Sources: Chairman John “Rocky” Barrett, Dr. Jim Collard, Director of Economic Development Jennifer Bell, Director of Public Information, Dr. Kelli Mosteller, Citizen Potawatomi Nation Gaming Commissioner Thomas L. Cunningham - Assistant Director of Compliance
Citizen Potawatomi Nation Paves Way For New Jobs in Oklahoma
Located in Oklahoma, the Citizen Potawatomi Nation is the federally recognized government of the Potawatomi people.. Gaming revenue has enabled the Citizen Potawatomi Nation to diversify their economy to become the largest employer in Pottawatomie County with more than 2,300 employees and is the largest creator of new jobs in Shawnee, Oklahoma.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, between 2003 and 2013 the net new jobs in Shawnee increased by 2,045 and during that same time period, the Citizen Potawatomi Nation created 1,422 new jobs — a 70% increase.
In 2017, the Citizen Potawatomi Nation had a $518 million economic impact in the State of Oklahoma including $89 million in wages and benefits, directly supporting more than 2,300 jobs. Tribal purchasing contributed to a $330 million impact on the local economy.
Citizen Potawatomi Nation owns FireLake Discount Foods, the largest tribally-owned grocery store in the United States. It also owns the largest tribally-owned national bank chain, First National Bank and Trust Co. with a number of banks throughout the state. Other Tribal enterprises include a Cultural Heritage Center, FireLake Golf Course, FireLake Ball Fields and the Grand Casino Hotel and Resort, which have become popular destinations for Oklahoma residents and out‐of‐state tourists.
Job Creation
In the past decades, tribes have undertaken major reinvestments of gaming revenues to create more diverse economies. Today, tribes manage a broad assortment of businesses, public services, and governmental enterprises that create significant progress all across Indian Country.
The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act created the National Indian Gaming Commission to support tribal self-sufficiency and the integrity of Indian gaming. The NIGC has developed four initiatives to support its mission including (1) To protect against anything that amounts to gamesmanship on the backs of tribes; (2) To stay ahead of the Technology Curve; (3) Rural outreach; and (4) To maintain a strong workforce within NIGC and with its tribal regulatory partners. NIGC oversees the efficient regulation of 506 gaming establishments operated by 246 tribes across 29 states. The Commission’s dedication to compliance with the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act ensures the integrity of the growing $32.4 billion Indian gaming industry. To learn more, visit www.nigc.gov and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
