Dreamcatcher 005 Feb 2010 by Dreamcatcher Magazine

O K L A H O M A I N D I A N N AT I O N S C U LT U R E + E V E N T S

Wa s h i ta B at t l e f i e l d Nat iona l Historic Site cheyenne, ok

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WE’VE RAISED OUR GAME. NOW RAISE YOURS.

O P E N I N G F E B R U A R Y 9TH

choctawcasinoresort.com

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10 ........... 5 Gatherings........... 6 Artist Nathan Hart.... 10

“Thank You”

A Memory In The Land

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Cover and this page: © John Jernigan

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Oklahoma Casinos & Entertainment FEB RUARY 2010 3101 N Flood Ave Norman, OK 73069 405-360-8805 405-360-2228 FAX info@dreamcatchermag.net James T. Lambertus, Publisher james@dreamcatchermag.net Advertising Inquiries: ads@dreamcatchermag.net Letters & Editorial Submissions: edit@dreamcatchermag.net Laurie Haigh, Operations Manager laurie@dreamcatchermag.net Linda Maisch, Managing Editor linda@dreamcatchermag.net N AT I V E A M E R I C A N OW N E D

Subscriptions: $25/year ÂŠCopyright February 2010 OCE Publishing, LLC First Mesa, LLC

MEMBER

American Indian Chamber of Commerce

Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association

Courtesy FireLake Grand Casino

THANK YOU

Wadó CHEROKEE

MIGWECH POTAWATOMI

Yokoke CHOCTAW

HA'HOO

CHEYENNE / ARAPAHOE

Wari gro ke Wari gro ki Eunni gae (I’ll pray for you) OTOE (Men/Women)

QUAPAW

Tha lee d

OSAGE

G AT H E R I N G S BINGER

Caddo Language Classes FEB 3, 10, 17, 24 WEDNESDAY 6PM Caddo Nation Cultural Building

Caddo Culture Club FEB 4, 18 THURSDAY 7PM Caddo Nation Cultural Building

ARDMORE

Dream Catchers Pow-Wow FEB 6 SATURDAY 2PM Hardy Murphy Coliseum, 600 Lake Murray Dr Information: 580-226-7680 Contests - Arts & Crafts - Food - Raffles - 50/50

CARNEGIE

Kiowa Gourd Clan Benefit FEB 6 SATURDAY 2PM Red Buffalo Hall, Kiowa Tribal Complex All Gourd Dance Program - No Vendors will be on hand

PERKINS

Iowa Tribe Valentines Gourd Dance FEB 7 SUNDAY 2PM Bah-Kho-Je Chena Pow Wow Grounds HWY 177 and E0750 Rd , 4.5 miles south of Perkins 405-547-2948, monkapeme@yahoo.com No Contests - All Gourd Dance Food & Merchandise Vendors will be on hand

OKLAHOMA CITY

American Indian Chamber of Commerce FEB 10 WEDNESDAY 11:30AM Gardner Center, Third Floor, Meinders Building, Oklahoma City University, NW 27th St & McKinley Buffet Luncheon, $15 w/ RSVP to beckybeth@cox.net

YUKON

Oklahoma City Pow-Wow Club Benefit Gourd Dance FEB 13 SATURDAY 2PM American Legion Building, 1010 West Main St Information: 405-919-1572 A fundraiser for Annual Indian Hills Pow-wow Raffles – Cake walk – Arts & Crafts Bring your Valentine Sweethearts!

STROUD

Sac & Fox Chapter Native American Church Benefit FEB 14 SUNDAY 1PM Sac & Fox Community Building 5.5 miles south of Stroud on HWY 99 All Gourd Dance Program Cake Walks - Raffles! Come and join us for a day of spiritural fellowship! Most of the raffle items are handmade by Sac & Fox Chapter Native American Church members

RED ROCK

Otoe-Missouria 2010 Encampment Benefit Dance FEB 13 SATURDAY 2PM American Legion Building, 1010 West Main St Information: 405-919-1572 A fundraiser for Annual Indian Hills Pow-wow Raffles – Cake walk – Arts & Crafts Bring your Valentine Sweethearts!

