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Casino tribes give back to community

WASHINGTON, DC – As reported by the Battle Creek Enquirer: "Just over two decades ago, the Morongo Band of Mission Indians were so poor that nine out of 10 tribe members did not have jobs and many were on welfare.

"Today, the 1,000-member Southern California tribe runs one of the most successful casinos in the country, raking in enough money from gaming operations to provide a little welfare of its own. The tribe donates about $2 million a year to charity. And not one tribe member lives off the public dole.

"…Giving has historically been a major part of native cultures. But the economic prosperity casinos have brought to dozens of American Indian tribes has dramatically altered the philanthropic landscape across Indian country.

"Indian gaming generated about $22.6 billion in gross revenues last year, about 16 percent more than 2004, according to a new report by the National Indian Gaming Association.

"Tribes are sharing that wealth, the report shows, giving more than $150 million a year to charitable causes, contributing to nonprofits, universities, museums and other organizations.

"…In 2005, Indian tribes donated more than $5 million to help victims of Hurricane Katrina and other storms…"

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