GALLUP, NM – The Navajo Nation Gaming Enterprise honored 73 of its total 1,200 team members in May for reaching significant employment milestones including 15, 10 and 5 years of service for the enterprise. The events at Fire Rock Navajo Casino Resort near Gallup, NM, and Twin Arrows Navajo Resort Casino in Flagstaff, AZ, showcased the impact and journey of each hard-working team member, with a special highlight for 18 employees that have served for 15 years.
Less than 20 years after Navajo Gaming was created by the Navajo Nation and charged with the mission of creating jobs, increasing revenues, and stimulating incremental economic development within the Navajo Nation, the gaming enterprise has created thousands of direct, indirect, and induced jobs and billions of dollars in overall economic output. In addition to those honored for 15 years of service, 44 team members were honored for a decade of service, and 11 team members were honored for five years of service.
“Navajo Gaming employs 1,200 people, 85 percent of whom are Navajo citizens and 90 percent that are Native American,” said John James, CEO of Navajo Gaming. “No other tribal entity that is in the gaming business has that high of a percentage. Our properties are a vital part of the community and provide high-quality jobs, stability and hope for over 1,200 families on the reservation and across New Mexico and Northern Arizona, while our invitation to stay, play and relax at one of our four properties or Travel Center is open to all travelers and guests.”
Beyond direct employment, Navajo Gaming’s economic and cultural contributions extend across the reservation. Navajo contractors built the largely rural casinos and connected utilities and water lines, and Navajo artisans supply the gift shops. The enterprise also participates in a government-wide initiative to promote education as a path to economic development and opportunity on the reservation, including tuition reimbursement programs. Twin Arrows Navajo Casino Resort additionally houses the world’s largest collection of Navajo art.
Team members recognized for 15 years of services have worked their way up to a wide variety of positions within Navajo Gaming’s accounting, marketing, maintenance, and culinary teams.
“We have Navajo team members at all levels of our enterprise including executives and board members, not just hourly positions,” said James. “Additionally, due to our geographic size, we have team members that drive anywhere from 15 minutes to two hours to work each day because we focus on their well-being, offer high-quality jobs at market-rate pay, and incredible benefits for every role at every level, whether you’re a cleaner or director.”
