Where2008 the Casino Money Goes Planting the Seed Corn for our Children’s Future

Where the Casino Money Goes

Simply Put….

$119.4 million – Payroll to employees, most of whom are

+ $167.2 million – Operating expenses, with preference for spending the money with businesses owned by and employing

+ $ 20.4 million – Gaming compact fees with the state, with the money earmarked for public education and jobs in the horse racing industry

+ $ 77.9 million – Creating hundreds of new jobs for Cherokees in local communities

+ $ 33.7 million – Services for Cherokee elders, youth and communities ______$418.6 million going to make better lives for Cherokee citizens

n Profit...... $111.6 million 5% n Payroll...... $119.4 million

n Operating Expenses...... $167.2 million

n Contributions to Education & Horse Racing Industry..... $20.4 million 39% 27%

29%

Cherokee.org 777 W Cherokee St Catoosa, OK 74015 CherokeeCasino.com  Planting the Seed Corn for our Children’s Future

the Cherokee Dear Cherokee Citizen, embrace and promote Cherokee communities, the investment to strengthen in mind: to make Nation works diligently All with one purpose of The Cherokee for Cherokee people. Cherokee philosophy economic self reliance is all part of the traditional culture, and create in the future. This lv do di.’ help themselves ni yo tli u na li s de that our children can , or ‘di now, so future, corn for our children’s our citizens has the planting the seed so that each one of citizens is a job, s de lv do di.’ can provide for our ‘di ni yo tli u na li children’s future, or best service the seed corn for our to come. The , planting the prosper for generations to to survive, thrive and opportunity Cherokee people today will allow the Nation jobs that are created businesses, Cherokee The Cherokee Nation’s which one of the the many ways in will show that. This magazine Casinos, does just operates Cherokee You will read personal Enterprises, which Cherokee citizens. for thousands of because is used to create jobs own communities how gaming money benefits, right in their You will see exactly stable jobs with common good by working at good paying, profits serving the of Cherokee citizens employees and gaming the investment stories the hard working the most. This is see the results of others that need it of gaming. You will elderly, youth and services for Cherokee vital government supporting Cherokee people. for the future of the to creating jobs for we make today Very simply, it goes casino money go?” is, “Where does the question we are asked and culture in A common Cherokee communities jobs that will keep Cherokee citizens, place for years to come.

Sincerely,

Chad Smith Principal Chief

Joe Grayson, Jr. Deputy Chief , Principal Chief Joe Grayson, Jr., Deputy Chief

Cherokee Nation Tribal Council Back row, L-R: Meredith Frailey, Chris Soap, Cara Cowan-Watts, Buel Anglen, Bradley Cobb, Chief Chad Smith, Deputy Chief Joe Grayson, Jr., Chuck Hoskin, Jr., Julia Coates, Jack Baker. Front row, L-R: Bill John Baker, Tina Glory-Jordan, S. Joe Crittenden, Jodie Fishinghawk, David Thornton, Sr., Janelle Lattimore Fullbright, Don Garvin, Harley L. Buzzard, Curtis G. Snell. 

CNE’s sound leadership is firmly rooted in business experience and Cherokee heritage.

Cherokee Nation Enterprises is entirely owned by the Cherokee Nation. As with all Cherokee Nation businesses, it is managed using a corporate business model comprised of a board of directors and an executive management team. This allows for the business decision-making and day-to-day operations of the company to be free of political influence or pressure. Solid, proven business leaders make the business decisions, while elected government leaders concentrate on running the government.

Unlike many tribes across the country who use outside management companies to operate their casinos, CNE’s board of directors and workforce are comprised mainly of Cherokees.

CNE’s board members include: Cherokee citizen and board chairman, Jay Hannah is the executive vice- president of financial services at BancFirst in Oklahoma City.

B.J. Dumond, a Cherokee citizen born and raised in Tahlequah, owns Simple Simon’s Pizza, B&B Real Estate, LLC and has interest in Tulsa 5-Star, which owns two franchise Music-Go-Round retail stores.

Dennis Dowell is a Cherokee citizen who has served as a director of non-profit federally funded programs within the state of Oklahoma.

M.A. Lechtenberger, a citizen of the Cherokee Nation, is a retired petroleum professional who spent 20 years with Exxon and 13 years with CITGO Petroleum, Inc.

Bob McSpadden, a citizen of the Cherokee Nation, has a long history with the Cherokee Nation as a formal tribal council member and active citizen.

Michael “Mick” Webber, a Cherokee citizen, is the president and CEO of HydroHoist Inc. International, based in his hometown of Claremore, Okla.

Dave Tippeconnic, former chief executive officer of CNE, has been fundamental in CNE’s recent growth. Highlighting Tippeconnic’s 9 years in the petroleum industry was his role as president and CEO of CITGO Petroleum Corporation, one of the largest oil companies in the world.

 Cherokee Nation Enterprises creates jobs through gaming, hospitality, retail and cultural tourism.

