Further Research:
Do an online search for articles related to this proposal from April 2003 to August 2003.
Look for biases, racism, fear tactics, and other forms of yellow journalism.
Look at the role various politicians and environmentalists played.
STUDY QUESTIONS
Preparation: View the aerial map and the site photos, and perform online research.
1. Did the tribe do a good job allocating different land uses in the proposed site plan?
Why or why not?
2. How is the land being used today?
3. What other uses might occur on this land by other developers?
4. How did the proposed land use integrate with neighboring parcels?
5. What transit possibilities were possible to this site?
6. What ecological considerations did the tribe use in developing its plan?
7. What role did environmental organizations play in determining the outcome?
8. Did the aerial map or photos help you to understand the proposal?
9. What are the assets and liabilities of the proposed plan in your mind?
10. Do you think the outcome of this public debate was fair to the tribe?
11. Were issues of sovereignty and the history of California’s treatment of indigenous people adequately addressed in the media?
12. In an area that has been intensely developed for over 200 years, do you feel that criticism of the tribes’ land use proposal was fair?
PLEASE NOTE:
NACC is not affiliated with the Graton Rancheria Project, and offers this educational case study as a public service only. If you have comments on the tribe’s proposal, we encourage you to write to the tribe itself at:
coastmiwok@aol.com
FEDERATED INDIANS OF GRATON RANCHERIA,
P.O. BOX 14428, SANTA ROSA, CA 95402