In Oklahoma, reports indicate the Muscogee (Creek) Nation in Okmulgee and the Cherokee Nation in Tahlequah are making economic progress that impacts the state.
In his recently delivered annual State of the Nation address ,Chief George Tiger said much of the Oklahoma tribe’s progress is the result of economic development. “I was just telling Governor Fallin the other day and I said, ‘Nowhere in Oklahoma will you be able to find almost $1 billion in development other than the banks of the Arkansas in Tulsa,’” Tiger said. He added the state of the Creek Nation not only affects tribal members, but also impacts Green Country as the Creek Nation continues to pump millions into Tulsa-area infrastructure.
For example, Tiger said the Creek Nation is investing $340 million to expand its RiverSpirit Casino in Tulsa, with a 27-story resort hotel and Margaritaville-themed casino. The tribe also will spend another $22 million to revitalize the Jenks RiverWalk. “Right now, with the project at the RiverSpirit that’s going to be providing 800 jobs once that’s completed, we’re looking at another 850 to 900 permanent jobs,” Tiger said.
He did not gloss over the fact that a few months ago, former Second Chief Roger Barnett was arrested and charged with embezzling from the tribe. “For the past couple months, it’s kind of been a rough change but I’m glad to see as Creek people we’re able to overcome that,” Tiger said.
In Tahlequah, a recent report indicated Cherokee casinos set a new internal high for New Year’s Eve traffic, taking in $55.6 million and ending December 2014 with 4 percent growth from December 2013.
Additionally, the tribe is putting the finishing touches on its ninth casino, Cherokee Casino South Coffeyville, set for a soft opening on February 16 and a grand opening in early March. The property will require 130 jobs, and to date Cherokee Nation citizens have filled 100 of them. Cherokee Nation Entertainment Chief Operating Officer Mark Fulton said, “At worst case scenario, we’re looking at 82 percent of the employees being hired under Cherokee preference.”
A 170,000 square foot Cherokee Casino is under construction in Roland, with the hotel opening set for mid-May, and the tribe is reviewing renovation plans for the hotel at its Catoosa property.