SHAWNEE

Oklahoma Native American Museum Professionals FEB 26 FRIDAY 11AM Citizen-Potawatomi Nation Cultural Heritage Center 1899 S Gordon Cooper Dr Information: 405-239-5500, staceyh@aiccm.org

CHIEF QUANAH PARKER (COMANCHE) DIED FEBUARY 21, 1911 Let us know of your Gathering, email details to edit@dreamcatchermag.net

G AT H E R I N G S Jefferson Keel, Lt. Governor of the Chickasaw Nation of Oklahoma was elected President of the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI). Leaders and dignitaries representing several Oklahoma Indian Nations gathered at the Jim Thorpe Museum in Oklahoma City to honor the first tribal leader from Oklahoma elected to the post in the 65 year history of the NCAI. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Just as I represent the people of the Chickasaw Nation as lieutenant governor, I will proudly represent all of Indian Country in this role ... Unity is the only way we will make progress, and I pledge to work together to seize the opportunities that are before all of the Tribal Nations.â&#x20AC;? said Keel.

A HISTORIC EVENT

From left: Governor William Anoatubby (Chickasaw Nation), Chairman John Barrett (Citizen Potawatomi Nation), Lt. Governor Jefferson Keel (Chickasaw Nation), Chief Gregory Pyle (Choctaw Nation),

Photos: Courtesy Choctaw Nation

dreamcatcher magazine December 2009:KawLake_012209

11/17/2009

12:20 PM

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NorthCentral Oklahoma’s largest gaming casino!

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Exit Blackwell Photos:222 Dreamcatcher Images (top), Courtesy AICCM (bottom)

ey Goes to Play! here n o M t the Smar

WOODWORKER CHEYENNE ARTIST NATHAN HART Distinctive wood sculptures by Nathan Hart highlight the intrinsic beauty of nature in a contemporary art form. His woodturning technique and detailed carvings reveal the uniqueness of grain patterns and natural characteristics of the wood. His diligent workmanship is equally considerate of the exterior and interior quality of each piece—thin uniform walls provide a delicacy and fluidity to his work. “I studied woodworking in college with a goal to become a furniture designer and craftsman. My first purchase of equipment was a wood lathe and I immersed myself in the study of woodturning.” Nathan began to focus on his art career in January 2001 after a dozen years of turning as a hobby. His work has been accepted into major juried art shows and exhibitions and has received numerous awards of recognition. Nathan is a member of the Cheyenne/Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma, and lives in Oklahoma City.

Photos by JD Merryweather courtesy the artist

BOXELDER BURL 9. 7 5 " H X 1 0 . 2 5 " D I A

NORFOLK PINE 5.50"H X 5.00"DIA

Y E L L O W BOX B U R L 3.00"H X 14.50" X 20.00"

Photos by JD Merryweather and Keith Ball courtesy the artist

REDWOOD BURL 1 0 . 5 0 " H X 9. 7 5 " D I A

ELM BURL 7. 5 0 " H X 6 . 0 0 " D I A

MAPLE BURL 16.0 0 " H X 20.25" DIA

M E M O R Y

I N

Often

o v e r l oo k e d

b y t r av e l e rs

and

residents

alike

is a p l ace t h at

connects

events i n u. s . h i s t o r y

I N

t h at e cho t o t h is day

T H E A n d

L A N D one of the

most peaceful and

tragic

in all of oklahoma

ÂŠ John Jernigan

photographs by

John Jernigan

Called the Battle of the Washita by whites and the Washita Massacre by Native Americans, The Washita Battlefield Historic Site protects the setting along the Washita River where Lt. Col. George Custer led the 7th U.S. Cavalry on a surprise dawn raid against Chief Black Kettleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s southern Cheyenne village. The attack took place on November 27, 1868, and was an important event in the Indian Wars era, linking the massacre at Sand Creek, Colorado, to the battle of the Little Bighorn in Montana. Even today, offerings are left on a tree at the bank of the river.

