UPDATE: The Nez Perce Tribe is making headlines with a compelling initiative aimed at strengthening community ties in the Lewiston-Clarkston Valley. During a presentation at the Red Wolf Golf Club on October 25, 2023, tribal leaders, including Chairperson Shannon Wheeler, outlined their commitment to being the best neighbor possible, emphasizing collaboration with local governments.
Officials from Asotin County, Clarkston, and Nez Perce County attended the two-hour session, which highlighted the tribe’s significant contributions to local schools, organizations, and the economy. “When the tribe comes to town, we bring a lot to the community,” Wheeler stated. The Nez Perce Tribe is currently the third-largest employer in the region, providing around 1,500 jobs to local residents.
The tribe, which has more than 3,500 enrolled members, originally inhabited parts of present-day Idaho, Oregon, and Washington, including the land where the golf club is located. “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.”
In a significant move, the Nez Perce Tribe purchased the Red Wolf Golf Club in 2019 and is in the process of applying to place the land in trust. If successful, this could pave the way for introducing sports betting and card games at the venue. In addition, the tribe has acquired the former Umpqua Bank on Diagonal Street in downtown Clarkston, although no gaming activities are planned for that property, as confirmed by Nikoli Greene, executive officer of Nez Perce Tribal Enterprises.
Greene reassured attendees, saying, “We are stronger and more vibrant when we work together.” The session concluded with local officials expressing their appreciation for the tribe’s outreach and their desire for positive relationships moving forward. Asotin County Commissioner Brian Shinn noted, “We won’t always agree on everything, but we can always work together.”
This initiative highlights the Nez Perce Tribe’s ongoing efforts to foster collaboration and support in the region. As community leaders continue to engage with tribal representatives, all eyes will be on how these partnerships evolve and impact the local economy.
