In a recent government meeting, discussions centered around the federal recognition and gaming compact for a tribe with ancestral ties to Death Valley. The tribe has successfully navigated a complex history to achieve federal recognition and has recently had land taken into trust for gaming purposes near Ridgecrest, California. This development marks a significant step forward, allowing the tribe to initiate gaming operations for the first time.

The compact, which mirrors a previous agreement with another tribe, permits the tribe to operate up to 1,200 gaming devices. It includes standard regulatory terms, such as patron and worker protections, and notably does not require local mitigation or revenue sharing, provided the tribe maintains a limited gaming operation below 350 devices.

George Golson, the tribe's Secretary Treasurer, expressed enthusiasm about the compact, emphasizing its potential to generate revenue that will support essential services such as public safety, education, and healthcare. He highlighted the importance of the gaming project as a foundation for broader economic development and revitalization in the region, which is expected to create new employment opportunities in Kern and Inyo counties.

The meeting concluded with a call for support from committee members, reflecting a collaborative spirit between the tribe and local government entities. The tribe's leadership expressed gratitude for the ongoing partnership and the positive impact the gaming facility is anticipated to have on the local economy.