Shoalwater Bay Indian Tribe

What Shoalwater Bay Indian Tribe does

The Shoalwater Bay Indian Tribe is a federally recognized sovereign tribal nation headquartered in Tokeland, Washington, on the Willapa Bay coast. Founded in 1866 and operating 27+ departments with 101-250 employees, the tribe functions simultaneously as a sovereign government, a diversified commercial enterprise operator, and a community services provider for both enrolled tribal members and the broader Pacific County population. Core revenue is generated through Willapa Bay Enterprises, the tribe's holding corporation, which manages Shoalwater Bay Casino (293 slot machines, Class II and Class III gaming), Georgetown Station (gas station/minimart), Tradewinds on the Bay (coastal lodging), Shoalwater Seafood (organically grown oysters), Tokeland Cannabis (recreational marijuana dispensary), Smoke 'n Spirits (tobacco retail), and the Kapi House Gift Shop.

The tribe's revenue mechanics center on the casino as the dominant single income generator, supplemented by transaction-based retail across its commercial outlets and recurring government service payments (insurance reimbursements at the Wellness Center, federal grants). It exercises tribal sovereignty under a 2002 Tribal-State gaming compact with Washington State and the 1988 Indian Gaming Regulatory Act framework. Customer segments span enrolled tribal members (services), Pacific County residents (healthcare and retail), and visitors/tourists (gaming, lodging, hospitality). No proprietary technology platforms or AI/ML systems have been disclosed; operational technology is limited to standard internal IT infrastructure supporting 27+ departments.

The tribe provides extensive community services through its Wellness Center (medical, dental, behavioral health clinics accepting Medicare/Medicaid and multiple private insurers), Education Department (Early Learning Center, scholarships, summer youth program), Housing Department (maintaining 34 tribal homes), Natural Resources Department, Emergency Management, Social Services, and cultural institutions including the Shoalwater Bay Museum and Tribal Community Library. The tribe is actively managing climate-driven existential risk through construction of the first free-standing tsunami evacuation tower in the United States (2021) and a multi-agency Upland Development relocation plan partnered with Main Street America and the U.S. Department of Transportation. It received $1.2M in U.S. Economic Development Administration funding in January 2024 to support ongoing economic development.

Name

Shoalwater Bay Indian Tribe

Legal name

Shoalwater Bay Indian Tribe

Website

https://shoalwaterbay-nsn.gov

Company type

Private

Founded year

1866

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

The Shoalwater Bay Indian Tribe is a federally recognized sovereign tribal nation in Tokeland, Washington, operating a 293-slot-machine casino, gas station, lodging, seafood, cannabis, and retail enterprises alongside 27+ government and community service departments serving tribal members and Pacific County residents.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Tribal Government Services & Gaming

NAICS

Aquaculture (11251)

SIC

Fishing, Hunting And Trapping (900)

akta.pro primary industry

Tribal/First Nations Casino Operations (MPAEAAAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Tribal/Indigenous Public Health Authorities (HLAJAAAD), Tribal/Indigenous Casino Hotels (THAGAJAE), Indigenous/Tribal Education Authorities & Boards (EDADABAM), Coastal & Marine Resources Administration (Oceans, Fisheries, Shorelines) (BPAIAMAI)

Keywords

• Tribal government services
• Tribal gaming operations
• Rural healthcare services
• Cultural heritage preservation
• Tribal retail hospitality

Headquarters

HQ city

Tokeland

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Supply Chain, Others

Revenue model

1. Gaming/Casino Operations: Shoalwater Bay Casino operates with 293 slot machines and offers Class II and Class III gaming. The casino is the main source of revenue for the tribe and has been operational since 1998. It funds tribal government operations including police, courts, education, housing, social services, health, elder support, and economic development.
2. Hospitality and Lodging: Tradewinds on the Bay offers coastal rooms overlooking Willapa Bay with amenities including Wi-Fi, kitchen essentials, and fireplace. This enterprise serves visitors to the tribal lands.
3. Retail Gas Station/Minimart: Georgetown Station provides gas, groceries, pizza and hot foods, alcohol, and cigarettes. Serves travelers and local community.
4. Cannabis Dispensary: Tokeland Cannabis is the premier recreational marijuana shop in the 98590 area code, serving the local community and surrounding region.
5. Seafood Operations: Shoalwater Seafood is a shellfish industry leader offering organically grown oysters from local waters. Partnered with an industry veteran.
6. Tobacco Shop: Smoke 'n Spirits offers tobacco products with simple, transparent pricing. Positioned as having the lowest prices in the area.
7. Museum and Cultural Services: Shoalwater Bay Museum is free to visitors (donations accepted) and serves to share tribal history and culture. Also operates a gift shop (Kapi House).

