The Koi Nation has obtained federal approval for a land trust application in Sonoma County, Windsor, California.
For the past three years the federally recognized tribe, Koi Nation, has been navigating the legal carousels it takes to get sacred land recognized by the federal government. While they already have land that is “in trust”, the Koi Nation wants to expand their land to include some acreage in Sonoma County.
Koi Nation is one of the few recognized tribes in the state that does not own one of the 18+ California casinos. The tribe argues that where their land sits there is no reason to have a casino as it would not attract enough business. To overcome the landscape obstacle, the Koi Nation has bought property in Sonoma County and has submitted plans to build a $700 million-dollar casino resort. The casino is set to feature 2,500 slot machines, table games, six restaurants, and a 400 room hotel.
Darin Beltran, chairman of the Koi Nation Tribal Council, stated “The Koi Nation has been afforded for the first time in over a century a real opportunity to build a sovereign land base that will provide economic development, self-governance, and a bright future for current and future generations of our tribal citizens.” Beltran also stated, “The government’s approval fills our hearts with promise and hope.”
Opponents to the casino project are expected to put up a legal fight and with a new administration set fourth on reversing everything Biden, many expect this recent ruling could get reversed.
Local California Casinos
There are currently more that 75 local California casinos all owned and operated by federally recognized tribes. Each casino is located on a reservation, and only a few are close to big metropolitan areas. In Sonoma County there are already two other tribal gaming facilities in what is referred to as wine country.
If the Koi Nation does get their way many fear the trend will continue with other tribes looking to purchase land and build casinos closer to tourist areas. California Governor Gavin Newsome has cleared the way for tribes to sue the state over card rooms they claim are in violation of the state’s compact but has fell short in supporting other casino initiatives.
Koi Nations History In Sonoma County
The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) requires tribes to establish a historical connection to lands acquired for gaming before the federal government will place those lands into trust. The Nation claims their people have occupied the Sonoma County area for thousands of years.