Editorial: Colville Tribes realize dream with flagship casino

After a false start on another parcel south of the community center, the tribe settled on the current site. All in all, it’s a better choice than the first one, which was next to the often mosquito-plagued and flood-prone Okanogan River.

The 12 Tribes Resort and Casino sits on a bluff overlooking the valley, with expansive views north and south. And, as a destination site should be, it’s visible from miles away.

Tribal members and non-tribal visitors on ribbon-cutting day oohed and ahhed at the 56,000-square-foot facility. In the days that followed, informal reviews by visitors showed a few small glitches – an under-stocked bar and slightly frantic kitchen, for example – but these are expected from any facility as it works out initial-opening kinks and settles into a routine.

Indications from the facility’s promotional staff are that people are interested in the 12 Tribes’ gaming, banquet, entertainment and convention facilities. The buzz is strong throughout the region.

We wish the tribe well in its endeavor and hope that when the novelty wears off, the casino will settle into a good, solid economic presence for the area.