ÂŠ John Jernigan

T h e S t i l l n e ss the breeze

r u st l i n g

t h e t a l l g r a ss

and the sounds of

Nat u re

a re w h at you ca n discover

here

The Washita Battlefield National Historic Site Visitor Center is located just west of Cheyenne on Highway 47A, and is open 7 daily, 8am–5pm, except some holidays. Inside is a bookstore, an exhibit area, and a theater where visitors can view the film, “Destiny at Dawn: Loss & Victory on the Washita.” The overlook and trail are open daily from dawn to dusk. A walking trail down to the site of the village begins at the overlook. Washita Battlefield is home to over 99 bird species, including the state bird of Oklahoma, the Scissor-Tailed Flycatcher, and the state game bird Wild Turkey. —Linda Maisch

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THE CASINO TRAIL

L E T ’S E AT

WILD POTATO BUFFET Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa

and football. Seeing au jus, I opted for a French dip sandwich on a roll that stood up to being dipped. The beef was tender and the sandwich quite tasty. I accompanied that with whipped potatoes, and some fresh green beans with bacon. My partner tried the BBQ chicken which I sampled and loved for its juiciness, pork tenderloin, and au gratin potatoes. We sampled the grilled sirloin and chicken fried steaks—both get thumbs up, and admired the fact there were both brown and country gravy choices. The dessert choices are not overkill, and that is welcomed after such a feast. I chose the ice cream sundae bar and my friend the cheesecake. The topping choices were varied and fun—something the kids could probably eat as a meal! Which reminds me: children are welcome, and they eat free for lunch.

raveling through Catoosa headed toward home on a cold, bleak winter day after a long business meeting, I decided I needed some light therapy and some warm food to set the tone for the drive. Just then, the amazing Hard Rock Hotel & Casino came into view. I figured slot lights were bright, winning could certainly be considered therapy, so—I stopped. Hungry, and the lure of comfort food strong, so wah numbre (Osage for Let’s Eat) at the Wild Potato Buffet! The Wild Potato is the ultimate comfort food spot. The menu changes constantly but the theme of simple, delicious food is constant. I started with the potato soup which was piping hot and flavorful and accompanied by homemade bread. Then, one of my all time favorites: chicken pot pie. It was seasoned with herbs which tasted fresh—a must in my book for a great pot pie, and the crust was flaky, which made this one of my favorite selections. The next stop for me was the prime rib and turkey carving where the friendly Chef and I discussed food

It was clear from the diversity of people in the Wild Potato in late afternoon that this is a place enjoyed by all: employees, casino patrons, hotel guests, families and people like me who are on the go but want to at least visit and eat at the resort. And there is lots to see and do at Hard Rock. After eating, I took a tour and spent some time admiring the memorabilia that makes the Hard Rock so unique. Then, I tried my luck at a new floor game—and succeeded in paying for my meal! I spent my winnings and more in the Nation’s gift shop and in a jewelry store that adjoin the casino. The Wild Potato’s price leaves room for such spending. The all-you-can-eat Buffet Lunch is only $10; Dinner is $15.64. The Wild Potato serves breakfast from 7 to 10:30am for $7.95 (Breakfast for seniors on Mondays and Wednesdays is just $2.11). Seafood is featured for dinner on Tuesdays and Fridays for $22. And talk about a Valentine treat—during February, the Saturday Prime Rib and Shrimp dinner, regularly $20 per person, is two for one! That leaves nothing to chance, and is just another reason to head to the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino and the Wild Potato Buffet. wah numbre!

Photo courtesy Cherokee Nation Entertainment

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3t Technology Solutions (formerly known as M3 Gaming of Oklahoma) has unveiled the first cash management system that provides casino management a full view of all financial activity at one or more properties in real-time. This comes on the heels of the company’s debut of its M3t Vault™ casino cash management system.