Enterprises businesses every other Cherokee Nation visit Cherokee Casinos and in 1990. Millions of guests as a Bingo Outpost in Roland our humble beginnings year. That’s a far stretch from in Cherokee people, and the vision to reinvest leadership, a dedicated workforce Simply put, Through diligent of which are filled by Cherokees. 3,200 jobs, the majority CNE has created more than gaming equals jobs for Cherokees. in the region. and award winning brands are the market leading Casinos As a result, Cherokee Casinos service make Cherokee and superior guest to Casinos’ clean, safe properties This has enabled CNE Cherokee Oklahoma gaming market. destinations in the through jobs or the top entertainment returned to Cherokee people profits, all of which are achieve record breaking government services. jobs in the next to create another 1,000 to work, as we are positioned It’s a formula that continues Oklahoma. in our properties across northeastern year due to major reinvestment retail store, you’ll Travel Plaza or Cherokee Cherokee Casino, Cherokee So, next time you see a lives for Cherokees. providing services and improving know that it’s creating jobs,

Place Sincerely, e to You lac r B P e st ts e B

David Stewart Cherokee Citizen Chief Executive Officer Cherokee Nation Enterprises seven casinos, a horse Nation Enterprises operates Cherokee two convenience hotels, two golf courses, racing track, three and a full service travel plaza stores, six tobacco retailers, four gift shops.

Cherokee Casino Resort, Catoosa, employs nearly 1,800 people, with plans to add 500 more jobs by early 2009. Company-wide, CNE employs more than 3,200 people, the majority of whom are Cherokee.

 Employing Cherokees

In 2007, $111.6 million in casino profit was reinvested in jobs and services for Cherokee citizens.

5% n Profit...... $111.6 million

n 39% 27% Payroll...... $119.4 million n Operating Expenses...... $167.2 million

29% n Contributions to Education & Horse Racing Industry...... $20.4 million

Cherokee Nation Enterprises’ total revenue in 2007 was The second largest portion is spent on payroll, which totaled $418.6 million. The largest portion of CNE’s revenue is $119.4 million. This paid for wages, payroll taxes and benefits spent on operating costs to keep the businesses going, such for CNE’s more than 3,200 employees in 2007, 71 percent of as utilities, building maintenance, supplies, furniture and whom are Native American. CNE offers top benefits such as inventory for restaurants and stores. Operating costs for 2007 health, life and disability insurance and an employer-matched totaled $167.2 million. retirement plan.

Tamara Cooksey (left), Cherokee citizen, with Crystal Wachoche, started her employment with Cherokee Nation Enterprises in 1990 as a secretary. Now, more than 18 years later, she is a business process analyst supporting the company’s accounting and information technology systems.

 The best service the Cherokee Nation can provide one of its citizens is a job.

One hundred percent of the casino profits benefit the Because of the Jobs Growth Act, thousands of Cherokees Cherokee people. Seventy percent, or $77.9 million in 2007, can now stay home in their communities to live and work, is reinvested to continue the cycle of job growth and increased instead of moving away from home. When Cherokee families profits as is shown on the next two pages. Thirty percent, or live and work in Cherokee communities, those communities $33.7 million in 2007, goes to the Cherokee Nation to help remain strong and allow our culture to thrive. That’s why job fund government services for Cherokees. Those expenditures creation is so important: not only do jobs help individuals and are detailed on pages 16 to 32. families, they also make communities and the entire Cherokee Nation a better place to live. Creating jobs and investing in the future, , is not just a policy; it is actually a law that has been approved by the Chief and the Council. It’s called the Jobs Growth Act, and it makes sure Cherokee Nation companies devote 70 percent of their profits to growing and creating more jobs for Cherokees.

Frank Caffey, Cherokee citizen and customer service representative, worked at Cherokee Casino Resort for more than two years before transferring to Cherokee Casino Will Rogers Downs to work in his hometown of Claremore. Opened by CNE in 2005, the mile-long oval horse track underwent a major renovation in 2007. The casino, track and simulcast facility now employs more than 160 people.



Gaming profits are the seed corn for creating more jobs and more services for Cherokees.

CNE Yearly Profits $120,000,000

100,000,000

80,000,000

60,000,000

40,000,000

20,000,000

1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007

We know that the Jobs Growth Act works, because the decade later, Cherokee Nation Enterprises is making more results show it. In 1999, casino profits were less than $5 than 20 times what it did before. This growth not only makes million per year. Cherokee Nation leadership decided to millions of additional dollars available for services to the plant the seed corn and invest in the future. Instead of Cherokee people, but it also allows for the further expansions spending all the money that was coming in seven or eight that are underway for Cherokee Casinos at Catoosa and West years ago, the Cherokee Nation decided to expand its Siloam Springs that will increase profits even further. businesses, creating more profits and more jobs. Less than a

Greg Collins, a Cherokee citizen, is a table games dealer at Cherokee Casino Roland. Through reinvestment of gaming dollars, CNE now generates more than $400 million annually in revenue and employs more than 3,200 people, the majority of whom are Cherokee.

 Planting the seed corn into expanding casinos creates jobs for generations to come.

Because the Cherokee Nation has decided to create jobs for in 2007 and will create 1,000 more in the next year with its citizens and grow its businesses through reinvestment, CNE expansion projects in Catoosa and West Siloam Springs. By and Cherokee Casinos have shown an incredible increase in planting the seed corn into new and expanding businesses, jobs for Cherokees in their home communities - more than the Cherokee Nation is creating jobs in Cherokee 2,100 in the past four years. CNE created nearly 400 jobs communities and helping keep its culture strong.

