Cachil Dehe Band sees turnaround thanks to Indian gaming

Monday, June 10, 2013  

The Cachil Dehe Band of Wintun Indians, also known as the Colusa Indian Community, has seen its fortunes change thanks to Indian gaming.

Before the tribe opened its bingo hall in 1986, diabetes and poverty were rampant among its members. All depended on welfare and few lived beyond their 50s.

Two decades and a casino later, no one is on welfare and only one member suffers from diabetes. The tribe is using gaming profits to invest in land, education, health, cultural and other programs.

"We're trying to get back to our roots and let everything replenish itself – our plants, deer, pheasants," Vice Chair Hazel Longmire told The Sacramento Bee.

The tribe has 30 adult members.

Get the Story:
In Colusa, a tribe uses gambling to reclaim its culture (The Sacramento Bee 6/8)