Tribal Leader Roundtable

Three tribal leaders share how gaming revenues have benefited their tribe and community; goals and initiatives; and legislative/political issues of concern. Here is what...

Our goal is to generate revenue through gaming enterprises to support tribal growth, create job opportunities, and improve the overall economic well-being of tribal communities. We also plan to support and create educational initiatives, scholarships, and vocational training programs for tribal members.

This year, we were able to award $500,000 in grants through our Coquille Indian Tribe Community Fund to a variety of organizations throughout our five-county service area. We take pride in being able to provide not only for our members, but for Southern Oregon as a whole.

Going back to the early 1980s when we tribes in Oklahoma first developed high stakes bingo operations, we learned quickly that generating our own revenues through profits from enterprises empowered our tribe to address our priorities as we determine.

Four tribal leaders share how gaming revenues have benefited their tribe and community; the initiatives and goals for their gaming enterprises; legislative/political issues of...

The goal for the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians and Kewadin Casinos is to reinvest into our current assets. By doing this, we will be able to pivot to the new gaming industry trends, which will enable us to continue to be a local economic driver to the areas we serve.

Our goals and objectives are in large part shaped by the tribe’s values and circumstances, as well as the vision for the future.

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.

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.

This month, we spoke with three tribal leaders about the current challenges and rewards they are facing, how they promote strong leadership within their...