CNE’s Growing Workforce 180 2800

1982

160 1028 424 511 69 86 1992 1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2005 2006 2007

Rachel White, Cherokee citizen, loves her job at Cherokee Casino Resort, Catoosa. She worked at the resort’s gift shop for many years and now manages the retail tobacco store. CNE is one of the largest employers in northeastern Oklahoma, employing more than 3,200 people in 2007 with good, stable jobs with benefits.

 Employing Cherokees

“You come in and do the same work every day, but it’s different every day. It’s been fun, challenging and exciting to work here.” – Tamera Eagle, Cherokee citizen, revenue audit manager, Cherokee Casino Sallisaw

From the ground up, that’s just about how long Tamera Eagle assistant gaming manager, staying in that position for six years. has worked for CNE, or as it was called back then, Cherokee But after having a baby, I wanted to work days, so I got a Nation Outpost. Her badge number: 2, out of more than position in accounting. And now, I’ve been in this department 15,000 issued to date. Tamera Eagle has worked for CNE for for more than ten years.” 17 years and is Cherokee Casinos’ longest-term employee. What has kept Tamera at Cherokee Casinos for so long? Tamera currently works as revenue audit manager for First and foremost, the pay and benefits. Secondly, Tamera Cherokee Casino Sallisaw, overseeing the accounting for both enjoys being able to work in her hometown of Sallisaw. “The Sallisaw and Roland casinos. And with the recent growth benefits here are outstanding,” says Tamera. “Coming from of Cherokee Casinos, she has been involved with the start- such a small town, you’re not going to find a job in this area up operations of many other locations as well. This growth, that offers what CNE offers, maybe not even in Fort Smith. coupled with CNE’s Cherokee preference hiring policy, Having the benefits has made my life great, and my family has means Cherokees can have a long-term career with plenty seen that too. My kids want to work here, and my sister and of opportunities for promotion, just like Tamera. “I initially mother both have gotten jobs here because of how well the started as a pull-tab supervisor at the Roland Bingo Outpost,” company has treated me.” says Tamera. “Then I quickly moved to assistant manager, then reinvesting in jobs

10 “Education is its own reward. When you are in class and learning, you feel good about yourself. Fortunately, for us it’s free.” – Roger Barr, Cherokee citizen, e-games performance manager, Cherokee Casino Tahlequah and Cherokee Casino Ft. Gibson

Education and experience is what Roger Barr calls “the total of the upward mobility it provides,” Roger says. “But there is package.” Sometimes missing out on one or the other will put going to come a time when you need the credentials to make you out of line for a promotion. “You can be the best manager it to the next level.” in the world, but a requisite is a requisite,” explains Roger, a lifetime resident of Cherokee County. CNE’s tuition reimbursement program and other educational opportunities allow CNE employees to attend education Because of CNE’s education reimbursement program, Roger courses to increase their job opportunities. is now just months away from completing his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice at Northeastern State University. Roger strongly believes that furthering a person’s education Already a graduate from Tulsa Community College’s creates better job opportunities for the individual, but it hospitality gaming operations program, also provided by CNE, also strengthens communities and the Cherokee Nation. Roger says he believes his educational experience has helped “Education is paramount for Cherokee citizens,” says Roger. him climb the job ladder at CNE. It is part of achieving self-sufficiency as a Cherokee people.

Roger is currently the e-games performance manager for “For the future, I see people getting degrees and becoming Cherokee Casinos Tahlequah and Ft. Gibson properties. This upwardly mobile. Then if CNE wants to embark on other means he oversees all of the operations, analysis and employees ventures, we have people in place who have the capacity to go of the casinos’ electronic games. “I think you always have to forward and help maximize other business ventures to make push education. This company is a great place to work because the Cherokee Nation more sufficient,” Roger says.

11 Employing Cherokees

CNE creates jobs by devoting 70 percent of its profits, or $77.9 million in 2007, to doing just that.

Cherokee Casino Resort tops the list with a reinvestment first-class, full-service travel center in 2007. The center created of $13.1 million in the property to complete the multi-level 15 new jobs for Cherokee citizens. parking garage and begin expansion of the casino and hotel. Expanding the resort creates more than 500 new jobs for CNE also reinvested another $4.3 million in acquiring land Cherokee citizens. The resort will include a new 19-story for future use and completing remodel projects at Cherokee hotel, expanded gaming space, additional convention and Casino Tahlequah, Cherokee Casino Roland and Cherokee banquet space, a 2,000-seat arena, and more restaurants and Casino Will Rogers Downs. These properties together employ nightclubs, including a Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill. more than 650.

Cherokee Casino West Siloam Springs is also undergoing The remaining $43.8 million of Jobs Growth Act dollars an expansion to create more than 500 new jobs. CNE is dedicated to completing the expansions at West Siloam reinvested $10.7 million in 2007 in this property. Total Springs and Catoosa, due to be completed in 2008 and 2009, construction costs are estimated at $108 million for the respectively, and future expansion to create even more jobs for new 312,000-square-foot casino and 8-story hotel complex. Cherokee citizens.