With the M3t Vault™, casino management can see the $1s, $5s, $10s and so on in all vaults, mini-banks, point-of-sale stations, ticket redemption kiosks and ATM’s at any one of an operator’s properties around the world. With a powerful deposit estimator and reporting features that guide casinos through crucial management decisions, the M3t Vault™ minimizes idle cash inventory, enabling increased investment capital and more efficient management of personnel. Other benefits include analytical reporting features and enhanced security along with integration of all automated cash processing equipment. The M3t Vault™ helps management more closely view daily transactions, providing up to 20% more funds for investment opportunities,” said Kent Bowden, M3t’s president. M3t currently manages one-third of Oklahoma’s tribal casinos after entering the market just six years ago. Now it is expanding throughout the country, with system installations in Washington State and Alabama,

“Our customer told us what could help them operate more efficiently, based on this feedback, our research and development department created the M3t Vault™. It will continue to evolve with the ever-changing dynamic on the casino floor, with the final goal of improving the player experience,” Bowden explained. Mario Hernandez of Bordertown Casino in Oklahoma says, “As a general manager, I want to see daily details on balances and audits and have a system that is easy to use by my staff. Our casinos have almost 1,300 machines under management. Seeing financial variances early is important. As the trend in Class III multi-game, multi-denomination machines continues, we think a casino and cash management system like the M3t Vault™ is essential for growth and a wave of the future.”

peaking on the future of casino management, John MacClain, a current M3t system user and SouthWind Casino, Kaw Nation property, general manager in Newkirk, Oklahoma, says, “M3 Technology Solutions offers a consultative approach to help casinos operate efficiently. They don’t just drop off their software. The M3t team helps reduce costs, minimize idle cash on the floor and maximize profitability by making data readily available for evaluation. This is the way casinos should be run to benefit the player experience.” Through its vast experience with casino development, M3t also offers project development services, including project financing, utility infrastructure development, design and build services, software and hardware infrastructure, and regulatory consulting, among others. For more information, go to http://www.m3ts.com

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CHOCTAW CASINO & RESORT

AIR, WATER, FIRE, EARTH

ELEMENTS FOR THE PERFECT WEEKEND BY LINDA MAISCH

ire and water offer welcome while you are embraced by earth and wind. The four elements gather in one location to delight, enchant and entertain you. You’ve just entered the new Choctaw Casino and Resort. The newest offering from the Choctaw Nation promises to offer the ultimate entertainment experience. Whether you come for the day or stay for the weekend, the staff are dedicated to anticipating and satisfying your every need. We’re taking you on a virtual weekend at the resort; the property opens February 9. You can see it for miles, a series of buildings that appear to be moving in the Oklahoma wind. As you approach, you can see the intricate details of each building. Each has its own character of interlocking forms with rhythmic patterns that create a sense of movement. A signature fire and water sculpture rises over three stories at the entrance of the casino. Inspired by Choctaw bead work, the geometric sculpture appears to be in spiral motion. Adding to the sense of excitement, the sculpture incorporates specialized lighting which coordinates with the casino’s hotel tower light show. As you move inside, you walk through the entry plaza which was inspired by ancestral elements from Choctaw artwork, beadwork and stickball. Look closely and you’ll recognize the lines of crossed stickball sticks which, in Choctaw tradition, mean “may our paths cross again and again.” Throughout the property you’ll recognize elements of Choctaw symbolism combined with natural elements in a luxurious, high energy atmosphere. Let’s play! The minute you enter the casino the sounds of game play from over 1600 slot machines makes your blood rush. You’re ready to play and the casino had ensured that a rich variety of machines, from penny slots to high-stakes,

L O B B Y WITH WATER FEATURE are available. Seek out your favorites or try something new. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no waiting to cash out here! A convenient slot ticketing system allows you to move easily from machine to machine. If matching strategy and cunning across green felt is your pleasure, then the VIP Poker Room was created with you in mind. The private smoke-free room contains 18 tables in a tranquil environment suited to the challenge of classic poker play. Large wall-mounted LCD TVs allow you to keep current on your other favorite games. Ongoing monthly and special tournaments are sure to satisfy the most discriminating poker player. Shuffling cards, the muffled clatter of chips on felt and friendly conversation makes our Blackjack pit the center of the action. Twenty-four card tables provide the most popular game offerings. In addition to Blackjack there is Three Card Poker, Let it Ride, Ultimate Texas Holdâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;em, Pai Gow Poker, Mini Baccarat and Roulette. The fast-paced action and variety of games will have you doubling-down for more.

ow about some live entertainment? You have your choice of venues with both CenterStage and the Choctaw Event Center onsite. During weekends and select holidays CenterStage provides free live entertainment. CenterStage is home to an eclectic mix of regional and national talent representing a broad spectrum of genres. Look for authentic Native American dance and theatrical productions performed exclusively by Native American Dance Exhibitions.

