Tribal Leader Roundtable

Marshall Pierite, ChairmanTunica-Biloxi Tribe of LouisianaParagon Casino Resort – Marksville, LAparagoncasinoresort.comtunicabiloxi.org CHALLENGES/REWARDS: As far as challenges go, we are experiencing staffing issues much like other...

The Bear River Band of the Rohnerville Rancheria is proud to say that our team members on the tribal government side as well as our casino resort have done a fantastic job assisting in the combat of this crisis.

Much like the majority of businesses in the hospitality industry, macroeconomic conditions will be playing a significant factor in operations this year.

We streamlined and fine-tuned many services such as A and B shifts, as well as drive-thru membership meetings, which allowed the membership to still conduct business while keeping everyone safe and allowing the tribe to move forward.

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.

We’ve incurred financial losses in the millions of dollars; we’ve had to furlough and lay off hundreds of tribal government and business employees; we’ve had team members and customers who have lost loved ones; and we’ve been forced to conduct operations in a whole new way throughout our organization, etc.

Bill Iyall, ChairmanCowlitz Indian Tribeilani Casino Resort – Ridgefield, WAilaniresort.com / cowlitz.org BENEFITS OF GAMING: The Cowlitz Indian Tribe is committed to preserving and honoring the...

Doug Welmas, ChairmanCabazon Band of Cahuilla IndiansFantasy Springs Resort Casino – Indio, CAfantasyspringsresort.com / fantasyspringsresort.com/cbmi BENEFITS OF GAMING: Gaming revenues have benefited our tribe and community...

COVID-19 has impacted us financially, socially, physically, and emotionally. We have had the challenge of paying bills and taking care of our tribal members as well as employees, when no revenue was coming in due to business closures.

We are working toward expanding our solar capabilities. Our initial goal is to ensure that the tribe is self-sustaining. Our next goal is to be able to produce energy for the grid.