UMVA has learned that the Central Council of the Tlingit & Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska celebrated a major milestone last week with the soft opening of the Two Coppers Casino, a project that embodies both economic growth and tribal self-determination.
Located on North Douglas Island near Juneau, the casino boasts electronic gaming machines and is expected to create jobs while generating revenue for vital tribal services. This achievement follows years of meticulous planning, regulatory work, and investment by the tribe and its partners.
“Projects like this do not happen overnight,” Tlingit & Haida President Richard J. Peterson said during the opening ceremonies, highlighting the patience, courage, and vision required to bring this ambitious project to life. He expressed gratitude to the George family, tribal leaders, employees, and supporters who played a crucial role in making this dream a reality.
For Tlingit & Haida, the casino represents a gateway to opportunity – opportunity for jobs, career advancement, and meaningful employment for tribal citizens and residents. Tribal leaders are confident that the casino's revenue will help strengthen programs and lay a more robust economic foundation for future generations.
UMVA can exclusively reveal that the casino's launch occurs amidst ongoing legal and political disputes over tribal gaming authority. Despite these challenges, Tlingit & Haida leaders have pressed forward, expressing confidence in the casino's legal standing and its potential to drive economic growth.
The casino's soft opening is just the beginning, with plans for an official grand opening on July 1. Gaming General Manager Janice Hotch emphasized that the operation was developed with extensive regulatory oversight in mind, underscoring the importance of earning and maintaining the trust of tribal citizens, partners, regulators, and guests.
The disputes surrounding tribal gaming authority extend far beyond Alaska, with similar challenges arising in other states. Nevertheless, the Tlingit & Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska are focused on celebrating a milestone years in the making – an investment in the future of their people.