The Cherokee Travel Plaza, Roland, opened for business in May 2007. CNE spent $6 million on finishing touches to this

The first steel beam is set on November 1, 2007, for the massive expansion of Cherokee Casino West Siloam Springs. The expansion creates approximately 500 new jobs, more than doubling its current employee count of 450.

12 “I’ve found opportunities here and I enjoy my work: the challenges, interaction with guests and meeting new people. It’s just different every day here at the casino.” – Robert H. Teehee, Cherokee citizen, customer service administrator, Cherokee Casino West Siloam Springs

Two and a half years ago, Cherokee citizen Robert Teehee believe in hard work, and I knew that I could reach my goal if hired on with Cherokee Casino West Siloam Springs on the I worked hard and proved I was capable,” says Robert. “I took pull count team, which entails repetitively emptying electronic every training course possible to learn all that I could and games, counting money and completing highly detailed forms. show that I wanted to learn.” Two promotions later, as a customer service administrator, Robert now works with guests, troubleshoots machines and Robert’s work ethic is a role model for other employees. He manages the casino floor when the shift or general managers has never missed a day of work or has even been late, and are unavailable. with the current casino and hotel expansion happening at West Siloam Springs, he looks forward to even more doors Knowing that hard work and great opportunities frequently of opportunity opening. “The expansion will offer a lot come together at Cherokee Casinos, Robert took charge of of opportunity to move up, and not just for me, but other his career with CNE early on. Robert hired on at his initial employees here as well,” says Robert. “I can help them move position knowing he would have to work his way up to get to up, and I will continue to work towards a goal – a new goal I where he wanted to be. He quickly absorbed his surroundings can set with the new expansion.” and discovered what he wanted to do – manage the casino. “I believing in hard work

13

“This job was a blessing, and I’m honored to be working here and for this company.” – Patricia Harrison, Choctaw citizen, manager, Cherokee Travel Plaza, Roland

Patricia Harrison is a Muldrow native and grandmother convenience stores. Working for the Cherokee Travel Plaza has to three Cherokee grandchildren, all under the age of five. given Patricia greater responsibility, bigger challenges and an Because of the opening of the Cherokee Travel Plaza in exciting future. In her first week, she saw the unique working Roland in May 2007, Patricia was able to acquire a job atmosphere that CNE provides. “When first on board, I was with CNE and work only seven miles from her home. “It’s scared. Most places are not that helpful,” says Patricia. “My first important for me to work close to home, so if a problem week here, everyone was willing to help. I went to Catoosa for arises, I’m not very far from the store or home,” says Patricia. training and everyone, I mean everyone, was friendly, and that was really encouraging.” By reinvesting in new businesses, such as the Cherokee Travel Plaza, CNE creates jobs for local residents and Native One thing Patricia greatly appreciates from working with Americans so that they can work in their own communities. CNE is the benefits. “Where I worked before, they offered insurance, but you’d spend most of your paycheck on Patricia was hired two years ago to manage the travel plaza, premiums,” says Patricia. “The benefits that CNE provides which includes a full-service gas and diesel fuel operation, were a major reason I came to work here. The 401(k) is great driver’s lounge, retail sales, restaurant, convenience store, and the pay is great.” gift shop and cultural theater. She previously had 14 years of managerial experience with other truck stops and reinvesting in new businesses

14 “Now, there are endless opportunities because of all the doors CNE has opened.” – Lonnie White, Cherokee citizen, lead player’s club representative, Cherokee Casino Ft. Gibson

If you time it right, you can find new CNE employee Lonnie player’s club representative oversees guest service and casino White at Cherokee Casino Ft. Gibson humming a tune or promotions. “After that, I knew it was the place for me.” singing out loud. And if she stops, her regular casino guests will let her know about it. Lonnie is one of the many Cherokee citizens who have benefited from the recent expansion of Cherokee “I have some of my regular guests who come in and ask me, Casinos. Expansion means the creation of new jobs within ‘Why are you not singing yet today?’ I tell them I haven’t communities, something she believes is a big win for heard a song I liked yet,” explains Lonnie, smiling. Cherokee citizens.

Apparently, fun is addictive at Cherokee Casino in Ft. “This is such a great thing,” Lonnie explains. “There are so Gibson. Due to the expansion of the casino, which doubled many people who are qualified, but no one is hiring inside its size and created a Cherokee Rewards Player’s Club, this our communities. Jobs like mine here at Cherokee Casino 37-year-old single mother of three was able to accept her keep us here. That’s important.” new job in July 2007.

“Before they hired me they told me, ‘We want you to have fun at work.’ I believed them, too,” says Lonnie, who as the lead creating jobs

15 Improving Lives

Thirty percent of gaming profits go to those who need it most through vital services and programs.

