More than $3 million in gaming profits collected over the past several years have been allocated by the Quinault Indian Nation’s business council to several programs benefitting the tribe’s young people.

The Tribal Revenue Allocation Plan budget totaling $3,143,433 was passed by the business council earlier this month. This budget is used to fund youth and career development projects, according to Quinault President Fawn Sharp. The allocations were made after extensive review of the unmet needs and operating plans proposed by a number of tribal programs.

This is not an annual allocation. Tribe spokesman Steve Robinson said, “There isn’t enough funding to do this every year.” To qualify for funds, “the programs do have to request the funds and demonstrate the need,” he added. “Plus the council does a lot of work to investigate and prioritize due to the scarce funds.”

Among other recipients of the funds, the Youth Education and Career Development Fund will receive a one-time allocation of $344,587 and the Youth Recreation and Drug Prevention Fund will receive a one-time allocation of $237,820. Other programs supported include Indian Education Programs and Schools Capitol Projects at Queets, Lake Quinault and Taholah and Indian Education Programs in Aberdeen and Hoquiam.

“These investments are very well considered, thought out and investigated before we approve these expenditures,” said President Sharp. “Our needs are many and our funding is short. Tribes have never received the same resources as non-tribal communities and jurisdictions, so we do have to make every dollar count. But that’s exactly what we’re doing and our tribal citizens are surging ever forward as a result. I’m very proud of the work my fellow council members have dedicated to this budget and I’m optimistic about the days ahead for Quinault Indian Nation.”