he Cowlitz Tribe has entered into a partnership with The Mohegan Indian Tribe to develop our 152-acre property at La Center's I-5 interchange.

The Mohegans are uniquely positioned to help the Cowlitz Tribe succeed in creating a regional amenity that will also benefit the Tribe. Like the Cowlitz, the Mohegans struggled for many decades to attain federal recognition and reservation rights, finally gaining recognition in 1994. The tribe is similar in size to the Cowlitz.

In 1996, the Mohegans opened the Mohegan Sun casino and resort in Uncasville, Connecticut. They have established a stellar track record both as business managers and corporate citizens — working to inform their neighbors and bring benefits to their region.

In 2001, for example, the Mohegans began thinking about their future water needs. Instead of devising a solution only for the Tribe, they brought together a coalition of leaders and planners from neighboring communities and coordinated the development of a long-term water management plan to ensure the region has plentiful water for decades to come.

Today, the Mohegans are engaging in partnerships with other Tribes to share what they have learned in business and while working in cooperation with their neighbors.