A brewery and distillery will produce beer and spirits , crafted on-site and sold throughout the property ( legislation passed in 2018 repealed a 184-year ban on production of spirits on tribal property ). The tribe expects to announce the name of the establishment soon .
The entire facility will be modernized and rooms upgraded at both The Lodge at Rolling Hills and The Inn at Rolling Hills . A new coffee shop will be added along with a pizza restaurant and retail space . A ballroom and conference center will be the final phase of the project , the most versatile and largest of its kind in the area .
The project is expected to create an estimated 400 jobs during construction and up to 200 permanent new jobs post-construction . With occupancy rates at the casino ’ s hotels around 99 percent throughout the year , Neely said the tribe could look at expanding existing lodging or adding a new hotel to the site .
Alejandre said tribal members are supportive of the expansion . “ People are enjoying the opportunity for change and the direction the tribe is headed with their businesses .”
Moving On Up
The U . S . Bureau of Indian Affairs ( BIA ) has approved a plan by the Tule River Tribe of California to relocate its Eagle Mountain Casino from the current locale in Porterville , Tulare County , to a 40-acre parcel in the same community , near the Porterville Airport Industrial Park .
The site is less than 20 miles from the existing facility and will be considered an off-reservation acquisition , reported Indianz . com .
Moving the casino “ would be in the best interest of the tribe and not detrimental to the surrounding community ,” said BIA Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Tara Sweeney , announcing her decision to the National Congress of American Indians .
California Governor Gavin Newsom must also OK the plan , she pointed out . “ A decision to acquire the approximately 40-acre parcel into federal trust will be made at a later date , when Governor Newsom concurs with the secretarial determination .”
“ After years of hard work ,” Chairman Neil Peyron told the Porterville Recorder , “ the federal government moved the tribe ’ s casino relocation one step closer to making this dream a reality .”
Cherokee , community and casino representatives cut the ribbon on the new Cherokee Casino Tahlequah in Oklahoma
Tribal Culture
Cherokee Nation Businesses recently opened its newest casino resort , Cherokee Casino Tahlequah in Oklahoma .
The venue showcases Cherokee history and culture , with artwork and design elements focusing on the legendary Cherokee 18th century warrior-turnedpeacemaker Nancy Ward , also known as Nanyehi , and her cousin and fellow Cherokee leader Dragging Canoe , or Tsiyu . The facility also honors the Cherokee statesman and linguist Sequoyah .
The casino features mannequins of Nanyehi and Tsiyu in period clothing and artwork by 53 Cherokee artists . Historical Cherokee artifacts , on loan from the Cherokee Heritage Center , are displayed at the Chota Center entrance .
Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr . said , “ The art , history and heritage of the Cherokee Nation is beautifully exhibited at our newest entertainment facility . Patrons can wander the entire facility and experience different aspects of Cherokee culture . We ’ ve amassed and displayed the works and crafts of master Cherokee artisans , and that collection rivals most art museums in the country .”
Cherokee Nation Businesses Director of Cultural Art and Design Gina Olaya noted , “ Through the involvement of such a vast amount of artists , Cherokee Casino Tahlequah provides a great view of the depth of talent we have within the Cherokee Nation . The entire location exemplifies our tribe ’ s unique and beautiful culture and doffers visitors the opportunity to learn and enjoy our history , language and heritage .”
Venue names like the White Wolf Steakhouse and Ancient Oak Tavern continue the historic theme . The Chota Conference Center is named after the historic Overhill town , the Cherokee Nation capital from the late 1740s to 1788 , believed to be Ward ’ s birthplace .
Cherokee Nation Businesses ’ cultural art department staff and art committees select each piece of art displayed at every CNB property . They play a critical role in selecting culturally appropriate designs , materials , textures , colors , names and themes to accurately represent Cherokee culture , language and customs .
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