WARM SPRINGS, Ore. (KTVZ) – The Tribal Council of the Confederated Tribes of The Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon has approved $4.58 million in funding to partner with Mt. Hood Ski Bowl and host the popular Kah- Nee-Ta Village “fun in the sun” experience for visitors while greatly expanding the authentic hot spring bathing experiences in the recreational pool areas and the motel, teepee and RV accommodation areas.
A $1.5 million infrastructure funding was also approved to repair the sewage system serving Kah-Nee-Ta and the local community. According to a press release from the organization, the tribes are funding the project with funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).
The Kah-Nee-Ta Resort & Spa, Lodge Village and Golf Course closed in late summer 2018 due to financial issues after Indian Head Casino moved to a new facility on US Highway 26.
NewsChannel 21’s Bola Gbadebo reaches out to tribal officials and Mt. Hood Skibowl about their partnership. Her report comes at 5 on KTVZ.
Here’s the rest of the tribes’ press release:
Elder, former tribal leader and former Kah-Nee-Ta employee Charles Jackson is excited about the village’s reopening and states, “In the early 1960’s our visionary tribal leaders saw an opportunity to create a unique tourist attraction at Kah-Nee-Ta Village and put the Warm Springs Reservation on the map as a must-see destination. My first real jobs as a teenager were janitor and lifeguard in Kah-nee-ta. I remember visitors eagerly waiting to be served the weekly traditional salmon cake and raving about the River Room Restaurant’s famous blueberry cheesecake. Credit goes to the current tribal council and other members of the local community for their support and decision to restore this Oregon landmark, create local jobs for our tribal youth, and begin to rebuild the reservation’s economy, which was devastated by the Covid pandemic.”
Kah-Nee-Ta Resort Enterprise is partnering with Mt. Hood Skibowl to develop and manage Kah-Nee-Ta Village, which is slated to open in 2023 during the six-month peak season. It is expected to support over 15 full-time and over 20 part-time employees for the remainder of the year.
Mt. Hood Skibowl, in conjunction with Warm Springs Economic Development Corporation, completed a multi-phase plan for the Kah-Nee-Ta property.
“The tribal council instructed us to focus on the first phase of the plan – opening up the Kah-Nee-Ta village and breathing new life into it. This phase brings the Family0style Village back to life and brings it back to what it always was, a place that contributes to the well-being of those who experience its natural mineral hot spring waters,” said Jim Souers, Warm’s Chief Executive Officer Springs Economic Development Corporation. “Add to this the great recreational activities that the property supports. ”
The natural mineral water hot springs along the Warm Springs River have drawn visitors to the village of Kah-Nee-Ta for decades. The CTWS developed the Village in the early 1960s as a day-use area with an Olympic-size swimming pool and limited hot springs.
The Village once again offers visitors the opportunity to connect with the local culture and people of the reservation community, experience the hot springs, enjoy the sunny days, and enjoy a variety of recreational activities.
“We are excited to be part of the reopening of Kah-Nee-Ta Village to promote cultural heritage and engage visitors to experience the natural healing powers of the hot springs that date back 10,000 years. In addition, the village will provide employment opportunities to the community and contribute to the economy of Warm Springs,” said Kirk Hanna, owner and president of Mt. Hood Skibowl.
About the Confederate tribes of Warm Springs
The Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon are based in central Oregon and have over 5,000 tribal members from the Warm Springs, Wasco, and Paiute tribes. The reservation was created by the 1855 treaty between the Indians of Middle Oregon and the United States government. Learn more at https://warmsprings-nsn.gov/
Over Mt Hood Skibowl
Mt. Hood Skibowl’s origins date back to 1928, making it one of the oldest remaining ski resorts in the country. Kirk Hanna bought the area out of bankruptcy in 1987 and became the longest and most successful operator of the resort in its history, developing Skibowl into a year-round winter and summer resort with a summertime adventure park featuring over 20 attractions and developing a 28-acre property in lodging at Collins Lake Resort, which features 200 luxury two- and three-bedroom vacation homes. Other Government Camp businesses under their operational auspices include Mt. Hood Outfitters, the premier outfitter guide service in the Mt. Hood National Forest, Ratskeller Bar & Pizzeria and the High Mountain Cafe. The Company also operates the Pelton Dam Marina and Lake Simtustus RV Park & Marina, a 55-acre lakefront resort located just one hour east of Government Camp in central Oregon, offering tiny home and RV rentals, fully serviced RV sites and Sport am See offers activities and rentals and a marina with 47 boat berths. Learn more at: https://www.skibowl.com/
About Warm Springs Economic Development Corporation
WSEDC is a wholly owned subsidiary of CTWS with a mission to create sources of long-term revenue and employment opportunities for tribal members through corporate development.
For more information contact:
Jim Souers CEO, Warm Springs Economic Development [email protected]
