While visiting the Colville Indian Reservation for the grand opening of the housing authority’s third Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) project, we couldn’t pass up the chance to see the newly finished tribal government building in Nespelem, WA. Chaitna Sinha, an attorney for the tribes, took on the additional role of a tour guide. (Thanks, Chaitna!)

The Confederated Tribes of the Colville Indian Reservation are governed by the Colville Business Council, from its administrative headquarters located at the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Agency at Nespelem, the Colville Business Council oversees a diverse, multi-million dollar administration that employees from 800 to 1200 individuals in. Colville Casinos Colville Fuels Fishing & Hunting Permits Grand Coulee Dam Lake Roosevelt Omak Stampede Reservation Lodging Rainbow Beach Resort Parks & Recreation Pass & Road Conditions Retail Division Tribal Tribune.

Here’s a little background — in the past, tribal departments provided services out of cramped and inadequate buildings spread out across the reservation. In 2013, a fire destroyed the tribes’ administration building as plans were being made for a new building. Travois New Markets helped connect the tribes with New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) allocation to complete the financing plan and make construction possible.

The new government building is a beautiful, energy-efficient landmark building that brings together many of the different services the tribes offer — health care, education, employment and other services — all in one location.

The new building is really cool. The surrounding forests are essential to the tribes’ culture and economy, and they are represented in the beautiful woodwork throughout the design. I especially liked the river feature that is built into the floor and models the Columbia River, which runs along the reservation’s border.

The building is full of offices and conference rooms. We also saw a ballroom for community meetings, a tribal council chamber, a full kitchen for a tribal small business owner, a post office, a lab for the fish and wildlife department and much more.

As we toured the building, tribal employees shared their experiences about being more efficient in the new space – saving time and therefore, money!

Congratulations on the new headquarters!

Check out the photos of our tour.

Facilities will adhere to stringent health and safety measures

Information released by Colville12 Tribes Casinos

The Colville Business Council and the Colville Tribal Federal Corporation (CTFC) Board of Directors approved a re-opening date for all three 12 Tribes Colville Casinos properties of Tuesday, May 5, 2020.

“We will continue to keep our top priority the health, safety, and well-being of our team members, valued guests, and communities,” said CTFC Chief Executive Officer, Kary Nichols. “Throughout this pandemic, we have relied on facts to help guide our decisions.”

Each 12 Tribes Colville Casinos property: 12 Tribes Resort Casino in Omak, 12 Tribes Mill Bay Casino in Manson, and 12 Tribes Coulee Dam Casino in Coulee Dam, will start with a soft opening, with the following measures in place to ensure the health and safety of team members and guests;

• Daily hours of operation at all three properties will be 8AM-2AM

• All three properties will be deep cleaned nightly and throughout the day

Colville Indian Reservation Casino

• All players are voluntarily visiting the property at their own risk and will be required to sign a waiver along with signing up for a Player’s Advantage Club Card (if they do not already have one)

• Masks, gloves, and sanitizer will be supplied but patrons are encouraged to bring their own masks as there will be a limited supply available

• Temperatures will be taken prior to entering each property. Any person displaying a cough, shortness of breath, or other known symptoms of COVID-19 or a temperature above 100.0 degrees Fahrenheit will be asked to visit another time

• Patrons and staff will be given placards to promote social distancing at gaming machines

• Plexiglas has been installed in key locations across each property for patrons and employee safety

• Food and beverage venues will follow strict social distancing guidelines

• The hotel at 12 Tribes Resort Casino will open, while valet, the pool, hot tub, workout room, and Renew Spa will remain closed until further notice

• Table games at 12 Tribes Resort Casino and Mill Bay Casino, Camas Restaurant at 12 Tribes Resort Casino, and Crosswinds Restaurant will remain closed during the initial re-opening

• All entertainment events have been postponed, all 2020 Deep Water concerts have been canceled

• Team members will have extensive training on company policies and proper health protocols upon returning to work and will be required to wear mask until further notice.

“Our casinos are an essential tribal operation that helps support important government essential services,” said Colville Tribal Federal Corporation Chief Executive Officer, Kary Nichols. “This has been an impactful, but necessary closure that has affected our tribe, patrons, and team members, and we look forward to safely welcoming everyone back.”

12 Tribes Colville Casinos closed on March 17, 2020, six days before Washington State announced the, “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” Order.

Colville Tribes Casino Headquarters Omak Wa

More information regarding re-opening plans will be made available on 12 Tribes Colville Casino’s website at www.colvillecasinos.com/covid-19-prevention.