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 Big Sandy Rancheria Chairperson Elizabeth Hutchins had to say…
Elizabeth Hutchins, Chairperson
Big Sandy Rancheria of Western Mono Indians
Mono Wind Casino – Auberry, CA
monowind.com / bigsandyrancheria.com
PRIORITIES: For Big Sandy Rancheria there are so many top priorities when it comes to our youth’s education, Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), tribal sovereignty – the list is almost endless. Being the second largest employer in our local area, gaming is just one of many revenue generating departments we have that support our tribe in the continuation of tribal self-government.
INNOVATION: Having a G2E gaming convention is crucial to keeping up with the latest and greatest trend in one’s gaming facility. Being able to touch, hear, and feel the newest games on the market really is a game changer.
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT: Big Sandy Rancheria highly supports tribal government training. One vital training we’ve come to recognize as a huge learning experience is the Indian Gaming Association (IGA) Level 1, 2, 3, and Mastery Commissioner’s Training. Anyone who is currently or plans to go into the gaming industry should take these classes to better understand their property and the evolution of gaming as a whole.