust. If successful, this could lead to the introduction of sports betting and card games at the venue, significantly enhancing its recreational offerings. Additionally, the tribe has acquired the former Umpqua Bank located on Diagonal Street in downtown Clarkston, though no gaming activities are planned for this site.
Nikoli Greene, executive officer of Nez Perce Tribal Enterprises, highlighted the tribe’s commitment to community engagement, stating, “We are stronger and more vibrant when we work together.”
During the presentation, local officials expressed appreciation for the information shared and the desire for collaborative relationships with the tribe. Asotin County Commissioner Brian Shinn remarked, “We won’t always agree on everything, but we can always work together.”
As the Nez Perce Tribe continues to strengthen its role within the community, residents and officials alike are eager to explore the potential for future partnerships that benefit all parties involved.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story and the tribe’s initiatives to enhance cultural and economic ties in the region.
