Steven Orihuela, Chairman
Bishop Paiute Tribe
Wanaaha Casino – Bishop, CA
wanaaha.com / bishoppaiute.net
RESILIENCE: The Bishop Paiute Tribe is aggressively pushing a number of key projects meant to improve our economy and community. We are building a new emergency operations center, laying a fiber-optic network spanning across the reservation, and creating culturally appropriate development plans for regional tourism. We still honor our seasonal gatherings for spring (Taawano), summer (Taatsawano), fall (Yuuwano), and winter (Toowano), as well as the Nϋϋmϋ Yadoha Language Program run by the Owens Valley Career Development Center to help maintain the Nϋϋmϋ language among our people. We bless the tϋba (pine nuts) each spring; in fall, we gather their abundance from the trees; during winter we tell our stories; and all year long we participate in hand games. This snapshot captures our will to preserve our resilience and to carry on our customs.
GAMING: Our Wanaaha Casino is a limited gaming property housed within the Eastern Sierra, and we are committed to keeping the highest allowed Class III gaming machine count and providing enticing incentives to our rural and local customers. Underutilized casino space is being turned into a formal banquet and conference hall for which concerts, tribal events, and other community meetings will be housed. At last, the Wanaaha Casino team is working diligently on the hotel, which will be a four-story, 52,000 sq. ft. property featuring 78 guest rooms – including 43 double rooms – and a selection of elegant suites, highlighted by a high-roller luxury suite. Amenities will include a fully equipped fitness center, a pool with jacuzzi, a spacious patio area, and Taba, our on-site coffee bar (“sun” in Nϋϋmϋ).
