We asked tribal leaders to share how they are advancing their tribe’s priorities through gaming, embracing innovation across their enterprises, and developing the next generation of leadership to ensure long-term stability and growth. Here is what Chairman Anthony Roberts had to say…
Anthony Roberts, Chairman
Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation
Cache Creek Casino Resort – Brooks, CA
cachecreek.com / yochadehe.gov
PRIORITIES: For the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation, our priorities are centered on strengthening tribal sovereignty, preserving our culture, protecting our lands, and creating long-term opportunities for our people. We view economic success as a tool to advance those goals rather than an end in itself. The success of Cache Creek Casino Resort provides the economic foundation that allows us to invest in housing, education, health and wellness, environmental stewardship, cultural preservation, and other initiatives that strengthen our tribe and support communities throughout our ancestral homelands.
Giving back has long been part of who we are as a people. Guided by our philosophy that what is gathered should be shared for the benefit of the community, we invest in initiatives that create opportunities for others and strengthen the places we call home. Through efforts such as the Yocha Dehe Community Fund and Doyuti T’uhkama, we support tribal communities, local and national organizations, and projects that deliver lasting benefit throughout the region. These efforts reflect our belief that lasting success is measured not only by what we achieve for ourselves, but by the positive impact we create for others.
INNOVATION: Innovation plays an important role in how we approach both gaming and economic development. At Cache Creek Casino Resort, innovation means continually enhancing the guest experience, investing in operational excellence and adapting to evolving market expectations. At the same time, we recognize the importance of diversification. Through business ventures such as Séka Hills – our tribal-owned agricultural enterprise known for its estate-grown olive oils, wines and other products cultivated on our tribal lands – we are building a more resilient economic future while advancing responsible land stewardship and sustainable resource management. Innovation is not simply about adopting new technology; it is about finding thoughtful ways to grow, adapt, and remain competitive while remaining grounded in our values.
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT: Leadership development is equally important to our long-term success. We are committed to investing in the next generation through education, mentorship, and leadership development opportunities that prepare future leaders across tribal government, business enterprises, and community service. That commitment also extends beyond our tribe. For example, programs such as the Yocha Dehe Youth Fire Academy provide hands-on training and mentorship for young people interested in careers in the fire service, helping cultivate future firefighters, public servants and community leaders from throughout the region. We believe strong communities are built by investing in people, and our responsibility is not only to prepare future leaders, but to leave them strong institutions, strong communities, and opportunities to succeed.