The money that is not reinvested for job creation is paid These gaming dollars contribute directly to essential directly back to the Cherokee Nation’s general fund. Although government programs, like health, housing, education and the Cherokee Nation’s general fund includes other sources human services for Cherokee citizens. of funding, gaming dollars accounted for 56 percent of the Cherokee Nation’s $56.7 million general fund in 2007. By creating jobs for Cherokee citizens and contributing to Cherokee Nation social services, 100 percent of gaming profits benefit Cherokee citizens. helping citizens in need

This England Hollow, Adair County, home is possible for one Cherokee family through Cherokee Nation’s general fund dollars that purchased the heavy equipment necessary to build the home’s foundation. The home is one of more than a dozen self-help home building projects across the Cherokee Nation’s 14 counties made possible by general and federal fund dollars. In 2007, Cherokee Nation spent $100.8 million on housing and community services.

16 In 2007, Cherokee Casinos generated nearly $33.7 million for Cherokee citizens in need.

Gaming Money for Services $33.7 Million *Dollar amounts are approximate

3% 3% 3% 3% 4% 26% 5%

5%

5% 15% 5% 7% 7% 9%

n Health Services...... $8,954,071 n Chief’s Office...... $1,645,631 n Education Services...... $5,016,132 n Human Resources...... $1,584,003 n Housing and Community Services...... $2,866,165 n Other ...... $1,341,493 (Career Services, Commerce, Financial Resources & Government Resources) n Supreme Court & Legal Resources...... $2,334,824 n Commissions, Boards...... $1,101,426 n Natural Resources...... $2,268,505 n Tribal Council...... $1,093,162 n Gaming Commission...... $1,731,329 n Communication & Strategy...... $1,042,479 n Human Services...... $1,649,821 n Management Resources...... $1,040,107

17 Improving Lives

Because of gaming dollars, Cherokee citizens received nearly $9 million of additional life-sustaining health services in 2007.

This money accounted for more than half of the Cherokee pediatrics, physical rehabilitation and other essential services. Nation’s total health services general fund of $15.9 million These services reach Cherokee citizens who need it the most, in 2007. These dollars are put to work every day, saving and including specialized outreach programs at schools, back-to- improving the lives of Cherokee citizens through health work programs for the injured, and the elderly. clinics, diabetes and cancer screenings, dental services,

providing health services

Nurse Karlene Brown, LPN, treats cancer patient Connie Smith at the Wilma P. Mankiller Health Center in Stilwell. The Cherokee Nation spent $154.9 million in combined general and federal funds on health care in 2007, including new high-tech clinics in Nowata and Muskogee and major upgrades to the clinic in Sallisaw.

18 “It’s difficult to put into words. Really, I just thank God that the Cherokee Nation has been there to assist us during the greatest needs of my life.” – Tod McBrien, Cherokee citizen, cancer survivor

In July 1998, Tod McBrien was a typical 23-year-old, married After aggressive treatment using a high-tech procedure called and hoping to start a family soon. In August that same year, gamma knife radiation, specialists were finally able to remove Tod received some terrifying news. He was diagnosed with Tod’s tumor. They were not able to save Tod’s eye, but he says cancer of the tear duct in his eye. that is a relatively small price to pay to be cancer free.

“The doctors said if they did the surgery with the technology “We completely got the cancer the second time. The cancer is that was available here in Oklahoma, I would be disfigured gone, completely gone,” Tod explains. “My medical needs are for the rest of my life. That was really tough to hear,” Tod not typical, and still, the help I’ve received from the Cherokee says. “But there was no other way if I was going to stay in Nation has been remarkable. They’ve helped me go halfway Oklahoma for treatment.” across the country just to get the treatments I’ve needed.”

To hear this once is grim; to hear it twice is devastating. Tod Through profits generated by Cherokee Casinos, unique faced two bouts of life-threatening cancer in six years, first programs like the one Tod used are possible. These types of traveling to Detroit for treatment, then later more than 1,300 programs have given Tod’s family and countless other families miles away to Columbia University in New York City. a priceless gift—a second chance at life.

“Everyone admitted they didn’t know a whole lot about it,” Tod says. “The American Cancer Society said they’d only known of two or three people who’d ever had this cancer.” improving lives

19 Improving Lives

CNE and its growing gaming dollars are providing a better future for Cherokee citizens by investing in education services today.

In fact, of the $8.9 million of the Cherokee Nation’s 2007 scholarships, the Head Start program, the general fund that was spent on education, $5 million was a Immersion School and the Johnson O’Malley program. These result of casino money. That’s making a real difference for programs allow Cherokee families and youth to access the best the future of Cherokee youth. The Cherokee Nation funds education possible right in their own communities. a variety of education programs including higher education

investing in education

Cherokee students study at Schools, Tahlequah, a nationally acclaimed boarding school partially funded by the Cherokee Nation’s general fund. The Cherokee Nation spent $46.2 million, including general and federal funds, on education in 2007.

