The Navajo Nation Gaming Enterprise last week presented a check for $5 million to the Navajo Nation’s Gaming Distribution Fund.
The annual ceremonial presentation was made in a formal setting at the start of the 24th Navajo Nation summer legislative session at Window Rock, Arizona. It was the sixth such payment made since 2012 and brings the total to $23.3 million.
The distributions are made after the Enterprise pays operating expenses, capital maintenance and improvement expenses and debt service.
Navajo Gaming was founded less than a decade ago. During that time it has generated about 7,600 jobs, including more than 1,200 for Navajo people. It has also generated more than $1 billion in economic activity.
Navajo Gaming CEO Brian Parrish commented, “With the support of Navajo Nation leadership, the Dine’ People and our board of directors, our team has been able to continue to significantly increase the profitability and economic output of this enterprise while honoring and respecting the culture of Navajo. We are creating new jobs as part of our strategic development plan and providing a strong rate of return to the Navajo Nation.”
Seth Damon, Speaker of the 24th Navajo Nation Council, added, “Our Nation invested in the enterprise with the expectation that not only the Navajo government reap the benefits of gaming’s success, nut our people, through the stable, solid employment would benefit as well. When our enterprises succeed, our nation succeeds.”
