PORT TOWNSEND — All W. Ron Allen wanted to do was play Indian basketball, so he asked the Jamestown S’Klallam tribal council for a “blue card.”
That was in the early 1970s when Jamestown S’Klallam was not a federally recognized tribe. Allen got drafted to help the tribe regain recognition.
Starting in 1974, Allen and The Strong People — the meaning of S’Klallam — worked for tribal status, finally gaining it in 1981.
From a land-less tribe in 1982, the S’Klallam have grown to one encompassing 1,000 acres and businesses generating $26 million annually.
Allen has served as the Tribal Council chairman since 1977 and now serves as the executive director of the tribe.
Under his leadership, the tribe has developed economic engines and social programs for its people, a process that is long-term and ongoing, Allen told the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce on Monday.
The economic resurgence that is embodied in the Longhouse Market and Deli, the 7 Cedars Casino and the Cedars at Dungeness golf course will continue through new projects, Allen said.
Development plans include a 600-vehicle parking garage and the expansion of the casino at Blyn, additional fuel islands to accommodate semi-trucks at the Longhouse and, eventually, a large convention center to attract more visitors to the region.
Allen even wanted to build a totem pole taller than the famous one in Victoria but was dissuaded from the effort because it would cost far too much in money and cedar.
That malleability has helped the Jamestown S’Klallam adjust its planning in response to the economic downturn but has not discouraged the tribe from pursuing projects requiring less investment, Allen said.
The casino’s square-footage will be doubled this year, Allen said, with a new restaurant, deli and bar as well as more tables and gambling machines.
The tribe is also putting the finishing touches on the design for a 300-unit destination resort which would include conference space at the Blyn location.
But every business effort is designed to bring money back to the tribal members to provide housing, health care and education. Allen said earnings from the casino in 2010 provided $315,800, mostly for community causes.
While the casino expansion is slated for this year, the next major project will be construction of the 600-car parking garage which will be sited behind the casino and built into the slope there that drops about 100 feet, Allen said.
A conference center is also planned, though its timeline hasn’t been determined.
“We may have to do some things piecemeal because of financing issues,” Allen said. “It’s very long-term. We’re looking at how the leisure industry works and what the trends are, but I see this as an international attraction. We hope to bring a lot of economy into our community.”
The tribe also plans to build a wellness center for use by the 700 employees who work in its various businesses. Another building planned would house its burgeoning human resources offices.
Allen said the tribe is not in negotiations to acquire the site of the former Rayonier pulp mill in Port Angeles, though it continues to have an interest in possible development of the site.
“It’s a gem of a harbor that hasn’t been exploited in a positive way,” he said. “In our view, the growth of Port Angeles is growth for us.”
One idea would be to build a modern Native village at the site that would be totally self-contained, including its own water, sewer and power consumption.
“Are we in negotiations with Rayonier? Not yet,” Allen said. “It’s very complicated to do anything because of the issues with the cleanup.”
After the talk, Allen briefly addressed the future of Tamanowas Rock above Beaver Valley west of Port Hadlock.
He said the Jamestown S’Klallam plans to work with the Jefferson Land Trust, which currently holds title to the 63-acre parcel. He said the Lower Elwha and Port Gamble S’Klallam tribes also have in interest in preserving Tamanowas Rock, which has been cited in local legends as important to The Strong People.
“We’re dedicated to preserving the site and deeply appreciative to the Port Townsend and Jefferson County community for protecting it [from development],” he said.
“We’re going to work with those holding the land to secure it and once it’s secured, our intention is preservation and to control activities there that are consistent with the cultural values and purpose of the site and not disrespectful activities.”
________
Philip L. Watness is a freelance writer and photographer living in Port Townsend. He can be reached at whatnews@olypen.com.
