Dreamcatcher 010 Jul 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

C h ick a s aw Cultural Center opening

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HOLD TIGHT THRILLSEEKER.

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“Hello”

Chickasaw Cultural Center

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Oklahoma Casinos & Entertainment J U LY 2 0 1 0 3101 N Flood Ave Norman, OK 73069 405-360-8805 405-360-2228 FAX info@dreamcatchermag.net http://www.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 July 2010 OCE Publishing, LLC First Mesa, LLC

MEMBER

American Indian Chamber of Commerce

Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association

Courtesy Lucky Star Casino

HELLO

Chukma CHICKASAW

IOWA

MUSCOGEE (CREEK)

CHEROKEE

(How are you doing?) OTOE

COMANCHE

OSAGE

G AT H E R I N G S PAWNEE Pawnee Indian Veterans Homecoming & Pow-Wow Thursday, July 1 thru Sunday, July 4th Parade in downtown Pawnee Saturday at noon http://www.pawneenation.org dhare@pawneenation.org, 918-762-3621

QUAPAW Quapaw Pow-Wow Friday, July 2 thru Sunday, July 4th Quapaw Tribal Pow-Wow Grounds 5681 S 630 Rd http://www.quapawtribe.com 918-542-1853, 918-533-0065

OKLAHOMA CITY American Indian Chamber of Commerce Second Wednesdays, 11:30 am Meinders Building, Third Fl Oklahoma City University, NW 27th St & McKinley Buffet Luncheon, $20 Information/RSVP: heidi_offutt@cox.net

Traditional Choctaw Pottery Classes Saturday, July 10 OK Choctaw Tribal Alliance 5320 S Youngs Blvd Contact: Ian Thompson, 800-522-6170

NORMAN Indian Country Business Summit Monday, August 16, thru Tuesday, August 17 Embassy Suites-Norman Hotel & Conference Center 2501 Conference Dr

New to the program is a track for Native American arts and entertainment as a business. Sessions on Education, Loans, Certifications, Tribal Economic Development, Working with the Federal Government, Rural Devlopement Programs and Inter-Tribal Governmental Relations Sponsored by the American Indian Chambers of Commerce of Oklahoma and Texas http://www.indiancountrybusinesssummit.com 706-474-4116 Golf Tournament: 405-447-5025, 405-590-8700

BINGER Caddo Language Wednesdays, 6 pm Caddo Nation Cultural Building, Binger

Caddo Culture Club First and third Thursdays, 7 pm Caddo Nation Cultural Building, Binger

RED ROCK Otoe-Missouria Encampment Thursday, July 15 thru Sunday, July 18 Grounds south of the Seven Clans Paradise Casino 7500 Highway 177, 14 miles south of Ponca City 5K and 1 mile walk/run, Art Contest, Turtle Race, Horseshoe Tournament and more! http://www.omtribe.org 580-233-7509, 405-598-0636

WALTERS Comanche Homecoming Pow Wow Friday, July 16 thru Sunday, July 18 Sultan Park For information: 580-574-2419

Send details of your Gathering to edit@dreamcatchermag.net

GAME! We’ve Got Your

› Over 1400 Games › Headline Entertainment › 24/7 Blackjack & Poker › REZ Restaurant & Bar › FREE RV Hookups › Open 24 Hours

An Enterprise of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes.

2 Convenient Locations!

Dreamcatcher Images

CONCHO

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7777 N Highway 81 405.262.7612

I-40, Exit 69 580.323.6599

G AT H E R I N G S

CHICK ASHA REUNION KU L L I H O M A S TO M P G RO U N D

2010 RED EARTH AMBASSADOR CH I E F G R EG PY L E , CH O C TAW N AT I O N

2010 SOVEREIGNT Y SYMPOSIUM O KL AH O MA CIT Y

G AT H E R I N G S

LIVE PAINT S TA N D I N G B U FFA LO, N O R M A N

INDIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE O K L A H O M A CI T Y

Send photos of your Gathering to edit@dreamcatchermag.net

RED EARTH PAR ADE O KL AH O MA CIT Y

EL ECTION DAY Citizens of the Osage Nation gathered in Pawhuska to exercise their constitutional right to vote for their chosen candidates for tribal offices in all three branches of government. Happily, the seriousness of

the occassion didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t spoil a good time. Candidiates set up camps to serve food and talk politics. A raffle for a beaded shawl, an Osage photography exhibition and other diversions made it a big day.

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NOW OPEN The Chickasaw Cultural Center in Sulphur opened with a preview for tribal members. Visitors will experience the story of the Chickasaw people through exhibits, video presentations, an ancient village, a mysterious forest, the Chickasaw Hall of Fame and a gallery of portraits by Mike Larsen.