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels8 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

The Shoalwater Bay Indian Tribe operates diversified commercial enterprises under Willapa Bay Enterprises, including Shoalwater Bay Casino (293 slot machines), Georgetown Station gas station/minimart, Tradewinds on the Bay coastal lodging, Shoalwater Seafood (organically grown oysters), Tokeland Cannabis dispensary, Smoke 'n Spirits tobacco shop, and the Kapi House Gift Shop. It also delivers a broad portfolio of community services such as the Wellness Center, Medical Clinic, Dental Clinic, Behavioral Health, Recreation and Fitness Center, Early Learning Center, Elders' Lunch Program, Housing, Natural Resources and Agriculture, Social Services, Education, Emergency Management, Museum, and Tribal Community Library. These revenue-generating enterprises and services together fund tribal government operations and self-determination.

Product overview

The Shoalwater Bay Indian Tribe operates a diversified portfolio of business enterprises and community services. The core business enterprises include Shoalwater Bay Casino (gaming with 293 slot machines), Georgetown Station (gas station/minimart), Tradewinds on the Bay (coastal lodging), Shoalwater Seafood (shellfish/oyster operations), Smoke 'n Spirits (tobacco/spirits retail), Tokeland Cannabis (recreational marijuana), and Kapi House Gift Shop. These commercial ventures are managed under Willapa Bay Enterprises. The tribe also provides extensive community services including the Shoalwater Bay Museum, Tribal Community Library, Wellness Center with Medical Clinic and Dental Clinic, Behavioral Health Program, Recreation & Fitness Center, Early Learning Center, Elders' Lunch Program, Housing Department, Social Services, Natural Resources & Environmental Services, Emergency Management, and Education Department. The casino serves as the largest employer in Pacific County and primary revenue source for tribal government operations.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Willapa Bay Enterprises: Tribal corporation responsible for managing tribal business enterprises and recommending new business opportunities for the tribe.

Products and services

• Shoalwater Bay Casino Gaming facility offering 293 slot machines with big screens, big sound, and big bonuses, serving as the largest employer in Pacific County and the main revenue source for the tribe.
• Georgetown Station Gas station and minimart offering fuel, groceries, pizza, hot foods, alcohol, and cigarettes to travelers and the local community.
• Tradewinds on the Bay Coastal lodging hotel with fully furnished one-bedroom units featuring bay views, kitchen essentials, plasma TV, surround sound, fireplace, and free Wi-Fi.
• Shoalwater Seafood Shellfish business and shellfish industry leader specializing in organically grown oysters cultivated in local waters, partnered with an industry veteran.
• Smoke 'n Spirits Tobacco and spirits retailer offering transparent, lowest-in-area pricing for tobacco products.
• Tokeland Cannabis Premier recreational marijuana dispensary in the 98590 area code, eliminating the need for 30+ minute drives to obtain cannabis products.
• Kapi House Gift Shop Gift shop located at 4115 WA-105, Tokeland, offering tribal merchandise, gifts, and cultural items, open Monday through Saturday.
• Willapa Bay Enterprises Tribal holding corporation responsible for finding, evaluating, and recommending new business opportunities for the tribe to promote sovereignty and economic development.
• Shoalwater Bay Museum Museum showcasing tribal history with exhibits including Eugene Landry paintings, a 27-foot historic canoe, contemporary carvings, fine art photography, and a timeline exhibit; open Monday-Friday with free admission.
• Wellness Center Health and wellness facility accepting Medicare, Medicaid, and various private insurance plans, serving American Indian/Alaskan Native people and the surrounding community in Pacific County.
• Medical Clinic Medical facility providing laboratory, X-rays, mammograms, women's health, routine physicals, immunizations, well child physicals, sports physicals, diabetic education, and nutrition counseling.
• Dental Clinic Dental facility providing emergency access, root canals, crowns and bridge, dentures, restoration treatment, and hygienist services.
• Behavioral Health Program Mental health and substance use disorder treatment program offering clinical assessment, counseling, medication management, and family support services.
• Elders' Lunch Program Weekday lunch program providing nutritious meals for elders and community members at $8 dine-in or $9 to-go pricing.
• Housing Department Housing assistance program providing safe, sanitary, and affordable housing to low and medium income eligible Native American families, monitoring 34 homes on tribal land.
• Education Department Educational services including after school program, summer youth program, higher education scholarships, and various scholarship opportunities for tribal members.
• Early Learning Center Early childhood program providing culturally supportive education incorporating Coast Salish culture, language, and values for children from baby to preschool age.
• Recreation and Fitness Center Fitness facility open seven days a week with state-of-the-art equipment, climate-controlled gymnasium, group exercise room, cardio equipment, free weights, and full basketball court.
• Shoalwater Bay Tribal Community Library Part of the Timberland Regional Library system, offering books across various genres, computers with internet access, and free Wi-Fi to tribal and community patrons.
• Natural Resources and Environmental Services Department managing plant and animal resources, including wildlife resource management, forestry, agriculture, environmental services, water quality monitoring, and shellfish management.
• Community Garden and Agriculture Two-acre community garden cultivating organic produce using compost from cafeteria food scraps, oyster shells, and invasive species, serving as an educational resource and culturally significant plants.
• Emergency Management Emergency preparedness and response services including tsunami evacuation infrastructure, emergency supply warehousing, and Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training.
• Social Services Multi-faceted services including social security assistance, caregiver support, child protection, elder services, food distribution, Indian Child Welfare, and veteran services.