20 “I believe my daughter and all of the children in the Cherokee Language Immersion School will be leaders in our community. The ingredients of the school will prepare our children to be stronger and wiser.” – Jessica Harkreader, Cherokee citizen, mother of Alayna (Que-bi) Harkreader, 2nd grader at Cherokee Immersion School

Jessica Harkreader says she believes strongly in the Cherokee grandmother, both fluent speakers of the language. “Recently, Language Immersion School and her decision to enroll her it brought tears to my granny’s eyes when Alayna read the daughter in the program. “I put her in the school to save the Cherokee Bible to her,” says Jessica. language, bottom line,” says Jessica. “Whether we like it or not, our language is fading. Immersion is essential for our children, Jessica says the school has helped Alayna in many ways. “It and I believe it is the only way to save our language. As a gives her more confidence speaking her native tongue,” says parent, I wanted to take the necessary steps to reinstitute our Jessica. “She is proud of her culture. She respects her elders language for generations to come.” and knows the value of family and our community.” Not only is the school helping the children, but the parents are learning Alayna is part of the leading class at the school. With each as well, including Jessica. Parents have the option to take part new school year, a new grade is created to house the now in a parent’s language class at the school. seven- and eight-year-old students who began the immersion program at three and four years old. Jessica says she believes For Jessica and Alayna, the school has been a blessing. Jessica Alayna is close to speaking the Cherokee language fluently. plans to continue the tradition by sending Alayna’s younger Alayna is able to converse with her great-grandmother and brother, Gunner, as soon as he turns three years old.

21 Improving Lives

Cherokee Casinos are preserving and improving our Cherokee homeland for generations to come through gaming profits.

The Cherokee Nation’s natural resources efforts include $6.3 million of Cherokee Nation general fund and federal environmental and conservation programs, land purchases and money was dedicated to natural resources. Of those funds, $4 management, timber leases, fish and wildlife management and million was from the Cherokee Nation’s general fund, of which upkeep of trust land and tribally owned facilities. In 2007, $2.3 million was a direct result of CNE and Cherokee Casinos.

preserving our homeland

Cherokee Nation Natural Resources Department’s Dahlonegah crew clears a half-mile access road blocked by broken limbs for a Cherokee family in Rocky Ford during an ice storm in January 2007.

22 “We had no place for the kids to run or people to walk. We would get out on the highway and mark spots, but we were literally dodging cars. It wasn’t safe.” – Terry Mayes, Superintendent, Rocky Mountain Schools

For some communities, having a safe place for children and machinery crews worked to clear the land, allowing local families to walk is not a second thought. For the community residents to log the area and take home much-needed timber of Rocky Mountain, located just southwest of Stilwell, it was for heating their homes. The heavy equipment, purchased by a process that took two years and the aid of the Cherokee the Cherokee Nation with gaming funds, also completed the Nation’s general fund, boosted by gaming dollars. earthwork needed to prepare the area for asphalt.

Rocky Mountain Schools, a school of nearly 200 children “So many people came together to do this project. Those guys ages pre-Kindergarten through 8th grade and 90 percent with the equipment worked so hard. We didn’t have any other Native American, contacted the Cherokee Nation about options. We didn’t have space for a walking trail. All we had building a simple walking trail. But, after the school was was the highway and it wasn’t safe,” says Terry. “The whole able to purchase some land just right across the street, the community uses the track. We don’t have a lot of facilities Cherokee Nation’s natural resources department jump-started here. So, the track is open to the whole community.” what became an 8-lane regulation size track and football field. The school has also partnered with the Cherokee Nation in “We want the kids to be healthy,” says Terry Mayes, a number of ways to make the most of their new track and superintendent of Rocky Mountain Schools. “Some of these field. Working with the Cherokee Nation Learn and Serve kids don’t get much, if any, physical activity after school program, they have implemented a walking curriculum. hours, so school is the only place.” It includes learning activities along with walking, such as walking enough miles to represent the . The Cherokee Nation’s Natural Resources Department crew started with an environmental study of the land to ensure the “We have a good thing with the Cherokee Nation,” sums up land was safe and that the makeover would not endanger any Terry. “It benefits the whole community.” of the natural wildlife or ecosystem. Once complete, heavy

23 Improving Lives

Raising a roof, while raising the standard of living for Cherokee communities: Cherokee Nation’s housing and community services programs were bolstered by $2.9 million of gaming money in 2007.

This is because the Cherokee Nation knows adequate and housing and community services in 2007. These programs safe housing is fundamental to the success of any Cherokee allow Cherokee families to live safe and healthy right in their family. So, along with community infrastructure projects own communities, building strong and thriving Cherokee like community water line programs, the Cherokee Nation communities for generations to come. spent $5.1 million, or 4.8 percent, of its general funds on improving housing

Cherokee citizens from Dry Creek in Sequoyah County install a waterline to provide clean, safe water for their families and the entire community. The project is made possible by the Cherokee Nation’s self-help waterline program in which the Cherokee Nation provides materials at no cost and citizens provide the labor.

24 “I’ve helped build houses in Jay, Kenwood, Chelsea, around here in Stilwell. I’ve driven two hours before to help people with their homes. And I know they’ll help me.” – Mike Poor, Cherokee citizen, Cherokee Nation self-help housing program participant

For Mike Poor and his wife, Viola, of rural Stilwell, a new Luckily, Mike and Viola won’t have that problem for much home is a dream they’ve always hoped to make a reality longer. The Cherokee Nation’s self-help housing program allows someday. Now that day has come because of the Cherokee families to build homes using materials supplied by Cherokee Nation’s self-help housing program. For the Poors, the dream Nation. The program calls for members of the community to was simple: a safe place to raise their 7-year-old son, Koye, come together and help each other build homes. who suffers from Down syndrome. After pitching in on other homes for the last two years, help “Right now, we live between a wooded area and a busy road. has started coming their way. The site and foundation was just We don’t have a fence, and Koye has gotten away from the completed for their new home, built by heavy equipment house before,” Viola says. available because of Cherokee Casino gaming dollars.