A rendition of the K o ta h Fa l aya , D u r i n g t h e C h i cka s a w m ig r at ions , i t p oi nte d the way, and stood straight up when they found their new home.

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SEE US ON T H E W E B w Now you can enjoy the content of Dreamcatcher Magazine / Oklahoma Casinos & Entertainment on your

N AV I GAT I O N

Global navigation includes Features, Casino Trail, Gatherings Blog, Cont

computer or other web-enabled device. See the Feature stories, Casino Trail, and more! Dreamcatcher is the only magazine devoted to the gaming, entertainment, and cultural offerings of the Indian Nations of Oklahoma.

H O M E PAG E The gateway to the site, with links to Features, Casino Trail (including links to featured casino properties), Gatherings Blog, Contact Us, and the Current Issue.

CASINO TRAIL Explore the many casino properties available throughout Oklahoma with this interactive map, complete with address and links to the casino or tribal sites.

To advertise on dreamcatchermag.net, email us at: ads@

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Blog, Contact Us, Media Kit download, and Current Issue

s at: ads@dreamcatchermag.net, or call 405-650-5996

ISSUES Enjoy an electronic version of the print magazine, with all the content about the gaming, entertainment and cultural offerings of the Oklahoma Indian Nations.

F E AT U R E S Enjoy selected Feature stories about the casino properties, entertainment venues and cultural offerings of the Oklahoma Indian Nations, complete with photos and links.

AND MORE Additional content available at the Gatherings Blog, Media Kit download, and Contact Us. Over the next months, we plan to add other interactive maps, partner links, and more!

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COM M U N I T Y few examples of why Oklahoma is weathering the storm, thanks to a little help from our friends:

GOOD NEIGHBORS Oklahoma’s Indian Nations By Linda Maisch

I’m coming out of the closet…it’s not easy…but it’s time for me to speak up...here it is: I have no tribal affiliation. The only box I get to check on the Census is “white.” So, why does this matter? Because I want you to know that I’m writing this as an average Oklahoman. I’ve been covering the gaming industry in Oklahoma for five years. This state is my home…my family has been here for generations and this is where I’m raising my children. And, like most of the nation, Oklahoma has been struggling. The recession, and the subsequent shortfall in state revenues, has created a real hardship for the many Oklahomans who rely on state services. What does this have to do with gaming in Oklahoma? Everything. While manufacturing and other industries are losing ground, gaming in Oklahoma is growing. New casinos are being built and existing properties are being upgraded, bringing good jobs into communities abandoned by other commercial industries. But the impact of a casino on a community doesn’t stop at the casino’s door. Studies have indicated that for every 10 gaming jobs created an additional 25 jobs are created in the non-Indian community. And for every $100 spent in or by the casino, an additional $2500 is spent in the locally. While cash and jobs are important, it’s the “extras” that make tribes good corporate citizens. Tribes are also stepping in to meet critical infrastructure and social needs within their communities. And, being good neighbors, their reach extends beyond the tribe. While some services directly benefit only tribal citizens, many serve the whole community. Oklahoma’s Native community is helping to reduce the demand on increasingly limited public resources. Here are just a

Cheyenne & Arapaho Tribes’ Roads Construction Program The intent and purpose of the Cheyenne & Arapaho Tribes’ Roads Construction Program is to advance the safety and mobility of Tribal members, as well as the general public, across an eight county service area. The Program will provide transit routes that reach into rural areas and provide access to areas where jobs are in demand and where training facilities can be reached. Through this vision, the Roads Construction Program hopes to be a leading and vital source in moving the Tribes’ forward in increasing educational and employment opportunities. Muscogee (Creek) Social Services The mission of the Social Services Department of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation is to counsel, aid, advocate, and provide referrals for Native American households requiring financial assistance. Social Services steps in to provide necessary assistance to eligible Native American households when assistance or services are not available to them through any other federal, state or local welfare agencies. The primary focus of this department is to promote self-sufficiency, family unity, and economic stability. Osage Nation Counseling Center The Counseling Center provides services in the areas of alcohol and substance abuse, hosting workshops and providing support groups. The Center held an event themed “He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not” coinciding with National Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month, and brought in representatives from the Osage County Sherriff’s Department to discuss online harassment, warning signs of an abusive relationship and what a young woman should do to stay safe. The Counseling Center provides an anonymous Crisis Line, answered 24-hours a day and can be reached at 866-897-4747. For more information, visit The Counseling Center’s website at www.osagetribe.com/counseling.

