December 23, 2010

The Department of the Interior announced today that it will approve the Cowlitz Tribe's application to take land into trust and establish a Reservation for the Tribe in Clark County Washington. "This is a momentous day for the Cowlitz Tribe and an enormous step forward in our eight year effort to re-establish our homeland for the Cowlitz people" said Tribal Chairman Bill Iyall. "We are excited to reach this critical point. This decision will finally allow us to provide real economic opportunity for our members and will bring thousands of jobs to Clark County. "

"We really appreciate the leadership shown by the Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs and the Solicitor's office in stepping up and dealing with the difficult issues surrounding fee to trust decisions for recently recognized and landless tribes like the Cowlitz." Iyall said.

The Cowlitz Tribe has been landless since its land was taken by the federal government in the 1860's. The Tribe's plans for the land include tribal offices, senior housing and economic development. "The Tribe is deeply thankful to our partners, the Mohegan Tribe of Connecticut and Dave Barnett, for supporting us on this long and difficult journey. We look forward to working with them, as well as the local governments and community leaders in Clark County, as we develop a premier resort development." The Tribe first applied for the land in 2002.