What does an Indian tribe do with $18 million of casino profit? Well, if you're one of the 390 members of the Kalispel nation you build a hospital. The Camas Center for Community Wellness is a sprawling 7700 square foot establishing on a tiny reservation along the Pend Oreille River in Northwest Washington. The Center was paid for with profits from the tribes Northern Quest Casino just outside of Spokane. With the Senate currently debating an Indian Health Bill, the time is right for Indian nations who can to demonstrate some of their self-determination. Don't wait for the feds to pass a new bill, if the casino profits are there, use them and rid yourself of the IHS. I understand that the federal government is responsible for medical care--the promise of many a broken treaty. However, in the current political climate Indian tribes are likely to be left on the outside of this new bill. Many conservative senators are opposing the entire bill based solely on a few partisan issues--abortion, for example.
Some tribes lack access to casino wealth. These tribes will be forced to live with the IHS or seek health care elsewhere--with 42 millions Americans lacking this possibility, what the chances? If the IHS is the last best hope in health care for many tribes then the Senate needs to fully fund the current bill. Those nations who can provide for themselves, likely should see this as an opportunity.
