The Kah-Nee-Ta Resort and Spa in Central Oregon has announced the closure of their popular facility after 50 years due to financial difficulties and will lay off its entire staff of 146 employees.
It appears that an investment firm, known as AV Northwest, partnered with the tribe but was unable to secure additional financing for the resort. The facility is owned and operated by the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs. The tribal council will continue to search for additional funding that would allow the facility to remain open on a self-sustaining basis. The facility hosts lodges, a hotel, a full-service RV center, swimming facilities, and a golf course.
The resort complex suffered from a loss in traffic and revenue since 2012 following the tribe’s relocation of the Indian Head Casino from the Kah-Nee-Ta property to a location on Highway 26 to capture more interstate customers.
It appears that the Native American tribe acquired the resort along with the surrounding property from a non-native doctor in 1961 with funds said to originate with a settlement with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers over the loss of their traditional fishing grounds by the construction of the Dalles Dam on the Columbia River.
There appears to be something wrong here. Possibly a failure in leadership, marketing, or financial controls. The facility appears to be presentable and a great location for company retreats.
Are you wondering, Am I Next?