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We asked tribal leaders to discuss their current priorities, how innovation is shaping their gaming and hospitality strategies, and how they cultivate leadership to support long-term stability and growth. Here is what Chairman Forrest Tahdooahnippah had to say…
Forrest Tahdooahnippah, Chairman
Comanche Nation
Comanche Red River Hotel Casino; Comanche Nation Casino; Comanche Star Casino; Comanche Spur Casino; Comanche Cache Casino; Comanche Nation Travel Plaza – OK
comanchenationentertainment.com / comanchenation.com
PRIORITIES: You will probably get a different answer for top priorities for the Comanche Nation depending on which Business Committee member you ask. However, my personal top priorities today for our Nation are (1) health and wellness and (2) language and cultural revitalization. I would like to see our tribal members be physically and emotionally healthy. I would also like to see our tribal members using the Comanche language in their daily lives and participating in traditional cultural activities such as horsemanship, dances, and the Native American Church.
Our gaming enterprises contribute the lion’s share of our budget, both directly through distribution of net income and indirectly through the taxes generated at our casinos (particularly sales and liquor taxes). Without gaming, the Comanche Nation could not support the more than 50 programs that offer services to tribal members. These programs include assistance with prescriptions and behavioral health services, a burgeoning language department, and donations to cultural activities.
INNOVATION: Innovation is at the heart of nearly every gaming-related decision we make. Our gaming enterprise, Comanche Nation Entertainment, uses data analytics to make decisions to guide floor updates with the newest slot and table games. We are also enhancing our Comanche Rewards Club to allow players to earn points faster and enjoy more personalized perks. We recently updated the physical space at our Comanche Red River Hotel Casino, as well. The new “Oasis at the Red” features two pools, cabanas, a bar and grill, and pickleball courts. Additionally, we added the upscale Chop House steakhouse to the Comanche Red River Hotel Casino, which features innovative partnerships with local wineries to provide a premier dining experience.
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT: Tribal leadership constantly changes – each year at least two spots on the seven-person Business Committee are up for election. To ensure stability, promote growth, and improve alignment, the Comanche Nation has made a purposeful decision to appoint boards that are generally comprised of half Business Committee members and half tribal members from the general public. We have found that this mixture ensures continuity as people cycle on and off the Business Committee, while also enabling quick and positive communication between the boards and tribal leadership. The Comanche Nation is also actively moving some of its outside professional services (such as accounting) in-house to further enhance stability.
