YUROK TRIBAL MEMBERS VOTE ON HOW TO SPEND LAWSUIT SETTLEMENT: CASINO POSSIBLE

KLAMATH, CA- $27.5 million has been awarded to the Yurok tribe from the federal government. Its part of a class action suit involving trust mismanagement claims against the United States. As to how the funds will be distributed, that’s up the Yurok tribal members. The ballots are being printed and will be distributed next week. Tribal members will have the chance to vote on a proposal to build a resort/casino. Thomas O’Rourke, the Chairman for the Yurok Tribe told us, As the Chairman this thought ways on him heavily. He adds, "Dollars are getting harder to come by for funding departments for funding the needs of our people."He says the answer is to spend 37 percent of the settlement on a resort/casino. O’Rourke said, "We need to think about not only today but about tomorrow, and the day after it. On into our future generations."He tells us self-sufficiency is what this proposal is all about. He added, "We need to learn to stand on our own and provide for our own needs and our own people."If the proposal passes members of the Yurok Tribe will receive 63 percent of the settlement. Some tribe members will receive almost $5,000. O’Rourke added, "Hopefully we will be able to provide per capita for the people and be able to invest in the future of our tribe. He says the revenue from the casino will benefit the tribe directly, and help establish programs. Voting will be conducted by mail only and all ballots must be received in the Klamath post office by February 20th