North Fork Rancheria breaks ground on long-awaited casino

For The Madera Tribune

Tribal citizens hold shovels after Saturday’s groundbreaking ceremony for the North Fork Mono Casino & Resort.

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The long-planned casino project of the North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians of California (“Tribe”) reached a crucial milestone with a groundbreaking ceremony Saturday.

The morning event took place under bright blue skies with hundreds of tribal citizens, community members, and dignitaries gathered at the Tribe’s federal trust land, located at 17770 Golden State Boulevard along California State Highway 99 just north of the City of Madera between Avenues 17 and 18 1⁄2.

“Today’s groundbreaking culminates more than 20 years of careful and respectful collaboration between our sovereign nation and governmental partners at all levels,” said North Fork Rancheria Tribal Chairman Fred Beihn. “Today, we stand on the shoulders of many tribal leaders who came before us and wish to thank the numerous regional leaders who respected our cause, our approach, and our ambition to improve the quality of life for our citizens as well as our surrounding community.”