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FIRST COUNCIL C BY KENNETHA GREENWOOD PHOTOGRAPHS BY LESTER HARRAGARRA

Located near the Kansas-Oklahoma border, the Otoe-Missouria Tribe built the First Council Casino with a dual purpose: to serve the tribal community and casino guests. The economic benefit to the tribal community was a driving force in the construction of this 64,000 square feet gaming facility, but the secondary benefit is equally important.

L CASINO

For the Otoe-Missouria tribe, First Council Casino present足ed the opportunity to showcase aspects of the living culture in an engaging and exciting environment.

Like many tribes, casinos have become an important point of interaction for visitors who may not be familiar with the tribal culture. The tribal leaders wanted to provide their guests with an entertaining and educational experience during their visits.

Cultural engagement begins very early upon arriving at the property. What guests may not realize is that the name, First Council, is tied to a historical moment for the tribe. It references the 1804 meeting between the tribe and the Lewis and Clark expedition near present day Council Bluffs, Nebraska. Up to that point, the explorers had not encountered any Natives on their journey along the Missouri River. As the Otoe-Missouria tribes became aware of their presence, emissaries entered the camp to offer welcome gifts of watermelonsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; and also to determine the visitorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; purpose. The following day, the tribal chiefs returned for the First Council. This moment is captured in a sculptural installation made by Oreland Joe (Navajo/Ute), who was asked to work with the tribe because of his previous experience depicting this scene for the historical site in Nebraska. Through contacts with tribal members, he created the scene with careful attention paid to the accuracy of details. As visitors enter the casino, they pass this installation and are able to walk around it as if participating with this life-size scale historical moment. Lewis and Clark are depicted meeting with two figures, one figure standing in for the Otoe tribal leaders and one for the Missouria tribal leaders, also in attendance are the translator and, sitting off to the side, the expedition dog. While most visitors are drawn for the gaming, tribal members perceived this as an opportunity to represent their history and tribal aesthetics. The Otoe-Missouria tribes came from the Great Lakes area prior to their migration to the area around the Platte River. Visitors are invited to appreciate the Woodlands designs throughout the property. These designs are characterized by floral and geometric patterns, and continue to be found in the traditional regalia and cultural materials that tribal members use in their contemporary cultural events. These visual resources were the inspiration for the designs incorporated into the casinoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s interior design. As with most American Indian tribes, specific designs are a way of remembering family and tribal histories. This

intimacy with visual materials and their meanings motivated the participating tribal members and consultants to seriously consider all design choices. Every detail was considered for its expressive potential, and this visual saturation gives the casino its unique feeling. Tribal members wanted to share their traditional language, on the verge of extinction as the last fluent speaker has passed on. The Siouxan linguistic dialect of the Otoe-Missouria community is provided by the bilingual signage throughout the property. These signs are an opportunity to see the language in use and the tribe’s efforts to revitalize it, and remind visitors of the linguistic diversity found in Oklahoma. Along a rise in the distance, to the north of the property, is an installation by Blackfoot artist Cha Tullis depicting a buffalo hunt. Even this is a reference to the Lewis and Clark expedition. (In their notes, the explorers noted the absence of the Natives—they were unaware that they had arrived during buffalo hunting season and the tribal members were following the herds in preparation for the winter.) Seeing that hunt in the distance also references the tribe’s continuing quest to provide for their community. Within this culturally described space, the casino offers a range of entertainment opportunities. Guests can choose from over 700 slot machines, a poker room, and eight blackjack tables—soon to be expanded to include a high-stakes room with 98 more games for the more prestigious player. A built-in stage features nightly musical performances, and the casino will erect a tent for special events, like mixed martial arts and large concerts. Plans for adding a hotel are under way. Finally, for delicious and satisfying dining, there is Council Bluffs Buffet. First Council offers guests a complete and unique casino experience, with excellent food, and great music. For the OtoeMissouria community, First Council offers an opportunity to share the richness of their culture and a permanent place to represent them in the state’s growing cultural tourism industry.

CAS I N O T R A I L

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FIRST COUNCIL CASINO COMMUNIT Y

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Play your cards right and you could win biG

June 8 through July 27 Mystic river lounge sets the stage for the latest game sensation–the $250,000 royal Flush giveaway! drawings will be held twice every tuesday from 12 to 2 pm and again from 6 to 8 pm to determine which guests will “come on down” and try their hand at the royal Flush game board. Each contestant will draw five playing cards and any player dealt a royal Flush wins $250,000! 81 s t & R i v e R s i d e

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R i v e R s p i R i t t u l s a .c o m

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