SPALDING, Idaho – More than 100 people attended the long-awaited grand opening of the hotel at Clearwater River Casino and Resort April 27.
”It is truly a pleasure to have all of you join us today for the Grand Opening of our new hotel,” Nez Perce tribal chairman Rebecca Miles commented as reported in Ta’c Tito’ogan, the tribal newspaper. ”Today is significant because it far transcends what stands before you. As you look around at the new facility, it is important to remember that this structure and the concept represent the decade-long dreams of the Nez Perce Tribe and its membership; the dream of economic self-sufficiency as a nation.”
Ground-breaking had occurr-ed for both the hotel and adjoining casino back in September 2005, so it had seemed like a long time to completion.
”We’re happy to finally have it open and operating,” enterprise Executive Director Yvonne Oberly commented. The casino portion of the structure was completed earlier and opened in September 2006.
”As I look around and see the pictures of Chief Joseph, it reminds me of how far we have come as a tribe and how we have survived as a people,” Miles continued during the opening ceremony. ”About this time over 150 years ago, our ancestors gathered with the U.S. government to negotiate the 1855 Treaty. We remember our ancestors today and those who have come before and laid the groundwork so we could progress. We, as a tribe, have seen the darkest of times and yet continued to stand tall. So on this day, there is much cause for celebration.”
Many tribal members, turned out for the opening. ”We had refreshments and gave away grand opening T-shirts,” Oberly said. ”It was good. A lot of people are pleased. I think they had anticipated good and they’re pleased with what they saw.”
The response from the public has also been positive. The 50-room, two-story hotel was sold out all three days of the second weekend it was open and was full the following weekend as well.
”It’s impressive when you drive by,” Oberly commented. ”It’s a structure that blends into the natural beauty of the land. I think it worked out very well for us.”
The hotel sits alongside Highway 95 between Lewiston and Spalding. The Clearwater River flows parallel to the highway and Sleeping Chief Mountain forms the backdrop across the river.
Michelle Pinkham, lead customer service representative, commented that of the 24 people presently employed, most are tribal members.
”The artwork and floor patterns are all Nez Perce-drawn. We’re trying to get as much Nez Perce art into the building as we can,” she said. ”The rooms each have a different picture associated with them in the hall and all are historical pictures from the museum.” Even the furniture is covered with Nez Perce-designed material. Pinkham also noted that the swimming pool, at 20 by 40 feet, is the largest indoor pool in the valley.
The former temporary gaming facility was housed in a massive tent, or yurt-like structure. It has now been converted into an events center and can seat about 600 people. It hosted its first event on May 11 when an evening of boxing featured five matches with American Indian boxers involved in each fight. The matches were televised for a later national telecast on FOX Sports. Several conventions have also already booked the event center, which is adjacent to the new casino and Clearwater River Resort.