During one of those episodes, as Mike rushed after Koye to The home will also feature a chain link fence to help keep keep him out of traffic, he suffered a heart attack. “My worst Koye safe. “That’s been our main concern for so long,” nightmare is letting him get away,” says Mike. “He was heading explains Viola. “We’re real anxious to get started on it. I never into the road and I took off after him. That’s when I had one thought this would have been possible a few years ago. It’s a of my heart attacks. If we lived farther off the road and had a dream come true.” chain link fence, we wouldn’t have that problem.”

25 Improving Lives

Cherokee Nation housing and community services doesn’t just build houses, it builds families.

Although safe, clean and affordable housing is the foundation and community services programs. The programs included for any Cherokee family, it takes more than bricks and mortar new and innovative ways to keep Cherokee families and to keep families and communities thriving for generations communities connecting, like the preschool Play and Learn, to come. That’s why in 2007 the Cherokee Nation spent home relative provider and language incentive programs. $100.8 million of general and federal funds on housing

teaching our culture

Cherokee citizen Jovan McCully, with his aunt, Cindy McCully, attends one of the Play and Learn groups across the Cherokee Nation’s 14 counties. The preschool groups teach academic and social skills needed for school in addition to teaching the Cherokee language.

26 “I can just tell it’s dying out, which is why I’m trying to teach my kids and grandkids and their kids.” - Ella Mae Daugherty, Cherokee citizen, Cherokee language incentive program participant

When 68-year-old Ella Mae Daugherty was a very young thriving. One of those programs, Cherokee Connections, girl growing up in the Adair County community of Bell, is funded through gaming profits derived from Cherokee she began learning her first foreign language - English. Casinos. Ella Mae Daugherty is using the program to teach Daugherty’s first language was Cherokee, the language passed her great-granddaughter, 4-year-old Jeri. The Cherokee down from her ancestors. “Oh, everybody spoke it back Nation provides a small stipend each month as well as CDs, then,” Ella Mae says. cassettes, books, handouts, stories and interactive games for the speakers to use with their students. But years of government policy, some occurring as late as the 1950s, removed Cherokee children from native “She does real good,” explains Ella Mae. “I get her every day speaking households and began to change native from the time she gets out of preschool until her mom picks communities. It is estimated these culturally destructive her up after work. She’s been learning real quick, a couple of policies reduced native Cherokee speakers from 75 percent new words every day.” Ella Mae laughs as she recalls just how of the population to just 5 percent. well Jeri is picking up the language. “The other day I taught her some new words to say what she was doing and had her “It’s just dying out,” Ella Mae says. “There’s just not anybody repeat them. Later, I asked her in Cherokee what she was hardly who talks Cherokee anymore.” doing and she said, ‘I already told you what I was doing!’”

Rather than sit idly by and watch the Cherokee language Ella Mae hopes that her efforts leave a lasting mark on her die out, the Cherokee Nation has implemented language family and help preserve the culture for all Cherokees. programs to help keep the Cherokee language alive and

27 Supporting Communities

Rest assured, where Cherokee Casinos reside, Cherokee Nation Enterprises is strengthening community safety by supporting local police and fire departments.

In addition to the variety of community support that the located. Therefore, along with many community groups, Cherokee Nation provides, CNE makes it a priority to charitable organizations and school systems, Cherokee Nation support the communities in which Cherokee Casinos are Enterprises contributed funds to these municipalities in 2007:

Catoosa Tulsa • City of Catoosa...... $40,000 • Fire...... $37,000 annually • Police...... $86,568 annually • Schools...... $30,000 annually Sallisaw • Police...... $36,000 annually Fort Gibson • Police...... $30,000 annually West Siloam Springs • Police...... $60,000 annually Roland • Police...... $48,000 annually • Fire...... $12,000 annually

Captain Robert Rowley of the Delaware County Sheriff’s department displays one of the county’s patrol cars. CNE and the Cherokee Nation’s general fund regularly support the department through contributions of funds, vehicles, computers and training.

28 Did you know that Cherokee Casinos also contribute millions of dollars to the state’s public education system each year?

As gaming expands throughout the United States, many tribes Oklahoma. This compact allows Cherokee Casinos to operate are entering into agreements with local state governments to an expanded variety of electronic gaming machines and card offer a wider variety of gaming options. games, such as poker and blackjack, in exchange for a portion of gaming revenues paid to the state of Oklahoma for public As part of the Cherokee Nation and State of Oklahoma education. The compact also calls for an additional portion of Gaming Compact of 2004, Cherokee Nation Enterprises revenue to be dedicated to Oklahoma’s horse racing industry. contributes millions of dollars each year to public education in CNE’s contributions to public education and horse racing industry $25,000,000

20,000,000

15,000,000

10,000,000

5,000,000

2005 2006 2007 Since 2004, Cherokee Casinos have contributed more than $38 million to the state of Oklahoma for public education and the horse industry as a result of the gaming agreement. In 2007 alone, CNE paid the state $20.4 million. Photo courtesy of Tulsa Public Schools.