Renderings courtesy Choctaw Casino & Resort

CHOCTAW CASINO & RESORT The Choctaw Event Center affords you the opportunity to watch nationallyrenowned entertainers performing live. The venue combines a state-of-the-art video and sound system with an intimate atmosphere to ensure the ultimate experience. Premier entertainers such as; Charley Pride, George Jones, John Rich, Little Big Town, Nazareth and Los Lonely Boys have delighted Choctaw Event Center audiences.

he action is hot, the casino is rockin’ but those hungry taste buds must be appeased. A variety of casino restaurants feature mouth-watering options that will surely satisfy every appetite. To get your day started right, the Stargazer Buffet offers a full breakfast buffet with all of your beloved rise-n-shine favorites; brunch is served on Saturdays and Sundays. Lunch and dinner buffets feature an expansive array of menu choices from which you can select. On Friday evenings you can immerse yourself in their seafood buffet; on Sunday evenings graze on delicious Prime Rib. Well, it’s one for the money… two for the show… three to get ready… now go cat go, to the Blue Moon Café for 50’s style feasting at its finest. If you remember carhops and bobby socks, you’ll feel right at home with the Blue Moon Café’s rock-n-roll vibe. You can play it old-school with classic hamburgers, fries, hotdogs and milkshakes or go new-wave with a turkey burger or a chicken sandwich. Too much to do, too little time. If that’s your mantra drop into Jackpot Java E X E CUTIVE SUITE for deli-style sandwiches, soups, salads and exquisite pastries. Need a caffeine boost? They offer Starbucks® gourmet coffees, espressos, lattes and cappuccinos. Mmm… now that really hits the Jackpot! When it is time to relax, unwind and count your winnings, the luxurious Casino Resort Hotel is only a few steps away. Enjoy the comfort of spacious rooms and allow yourself to be pampered by our complimentary amenities. All rooms are equipped with mini refrigerators, microwave ovens and include an impressive array of complimentary amenities. You can enjoy the Choctaw Wellness Center, game room, putting green and make use of the hotel business center. Really

OPENS

F E BUA RY 9, 2 010

want to indulge yourself? Book one of nine luxuriously appointed suites which feature a private sitting room, king-size beds and other special perks.

o, you’ve spent some time on the casino floor, eaten way too much fabulous food, danced ‘til you dropped and spent the night in restful slumber. Now it’s time for a little pampering. A visit to the Oasis Tropical Swimming Pools and Spa is definitely in order. Take a dip in one of the soothing salt water pools, they’re all connected then converge in ‘PARTY PIT’ a massive swimming area. You can explore caves, waterfalls and glide down the spiral water slide. Then relax in one of three soothing spas, swim up to the poolside beverage and snack bar or stretch out on a comfortable sun bed while the kids splash around. For the ultimate Oasis experience, indulge in a Paradise Cabana massage. Treat your mind, body and soul, ease muscular tension and mental stress with a deep-tissue Swedish massage. There are many massage options available; partial, full body, Ionithermie, hot stone, foot and foot detox treatments. Whichever you choose, it will truly feel like paradise. For those whose idea of “pampering” is working up a good sweat, the Choctaw Wellness Center is more your style. Whether it is to continue your existing exercise regiment or to discover the health benefits of starting a fitness program, the fully equipped fitness center can satisfy both needs. A knowledgeable and courteous staff is available to help you make the most of your workout. The weekend is over and it’s time to get back to the real world. You don’t want to leave. Who would after spending 48 hours in Utopia? Your ever need has been met, your every wish fulfilled. It’s time to go home…but it’s OK, you’re welcome back any time! May your paths cross again and again. CHOCTAW CASINO AND RESORT 4418 Hwy 69/75, Durant, OK 74701 800-788-2464, http://www.choctawcasinos.com

MAP

THE CASINO TRAIL ..................... 20 REVIEW

WILD POTATO BUFFET .... 22 TECHNOLOGY

M3T ....................... 24 FEATURE

OKLAHOMA CASINO GUIDE . ................... 26

Photo Drake Sorey

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