Lee Juan Tendoy, Chairman
Shosone-Bannock Tribes
Shoshone-Bannock Casino Hotel – Fort Hall, ID; Bannock Peak Casino – Arbon Valley, ID; Sage Hill Travel Center & Casino – Blackfoot, ID
shobangaming.com / sbtribes.com
Chairman Lee Juan Tendoy discusses the steps his tribe is taking to ensure the long-term economic and cultural resilience of their community, and the primary areas of focus for his tribe’s gaming and entertainment enterprises.
RESILIENCE: The Shoshone-Bannock Tribes are focused on strengthening our economic foundation while ensuring our cultural values remain at the heart of everything we do. A key step in this effort has been the establishment of a Business Development Department within our Section 17 Tribal Enterprise and Agri-Business Corporations. This department is tasked with identifying new revenue-generating opportunities, fostering strategic partnerships, and expanding our business portfolio beyond gaming, including investments in agriculture, retail and energy. By diversifying our economic base, we are ensuring long-term financial sustainability that will directly benefit our tribal members.
Culturally, we are committed to preserving our traditions and ensuring that our people, especially our youth, remain connected to their identity. We continue to invest in language preservation programs, cultural tourism initiatives, and partnerships with educational institutions to keep our history and heritage alive. Additionally, we remain steadfast in protecting our tribal sovereignty and treaty rights, confirming that economic growth aligns with our values and priorities.
GAMING: Our primary focus for the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes’ gaming and entertainment enterprises this year is on growth, innovation, and enhancing the overall guest experience. We are investing in facility upgrades, expanding our gaming options, and incorporating new technology to ensure a modern and competitive environment. Additionally, we are diversifying our entertainment offerings, bringing in more live events, cultural showcases, and hospitality enhancements to attract a broader audience. Strengthening our workforce through training and career development remains a priority, ensuring that our enterprises provide long-term economic benefits to our tribal members. By prioritizing customer satisfaction and operational excellence, we aim to sustain and expand our gaming enterprises as a key driver of economic success for our community.
Our ultimate goal is to ensure that our gaming success translates into broader community benefits – funding essential services in healthcare, education, and infrastructure – while remaining deeply rooted in our cultural identity.