We asked five tribal leaders to share top priorities for their tribes and how gaming supports those goals; how innovation is shaping decisions across their gaming and hospitality portfolios; and how they approach leadership development to promote long-term stability and growth. Here is what Shoshone-Bannock Tribes Chairwoman Donna Thompson had to say…
Donna Thompson, Chairwoman
Shoshone-Bannock Tribes
Shoshone-Bannock Casino Hotel – Fort Hall, ID; Bannock Peak Casino – Pocatello, ID; Sage Hill Travel Center & Casino – Blackfoot, ID
shobangaming.com / www.sbtribes.com
PRIORITIES: The strength of the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes has always come from our people, from their resilience, commitment, and determination to build a better future. As Chairwoman of the Fort Hall Business Council, I carry that truth every day. We stand at an important moment in our history, one where our decisions can shape long-term prosperity and opportunity for generations. Guided by our values and grounded in our sovereignty, we are building a future that honors who we are while expanding new opportunities for those to come.
Our priorities as the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes focus on strengthening sovereignty, creating long-term economic stability, investing in our people, and ensuring sustainable growth. Central to these efforts is our gaming operations, which serve as one of our strongest economic engines. The revenue generated through gaming supports essential tribal programs and services, and community investments that directly benefit our membership. Gaming also provides meaningful employment, contributing to workforce development and broader economic strength across the reservation and the region.
At the same time, we recognize that gaming must operate within a larger, diversified strategy. We are investing in technology, hospitality, broadband and infrastructure, and new business opportunities that position the tribes for sustained growth. By leveraging the success of gaming while expanding into additional areas, we strengthen our long-term economic position and create new opportunities that extend beyond gaming.
INNOVATION: Innovation is a driving force in this work. To remain competitive, we are modernizing our facilities, integrating new technologies, enhancing operational systems, and using data more effectively to better understand and meet guest expectations. Innovation also means improving efficiency, building collaboration across our operations, and supporting employee development. These efforts ensure our operations remain strong, adaptable, and aligned with tribal priorities in an industry that is rapidly changing.
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT: Leadership development is another essential priority. We are creating pathways for tribal members and employees through mentorship, training, education, professional development, and succession planning. Providing emerging leaders with meaningful opportunities to grow strengthens our organizations and prepares us for future challenges. By developing talent from within – while welcoming expertise when needed – we build a resilient leadership pipeline capable of carrying our values forward and creating new opportunities for future generations.
As we continue shaping the future of our gaming and hospitality, I want to recognize the contributions of Colista Matsaw, Chief Executive Officer of the Shoshone-Bannock Casino Hotel, whose leadership helped inform these priorities. I also extend my appreciation to the employees of the casino hotel. Their dedication and professionalism are essential to the continued success of our gaming and to the economic strength of the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes.