UPDATE: The Nez Perce Tribe held a pivotal community meeting on October 10, 2023, at the Red Wolf Golf Club in Clarkston, emphasizing their commitment to being the best neighbor to local governments and organizations. Elected officials from Asotin County, Clarkston, and Nez Perce County gathered for a two-hour session detailing the tribe’s significant contributions to the Lewiston-Clarkston Valley.
During the presentation, Chairperson Shannon Wheeler highlighted the tribe’s desire to collaborate with community leaders for mutual benefit. “When the tribe comes to town, we bring a lot to the community,” Wheeler stated, stressing the tribe’s role as the third-largest employer in the region, providing approximately 1,500 jobs.
The meeting showcased the tribe’s extensive past support of local schools and organizations, and its profound social, economic, and political impact on the region. The Nez Perce Tribe, home to more than 3,500 enrolled members, originally occupied parts of present-day Idaho, Oregon, and Washington, including the land where Red Wolf Golf Club stands.
“Our people have always maintained connections to these places,” said Nakia Williamson, manager of the tribe’s cultural resources program. “We want to create partnerships in good faith with no ulterior motives.”
The tribe purchased the Red Wolf Golf Club in 2019 and is currently seeking to place the land in trust. If successful, the club may soon feature sports betting and card games. Additionally, the tribe has acquired the former Umpqua Bank on Diagonal Street in downtown Clarkston, though no gaming activities are planned for that site, according to Nikoli Greene, executive officer of Nez Perce Tribal Enterprises. The property has been cleaned, but future usage remains unannounced.
At the conclusion of the meeting, elected officials introduced themselves, expressing appreciation for the insights shared. “We won’t always agree on everything, but we can always work together,” noted Asotin County Commissioner Brian Shinn, underscoring the importance of collaboration.
As discussions continue, the Nez Perce Tribe aims to enhance its partnerships with local communities, asserting that collective strength leads to a more vibrant region. The tribe’s outreach and initiatives signal a commitment to community well-being and economic growth.
Stay tuned for further developments as the Nez Perce Tribe continues to foster relationships within the Lewiston-Clarkston Valley.
