Tribal Leader Roundtable: Spotlight on the Benefits of Gaming
Three tribal leaders share how gaming revenues have benefited their tribe and community; goals and initiatives; and legislative/political issues of concern. Here...
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.
Chuck Hoskin, Jr., Principal Chief, Cherokee Nation
Cherokee Nation has remained steadfast in its efforts to prioritize the health and safety of its tribal citizens, team members and guests above all else. We’re working with our partners at the state and federal levels to help the communities within our reservation and build back the local economy.
Jonathan W. Smith, Chairman, Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs
Some of the biggest challenges we face as an organization are the increased cost of supplies, services, and fuel that we see in the economy today.
Robert de los Angeles, Chairman, Snoqualmie Indian Tribe
We constantly seek new ways to engage in additional enterprises, and with those opportunities, always fostering an understanding of the skills to operate those enterprises.
Michael Hunter, Tribal Chairman, Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians
COVID-19 has had a reverberating effect on our tribe and community as a whole. The pandemic has changed the predictability of the workforce, supplies and resources. Operating hours and standard operating procedures have changed to keep our team members and community safe.
Sherry Treppa, Chairperson, Habematolel Pomo of Upper Lake
Since opening in 2012, our tribal casino has contributed significantly to the local economy and job market, employing over 140 community members, both tribal and non-tribal.
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.
Elizabeth “Libby” Rogers, Chief, Jena Band of Choctaw Indians
The Jena Band of Choctaw Indians’ primary revenue generators are the two Class II facilities that the tribe owns and operates through the Jena Choctaw Indian Gaming Authority.
Bill Anoatubby, Governor, Chickasaw Nation
The Chickasaw Nation places a high priority on maintaining law and order while ensuring the safety, security, and individual rights of our citizens.