Cathy Chavers, Tribal Chairwoman, Bois Forte Band of Chippewa / President, Minnesota Chippewa Tribe
This crisis has brought our people together. We’re checking on our elders to ensure they stay home and are safe, and that those with underlying health conditions are not exposed. We’ve had people, even in the surrounding areas, make masks for us.
Lloyd Mathiesen, Chairman, Chicken Ranch Rancheria of Me-Wuk Indians of CA
Initially, we closed down our casino for two and a half months, and after we reopened, we moved forward with tough restrictions. Prior to COVID-19, our legal occupancy was just under 800, and since we’ve reopened, we are only allowing 425 people in the casino at a time.
Andrew Joseph Jr., Chairman, Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation
The biggest challenge for the Tribes and the gaming industry as a whole is by far the lack of staffing in various departments throughout the casino.
Craig Harper, Chief, Peoria Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma
Like many tribal and public casinos across the nation, navigating the COVID-19 pandemic and aftermath is our Enterprises toughest business challenge.
Bernadine Burnette, President, Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation
We have had to navigate the impacts of the pandemic for the past 18 months, and unfortunately, it is not over yet. Our first priority has been to ensure the health and safety of our tribal members, guests and employees.
Jack Potter Jr., Tribal Chairman, Redding Rancheria
We streamlined and fine-tuned many services such as A and B shifts, as well as drive-thru membership meetings, which allowed the membership to still conduct business while keeping everyone safe and allowing the tribe to move forward.
Geoffrey Standing Bear, Principal Chief, Osage Nation
Geoffrey Standing Bear, Principal ChiefOsage NationOsage Casino Hotel – Tulsa, OK and Osage Casinos in Bartlesville, Hominy, Pawhuska, Ponca City, Sand Spring and...
Jamie Stuck, Chairman, Nottawaseppi Huron Band of Potawatomi
Much like the majority of businesses in the hospitality industry, macroeconomic conditions will be playing a significant factor in operations this year.
Glenda Nelson, Chairwoman, Estom Yumeka Maidu Tribe of the Enterprise Rancheria
Since we opened our casino in 2019, we have been able to provide over $3.5 million to non-profits and organizations in Butte, Yuba and Sutter counties.
Joseph “Zeke” Rupnick, Chairman, Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation
Just like many other tribes across the nation, COVID highlighted some gaps within our infrastructure. These are some of the areas that we are currently working on and trying to eliminate gaps as best we can, given the limited amount of resources available.