29 Supporting Communities Cherokee Nation Enterprises creates jobs for Cherokee citizens across northeastern Oklahoma.

Cherokee Casino Resort is Oklahoma’s premier entertainment and gaming destination. Located just minutes east of Tulsa, this facility attracts guests from across the country to enjoy exciting gaming, live entertainment and dancing, delicious dining and seemingly endless amenities. • 1,522 electronic games • 72 poker and table games • Gift shop • Cherokee Smoke Shop • 150-room Cherokee Casino Resort Hotel • 7,500 square feet of meeting and banquet space • 113-room Cherokee Casino Inn • 18-hole Cherokee Hills Golf Club with Champions Grill • Dining: McGill’s, Wild Potato Buffet, Sidewalk Cafe and Ante Pasta Italian Express • Entertainment: Twisters, C:Note Piano Lounge, Cabin Creek (all three including live music) and Margarita Bay • Employs more than 1,700 people

Cherokee Casino Roland is a regional hot spot conveniently located on I-40, just west of Fort Smith, Ark. This facility offers the best games, tasty meals and a comfortable night’s stay at Cherokee Casino Inn located next door. Step into our theater and see an award-winning film on the early lives of the Cherokee’s Seven Clans. Then view or purchase authentic Native American art in the gift shop.

• 614 electronic games • 20 poker and table games • 44-room Cherokee Casino Inn • Cherokee Smoke Shop • Buck’s Grill • Cherokee Travel Plaza • Employs more than 350 people

Nestled on the Oklahoma-Arkansas border at Highway 412, Cherokee Casino West Siloam Springs is the area’s place to go for an exciting time. Northwest Arkansas is one of the country’s fastest growing areas, and this gaming facility is well equipped to meet every guest’s entertainment needs. To keep up with this boom, Cherokee Casino West Siloam Springs is undergoing a massive expansion, including the addition of an 8-story hotel, which is expected to be completed by late 2008.

• 1,014 electronic games • 22 poker and table games • Sidewalk Cafe • Twisters, including live entertainment • Cherokee Smoke Shop • Employs more than 450 people

30 Conveniently located along Highway 62 between Tahlequah and Muskogee, Cherokee Casino Fort Gibson offers guests top-notch games in a cozy setting. Adjoining the casino is the Cherokee Outpost II, a fully stocked convenience store and gas station that accommodates a traveler’s every need.

• 298 electronic games • Convenience store • Gas station • Cherokee Smoke Shop • Employs more than 80 people

Gorgeous Cherokee Casino Tahlequah is located just south of the Cherokee Nation Tribal Complex on Highway 62. At this popular spot, guests can’t get enough of the great food, outstanding service and best live gaming. • 406 electronic games • 9 poker and table games • River City Cafe • Employs more than 270 people

Cherokee Casino Sallisaw is the latest addition to the Cherokee Casino family. Opening in 2006, Cherokee Casino Sallisaw ushered in a new mix of gaming excitement and tasty meals, and is, without a doubt, Sequoyah County’s best spot to take in live entertainment. • 251 electronic games • 6 poker and table games • Back 40 Bar and Grill, including a live music stage and dance floor • Employs more than 150 people

Situated on the outskirts of Claremore, Cherokee Casino Will Rogers Downs is a Green Country hot spot for family fun with live racing action during the day and live music, gaming and billiards by night. Cherokee Casino Will Rogers Downs’ spring race meet offers live racing three months out of the year and simulcast racing every day of the year. Guests also enjoy three options for great food and even an extended stay at the state’s largest RV park, located next to the casino. • 250 electronic games • Live horse racing • Simulcast viewing • Pari-mutuel wagering • Stall rental • Turf Club • 60,000 square foot covered/open-aired grandstand - 2,700 seats • Dog Iron Saloon, which features a bar and grill, steakhouse, stage and dance floor • Cafe Mercedes, showcasing a full breakfast menu • RV park with more than 400 full hook-up sites • Employs more than 160 people

Cherokee Nation Enterprises also operates: • Cherokee Outpost I convenience store and gas station, Tahlequah • Cherokee Nation Gift Shop, Tahlequah • Gift Shop, Tahlequah • Cherokee Trails Golf Course, Tahlequah 31

Where the Casino Money Goes

Simply Put….

$119.4 million – Payroll to employees, most of whom are Cherokee

+ $167.2 million – Operating expenses, with preference for spending the money with businesses owned by and employing Cherokees

+ $ 20.4 million – Gaming compact fees with the state, with the money earmarked for public education and jobs in the horse racing industry

+ $ 77.9 million – Creating hundreds of new jobs for Cherokees in local communities

+ $ 33.7 million – Services for Cherokee elders, youth and communities ______$418.6 million going to make better lives for Cherokee citizens.

n Profit...... $111.6 million 5% n Payroll...... $119.4 million

n Operating Expenses...... $167.2 million

n Contributions to Education & Horse Racing Industry..... $20.4 million 39% 27%

29%

Cherokee.org 777 W Cherokee St Catoosa, OK 74015 CherokeeCasino.com 32