March 1, 2017
BROOKS, CA (March 1, 2017) – The Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation will create a new tribal entity to allocate a pool of funding to support the community and other causes. In its new Tribal-State Gaming Compact, signed in October with Governor Jerry Brown, the Tribe requested and received the ability to redirect a significant portion of the revenue normally sent to the state. These allocations will be utilized locally to address a range of causes and initiatives, including economic development and revitalization.
“This was a specific goal when we asked the Governor for this in our new compact,” said Yocha Dehe Tribal Chairman Leland Kinter. “We wanted to ensure our local community directly receives resources and benefits from gaming.”
The new tribal entity, which is yet to be named, will set priorities and establish procedures and guidelines for utilizing this funding. Once it is up and running, more information will be available at Yocha Dehe’s website: www.yochadehe.gov.
As this new tribal entity takes form, Yocha Dehe will resign from the Capay Valley Vision Board of Directors (CVV). The Tribe, in partnership with key community members, founded CVV in 2001 and has consistently supported the organization as a vehicle for improving the quality of life in the Capay Valley. Tribal leaders plan to continue to work closely with CVV to identify common community needs, priorities, goals and endeavors.
“The partnership and support of Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation for CVV since its founding has been critical to its success,” said Leo Refsland, Board Chair of CVV. “We thank the Tribe for its commitment to CVV and respect its concern about possible conflicts of interest going forward. We will continue to be close partners in building a stronger community.”
“Capay Valley Vision has been and continues to be an invaluable forum for open communication about important local issues,” added Chairman Kinter. “While our relationship may be changing, we will certainly continue to work together for the betterment of our shared valley.”