Greg Sarris To Retire, Closing Transformational Era For Graton Tribe

ROHNERT PARK, CA — Greg Sarris, the man became the face of the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, says he plans to retire by the end of the year after leading the tribe through decades of growth that reshaped both the tribe and Sonoma County.

The retirement would conclude a 34-year tenure, during which Sarris led the Sonoma County-based tribe through federal restoration, the opening of Graton Resort & Casino, and its emergence as one of California's most powerful political and economic forces.

Sarris announced his plans during a recent book event in Santa Rosa, the Press Democrat first reported.

He did not say when he intends to step away from day-to-day tribal leadership, but Sarris said he plans to devote more time to his writing, according to reports.

Changing fortunes

Sarris, 74, has served as the tribe's only chairman since 1992. Under his leadership, the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria secured restoration of federal recognition in December 2000 after decades of political advocacy, regained a tribal land base, and ultimately developed Graton Resort & Casino in Rohnert Park, now one of California's largest tribal gaming destinations.

Gaming revenue helped transform what had once been a financially struggling tribal community into one of the wealthiest and most politically influential tribal governments in California.

The casino transformed the tribe's finances. Casino revenues have largely funded tribal housing, healthcare, education, cultural preservation, environmental stewardship, and economic development while supporting thousands of jobs throughout Sonoma County.

Today, the tribe represents Coast Miwok and Southern Pomo people whose ancestral territory stretches across much of Sonoma and Marin counties. Public reports estimate the tribe has approximately 1,500 enrolled members, whose government has a growing economic and political role after centuries of attempts to shut them out of both.

The launch of Graton Resort & Casino not only dramatically strengthened the tribe's financial foundation, but also demonstrated the economic potential of tribal self-determination, and elevated the role of tribal governments in California's political and economic landscape.

Sarris' retirement announcement comes during another defining moment for the tribe.

Graton Resort & Casino is in the midst of an approximately $1 billion expansion that will nearly double the gaming floor, add another hotel tower, expand dining options, construct a 3,500-seat entertainment venue, increase parking capacity, and position the property among California's largest casino resorts.

Restoring tribal sovereignty

Beyond gaming, Sarris is one of California's most recognizable Native American leaders.

He serves on the University of California Board of Regents, chairs the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian Board of Trustees, and is a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

During more than three decades in office, he helped guide the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria from restoration to prosperity, turning a once-landless tribe into one of the Bay Area's most influential civic institutions while redefining the role of tribal governments in California's public life.

Yet, it wasn’t until Sarris was a graduate student at Stanford University that he knew his biological father was of Filipino, Miwok and Pomo descent, according to a profile. Sarris built a national reputation as a novelist, essayist, and professor whose work explores Native identity, history, and California culture.

However, under his leadership, the tribe has become one of the North Bay's most visible political and philanthropic organizations.

Among tribal governments, is one of the nation's largest political donors. The tribe contributed approximately $5.85 million to federal candidates and political committees during the 2023-24 election cycle, making it the largest tribal donor in the country during that period, according to OpenSecrets data cited by The Press Democrat.

State campaign finance records also show millions of dollars in additional spending on California elections and ballot measures.

Public testimony and tribal reports show the tribe has contributed tens of millions of dollars to local governments, nonprofit organizations, education initiatives, environmental conservation projects, affordable housing, and public safety programs, according to reports.

The tribe has also made major gifts to higher education, including a multi-million-dollar endowment supporting Native American students attending the University of California.

Sarris has frequently argued that tribal gaming represents more than casino profits. He has described gaming as a means of restoring tribal sovereignty, preserving culture, improving health and educational opportunities, and rebuilding communities that endured generations of displacement and economic hardship.

His leadership also placed the tribe at the center of regional debates over land use, environmental stewardship, transportation, housing, and competing tribal gaming proposals, including its opposition to the proposed Koi Nation casino near Windsor.

What happens next remains uncertain. In addition to serving as chairman of the tribe, Sarris served as president of the Economic Development Board.

Neither the tribe nor its Tribal Council has announced who will succeed Sarris or how the leadership transition will unfold.

For Sonoma County, Sarris' planned retirement represents more than a changing of the guard.

It marks the close of an era that reshaped the region's economic and political landscape.

According to published reports, Sarris plans to remain chairman through the end of the year before returning his attention to writing.