For far too many years, Native Americans have suffered in silence going without essential services, which many take for granted. Most Native American communities suffer from high unemployment and low educational attainment, struggle with poor health care, must endure substandard housing, and are hampered economically by low income levels. In an effort to help fund these basic needs and improve the way of life for members, tribal governments across the country have explored various economic development projects. Time and again, that which has proven most successful at enabling tribes to take their rightful place as full participants in the economic and political life of America is gaming. Tribal gaming has not only given Indian community's jobs and opportunity, the cornerstone of hope and self-reliance, but also has restored pride and dignity.

Having seen firsthand the remarkable transformations Indian gaming has brought to other tribes, the Tribal Council of the Mechoopda Indian Tribe believed it was in the best interest of all members to pursue the development of a world-class gaming facility at Highway 99 and Highway 149 in Butte County.

The profits garnered from the gaming project will undoubtedly allow the Tribe to meet the housing, medical and cultural protection needs of its members. It will allow the Tribe to drastically reduce debt, fund youth and employment programs and academic scholarships. Finally, this generation of Mechoopda has hope and - for the first time in a century - the prospect of living better than their parents and grandparents.