EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. (December 1, 2023) – In a landmark initiative, the Red Hawk Resort and Casino is embarking on a transformative journey, building homes for members of the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians. This monumental undertaking is a testament to the casino’s commitment, pledging 100% of its profits to uplift the tribe. After 15 years of unwavering dedication, the casino has amassed the resources necessary to provide tribal members with their own land.
Among the fortunate recipients is Tribal Vice Chair Malissa Tayaba, who expressed her excitement, stating,
“I left when I was 18, so I am just returning. I finally got my piece of land, and I’ve been waiting for it my whole life. It’s super exciting.”
Beyond the construction of homes, the project aspires to build futures. Tayaba shared,
“It means a lot to be able to bring tribal members home, but also building them a home they are going to be in for the rest of their life and generations after that. So, it’s just a treat all the way around.”
Crucially, the tribe is subsidizing 90% of the cost of these homes, ensuring accessibility for its members. Camille Williams, a mother of three who grew up on the land, expressed the significance of this endeavor, saying,
“With generational trauma, I’m the first homeowner in my family. Being able to grow my family on the reservation where my mother brought me home to is very heartwarming.”
Looking ahead, plans include the development of an elder village featuring individual cabins. Tayaba emphasized the importance of honoring elders, stating,
“We would have nothing without our elders, and none of this is for free. Everything we are receiving is off the backs of our grandmothers, and we hold our elders very, very high.”
The Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians, consisting of 500 members, has set a commendable goal – to provide a home for every tribal member. This initiative not only addresses immediate housing needs but also lays the foundation for a thriving community for generations to come.
Camille Williams highlighted the long-term impact, noting,
“We have a plethora of tribal children, and that is our future. So, we invest and want to grow them and give them the best opportunities we possibly can now that we are able to.”
The Red Hawk Resort and Casino’s commitment to community development is not only a source of hope for the present but is also crafting a winning legacy for the future generations of the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians.
