Graton Rancheria Provides $3.5 Million for Building the Roseland Library
New & Improved:
The Generous Graton Rancheria Expands Its Reach
C Cavorting in acts of benevolence, the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria added another notch to its belt with a $3.5 million contribution towards the construction of the Roseland Public Library. Nestled less than ten miles away from Rohnert Park, the library will boast a prime location near the Tribe's Graton Resort & Casino.
The Roseland Public Library: Almost Fully Funded
According to a news release on News Direct, the library project – carrying a price tag of approximately $24 million – will soon reach its funding goal. Already, the City of Santa Rosa and the State have pledged $16 million, leaving the project at $19.5 million. Additional $5 million from other sources are in the wings, as per the same report.
Greg Sarris, the Tribal Chairman of the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, expressed pride and excitement about the Tribe's role in supporting the project, considering the countless Tribe members who either grew up in the area or have close family and friends there.
Deborah Doyle, Chair of the Sonoma County Library Commission, lavished praise on the Graton Rancheria, labeling the generous donation a "fabulous investment". The library will join the Hearn Avenue Community Hub once construction wraps up.
The Graton Rancheria's Philanthropic Prowess
Recent months have seen the Tribe showering the educational sector with its funds, starting with the announcement of the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria Scholarship Fund in late April. This $2.5 million fund has paved the way for all California Native American students accepted to the University of California to attend free of tuition charges.
Later in July, the Tribe extended yet another sizable donation to UCLA Law, amounting to $4.265 million. The contribution was earmarked for the creation of two faculty chairs in Native American law, in honor of Greg Sarris and Distinguished Professor Carole Goldberg. An earlier donation in 2020 had set a new bar with a staggering $15 million gift intended for creating scholarships for aspiring tribal legal advocates.
Many tribal casinos closed their doors during the most stringent lockdowns of the pandemic. Despite hardships, these operators kept their community spirit alive, with the operators of Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, California, donating nearly $100,000 worth of food to local charities supporting the homeless. The Gun Lake Casino, situated in Wayland, Michigan, likewise donated a massive seven tons of food to area non-profits during the lockdown period. Check out Native Business for a round-up of acts of compassion and generosity demonstrated by Tribal casinos during these trying times.
Lorelle Ross, the Alternate Tribal Representative for the North Central Coast region affiliated with Graton Rancheria, can be reached via [email protected] for detailed updates on the tribe’s community or educational projects.
- The Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, with a sure contribution of $3.5 million, are playing a significant role in funding the construction of the Roseland Public Library, which will be situated near their Graton Resort & Casino.
- The Tribe's philanthropic efforts in the educational sector are evident, with the recent establishment of the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria Scholarship Fund, funding for UCLA Law, and even contributions towards scholarships for aspiring tribal legal advocates.
- Not only has the Graton Rancheria shown support for the Roseland Public Library initiative, but other Native American tribes have also demonstrated generosity during the pandemic, providing food for local charities and non-profits in their respective regions.
