The Bishop Paiute Tribe and the Bishop Paiute Development Corporation share visions for the new Wanaaha Hotel and Casino
By Christina Reed
The Hired Pen
Bishop, CA—The Gold ground breaking shovels hit the dirt on August 16, 2024, on the site of the new Wanaaha Hotel, to accompany the Wanaaha Casino, in Bishop, CA. It’s been in the works for years, but now it’s a reality, and due to open its doors, about a year from now / early 2026. Yes! 2026! The Bishop Paiute Tribe had a Groundbreaking Ceremony, and it was very well attended, with members of the tribal council, building officials, construction / architecture consultants, tribal members, and members of the communities around the eastern Sierra. Prior to the ground breaking ceremony, at 9 AM at the Wanaaha Hotel and Casino grounds, a ground blessing was said by Delvin Kane.
“Manahuu” Means Hello!
Speaking for the Bishop Paiute Tribe, Tribal Chairman, Steven Orihuela outlined the many steps that had come before the shovels hit the dirt, and he spoke of the visions the tribe has for the diverse property. The Wanaaha Hotel “symbolizes strength and prosperity,” Orihuela said. And, while the past had presented “challenges,” noted Orihuela, like the pandemic, these challenges “revealed our strength.” Orihuela added, the Wanaaha Hotel was helping in “building stronger ties in our community,” and was a part of a bigger “collective vision.” He thanked all of those involved in the endeavor, and the members of the audience for being there. “Sharing in a milestone.” Following Orihuela’s welcome, Lavina Banning gave the Opening Prayer, and the Nuumu Hubiaidu was given by Darrell Maddox. Bishop Tribal Council Co-Chairperson, Emma Williams, thanked everyone for attending the ground breaking and said the day was “a continuation of a legacy with our tribe.”
Teri Red Owl, Bishop Paiute Tribe Executive Director at the Owens Valley Indian Water Commission (OVIWC was formed in 1991 and represents the tribal water rights of Lone Pine, Big Pine, and Bishop), and she is known for her filmmaking, spoke about what the Wanaaha Hotel’s many amenities would look like in the future. “It’s just the beginning,” she started with, and her vision, she noted, was “becoming a resort.” She spoke of the job creation, and “reaching benefits beyond the tribe,” and out into the many surrounding communities. She described the Wanaaha Hotel as being a four-story building, 52,000 -plus square feet, with 78 rooms, 43 doubles, beautiful suites / a “high-roller” type suite, and there is going to be a fitness room, a nice pool and jacuzzi, a beautiful patio area, and a coffee bar called “Tava,” which stands for “Sun.” There will be a connecting “breezeway” to the Wanaaha Casino, with the Coleman Design Group working to keep the building’s exterior in earth tones. Don Hamann, with Moorefield Construction, Vice President of Operations, spoke to the group about the project, with some more details, and the Summit Project Team were also on the project for the duration, with anticipated completion in September of 2025, and a Grand Opening in the beginning of 2026. Closing remarks were made by Michael Padilla, Wanaaha Casino General Manager, and the Bishop Paiute Development Corporation (focusing on sustainability through diversification, and a range of projects / products), tribal members, and officials from the construction and design groups, pulled up a golden shovel, broke ground, and dug in the dirt for another tribal enterprise.
¡Enhorabuena!