Article by HerLife Magazine
Written by Nicole Stracek
Margaret Dalton, leader of the Jackson Rancheria Band of Miwuk Indians, shared a dream with her husband, Earl Dalton Sr. Through hard work, perseverance, and dedication, she secured a future for the Miwuk Tribe and led as Tribal Chairperson for 30 years.
A Vision for Self-Reliance
“Margaret wanted the Tribe to be self-sufficient,” said Chief Executive Officer Rich Hoffman, who oversees Jackson Rancheria Casino Resort. “She didn’t want future generations to depend on government aid, and she was determined to find a way.” Today, thanks to her leadership, the casino resort thrives, and the Tribe’s commitment to the community remains strong.
Margaret Dalton’s Legacy
Born in Tuolumne, California, Margaret L. (Hughes) Dalton grew up in difficult circumstances. At 16, she married Earl Dalton Sr., and together, they dreamed of making the Miwuk Tribe independent from state and federal funding. They raised not only their four children but also Margaret’s four younger siblings. “Her only rule was that they all graduate high school,” Hoffman shared. “And they did.”
Margaret knew the Tribe needed its own government to strengthen its position. In 1979, she led the formation of the Miwuk government and was elected Tribal Chairperson, a role she held for three decades. When Earl passed away in 1980, Margaret continued their mission alone.
The Birth of Jackson Rancheria Casino Resort
Determined to create economic opportunities, Margaret studied the Seminole Tribe’s success with bingo halls in Florida. She sought private investors and, after multiple attempts, successfully opened Jackson Indian Bingo Hall in 1991.
“She never gave up,” said Hoffman. “Every time she faced a setback, she got back up and tried again.”
Encouraged by the bingo hall’s success, Margaret set her sights on a full-fledged casino resort. After California voters approved Proposition 5 in 1998, the Tribe secured its future in gaming.
A Thriving Legacy From Margaret Dalton
Margaret Dalton passed away in 2009, but her vision lives on. Today, her son, Adam Dalton, serves as Tribal Chairperson, while her grandson, Earl Dalton III, is Tribal Vice Chairperson. The Jackson Rancheria Casino Resort remains the largest employer in Amador County, offering competitive wages, career growth, and excellent benefits.
The Tribe also prioritizes environmental conservation, implementing sustainable practices to protect their land for future generations.
Giving Back to the Community
Margaret Dalton and Jackson Rancheria Band of Miwuk Indians upholds its Native American tradition of sharing and giving back. The Tribe invests in:
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Upgrading local parks and ball fields
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Funding schools, community groups, and senior programs
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Awarding thousands of grants annually
In honor of Margaret Dalton, the Amador County Chamber of Commerce named its annual humanitarian award after her, recognizing the Tribe’s contributions to the community.
Looking to the Future
As Jackson Rancheria Casino Resort continues to grow, the Tribe is expanding into housing, healthcare, and community development. “Margaret showed us how to keep moving forward,” Hoffman reflected. “Her hard work and dedication were unmatched, and thankfully, her legacy continues.”
Through innovation, resilience, and a deep commitment to its people, the Jackson Rancheria Band of Miwuk Indians ensures that Margaret Dalton’s dream of self-reliance and prosperity remains a reality for generations to come.