Here is a round up of business news from around Indian Country.
Economic development
• On July 14, the Center for Indian Country Development at the Minneapolis Fed is hosting the second session of its policy webinar series focused on successful strategies in tribal enterprise diversification across Indian Country. The session will focus on strategic business decisions, challenges, and opportunities tribal enterprises face in today’s economic landscape. Speakers include Ho-Chunk Inc. COO Annette Hamilton, Creek Indian Enterprise Development Authority CFO Chad Klinck, Mille Lacs Corporate Ventures CEO Joe Nayquonabe and Center for Indian Country Development Senior Economist Matthew Gregg. Chris James, president and CEO of the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development, will serve as moderator. The session will run from 1-2 p.m. CT on Wednesday, July 14. For more information and to register, visit this link.
Entrepreneurship
• Ron Turney, a traditional Ojibwe artist from the White Earth and Red Lake Nations, received a $2,500 cash award from the Northwest Minnesota Foundation’s IDEA Competition to use toward the development of Indigenous Origins. Turney developed the software platform that allows Indigenous artists, Native-owned small businesses and tribal businesses to get into e-commerce at no cost. Indigenous Origins’ platform allows the Native artists or small businesses to upload their arts, goods or services and sell them in an online marketplace. Turney, who has more than 25 years of experience in web design and digital marketing, expects to launch the platform within the next month, according to a statement from Northwest Minnesota Foundation.
Education
• Two Michigan-based American Indian tribes were included in the latest round of American Rescue Plan funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to support head start programs in the state. The Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians received $147,170 while the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians was awarded $99,310 under the funding round, which totaled more than $12.7 million statewide. The latest investment is aimed at helping head start programs build capacity to return to in-person services this fall, according to a statement from the offices of U.S. Sens. Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow, both Michigan Democrats.
Gaming
• The Mohegan Tribe’s Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment venture is partnering with FanDuel Group to launch a temporary retail sportsbook in September at the tribe’s flagship property, the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Conn., pending licensing and regulatory approvals. The partnership will also roll out online sports betting and igaming in the coming months. Under the deal, FanDuel will offer a Mohegan Sun-branded online casino experience and daily fantasy sports in Connecticut, which recently legalized online gaming and sports betting. The partners plan to open a permanent sportsbook location this winter. “Our partnership is a priority for Mohegan Digital, as we look to grow and enhance our casino, sportsbook and online operations in Connecticut — and beyond,” Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment President and CEO Ray Pineault said in a statement. “We’re confident that FanDuel will deliver a best-in-class digital and in-person experience for our loyal guests.”
• The Gila River Indian Community is in the process of planning its fourth casino on trust land near Chandler, Ariz., following the signing of an amended compact with the state of Arizona. The tribe’s Community Council approved a budget for the design and construction of the facility in mid June. Gila River estimates the process to build the casino will take 18-24 months. Gila River Indian Community Gov. Stephen Lewis praised the “historic news,” citing the potential for “additional revenue, security, and critical services” with the casino.
• The Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians has broken ground on a 150-room hotel at Red Hawk Casino in Placerville, Calif. The 120,000-square-foot, five-story hotel, the tribe’s first expansion at the property since 2008, is expected to be completed by the fall of 2022. The tribe is working with Roseville, Calif.-based Williams and Paddon Architects and Planners Inc. for the design. Sunnyvale, Calif.-based general contractor Level 10 Construction Inc. and Orangevale, Calif.-based Avanti Builders Inc. are handling the construction. The tribe also is planning a 75,000-square-foot entertainment center for Red Hawk Casino.