Quantifiable outcome

• Biggest employer in Pacific County, WA
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Six partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Main Street AmericacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Partnered with Main Street America and U.S. Department of Transportation's Thriving Communities Program to organize a three-day Partnership Gathering addressing the tribe's relocation needs due to rising seas, flooding, and erosion threats.
• U.S. Department of Transportation Thriving Communities ProgramcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Collaboration to address relocation needs. The program provides technical assistance, resources, and support for the tribe's relocation efforts to higher ground.
• Washington Sea GrantminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Coastal Resilience Fellow program supporting the tribe's coastal resilience and planning efforts.
• Southwest Washington Behavioral Health Partnership (SPIPA)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2017Partnership established in 2017 as part of the Pulling Together for Wellness program's multi-sector team approach to community health improvement.
• Pacific CountyminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2017Partnership established in 2017 for the Pulling Together for Wellness initiative, representing local public health coordination.
• Timberland Regional LibrarycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Shoalwater Bay Tribal Community Library is part of the Timberland Regional Library system, providing access to the broader library network's resources, catalog, and inter-library services.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves15 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Squaxin Island Tribe: Operates Little Creek Casino Resort in Washington State with similar coastal/rural tribal gaming model. Comparable as a fellow Washington tribal nation with diversified gaming, hospitality, and tribal government services operating from a relatively isolated location.
• Quinault Indian Nation: Operates Quinault Beach Resort & Casino on the Washington coast with similar geographic and demographic profile. Directly comparable as a coastal Washington tribal nation operating a casino hotel with diversified tribal enterprises and natural resource management programs.
• Muckleshoot Indian Tribe: Operates Muckleshoot Casino and diversified tribal enterprises in Washington State. Comparable as a Washington tribal nation with gaming as the primary revenue driver funding comprehensive tribal services and economic development.
• Tulalip Tribes: Operates Tulalip Resort Casino, Tulalip Bingo, and multiple diversified enterprises in Washington State. Comparable as a Washington tribal nation with gaming, hospitality, retail, and tribal services operating under a similar sovereignty framework.
• Snoqualmie Indian Tribe: Operates Snoqualmie Casino in Washington State. Comparable as a Washington tribal gaming operation under a state gaming compact, with gaming revenue funding tribal government services and community programs.
• Puyallup Tribe of Indians: Operates Emerald Queen Casino and other enterprises in Washington State. Comparable as a Washington tribal nation operating gaming, hospitality, and diversified enterprises under tribal sovereignty.
• Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe: Operates 7 Cedars Casino and related enterprises on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State. Comparable as a coastal Washington tribal nation with gaming, hospitality, and natural resource operations.
• Suquamish Tribe: Operates Clearwater Casino Resort and Port Madison Enterprises in Washington State. Comparable as a Washington coastal tribal nation with diversified gaming, hospitality, and tribal enterprises under a gaming compact.
• Lummi Nation: Operates Silver Reef Casino and diversified tribal enterprises in Washington State. Comparable as a Washington tribal nation with gaming operations, natural resources management (fisheries), and comprehensive tribal government services.
• Stillaguamish Tribe of Indians: Operates Angel of the Winds Casino Resort in Washington State. Comparable as a Washington tribal nation operating gaming and hospitality enterprises under a state gaming compact, with tribal services funded by gaming revenue.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/tribeonwillapa
• Facebookfacebook.com/ShoalwaterBayIndianTribe
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/shoalwater-bay-indian-tribe
• Instagraminstagram.com/shoalwatertribe

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles19 records

Subsidiaries8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Shoalwater Bay Indian Tribe