The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs (CTWS) convened their first General Council meeting since last fall on the evening of May 26, 2026 at the Agency Longhouse. The meeting drew tribal members for dinner at 6 p.m. before official business began at 7 p.m.

The General Council — the governing body made up of enrolled tribal members — heard a series of updates on tribal finances and enterprise operations.

What Was on the Agenda

  • Financial Update — A broad review of the tribe's financial position following the public budget meeting held last fall
  • Report from Chief Operations Officer Caroline Cruz — Status of tribal government operations
  • Report from Governmental Affairs Director Andrew Hofstetter — Legislative and intergovernmental affairs update
  • Update from Kah-Nee-Ta Hot Springs Resort — The resort, which underwent a multi-million dollar renovation and reopened in recent years, continues to be a centerpiece of tribal economic development
  • Update from Indian Head Casino — Operations report from the tribe's casino enterprise
  • Update from Plateau Travel Plaza — The tribe's travel plaza on the reservation is undergoing a significant expansion

Plateau Travel Plaza: Grand Opening July 11

Among the business highlights: the Plateau Travel Plaza is planning a Grand Opening on July 11 for its remodeled store and restaurant and an expanded gaming floor. The expansion has been in the works since at least 2025, when tribal leaders announced it would add more gaming capacity, improved dining options, and expanded convenience services.

Shawn McDaniel, General Manager of both the Plateau Travel Plaza and Indian Head Casino, has described the project as a direct response to customer feedback — delivering more of what guests have been requesting while honoring the hospitality traditions of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs.

Context

The General Council meeting format gives enrolled tribal members a direct voice in major tribal decisions, separate from the Tribal Council's day-to-day governance. Having the first such meeting since fall underscores the number of significant business items the tribe has been managing — from the Kah-Nee-Ta revival to expanding commercial operations at the Plateau.

The Warm Springs Reservation covers roughly 640,000 acres in Jefferson, Wasco, and Jefferson counties and is home to a community of approximately 4,000 enrolled members. Tribal enterprises are a significant economic driver not only for tribal members but for the broader Jefferson County region.