Cahuilla Nation activism and the tribal casino movement

Document Type

Presentation

Publication Date

11-1-2018

Disciplines

Anthropology | Arts and Humanities | Gaming Law | Indigenous Studies | Law | Race, Ethnicity and Post-Colonial Studies | Social and Behavioral Sciences | Social and Cultural Anthropology

Abstract

In 1980, when the Cabazon Band first opened a small poker club on their Indian reservation in the isolated desert of California, they knew local authorities would challenge them. Cabazon persisted and ultimately won, defeating the State of California in a landmark case before the Supreme Court. By fighting for their right to operate a poker club, Cabazon opened up the possibility for native nations across the United States to open casinos on their own reservations, spurring the growth of what is now a $30 billion industry.

This talk tells the bigger story of how the Cahuilla nations—including the Cabazon—have used self-reliance and determination to maintain their culture and independence against threats past and present. From California’s first governor’s “war of extermination” against native peoples through today’s legal and political challenges, this presentation shows that successful responses have depended on the Cahuilla’s ability to challenge non-natives’ assumptions and misconceptions.

Comments

This presentation is based on Gordon's book, Cahuilla Nation Activism and the Tribal Casino Movement, which will be published in November 2018 by University of Nevada Press.

The slides for this presentation are not available.

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