Creek Nation chief outlines tribe's 2013 goals
BY LENZY KREHBIEL-BURTON World Correspondent
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
1/30/13 at 3:40 AM
OKMULGEE - Emphasizing intratribal solidarity, Muscogee (Creek) Nation Principal Chief George Tiger offered hints about projects on his tribe's horizon while reviewing his first year in office during his 2013 State of the Nation address.
"Solidarity does not mean that we will all have the same political values, daily struggles or even the same religious views," Tiger said. "However, it does mean we will be committed and work toward a brighter future for our nation and people because we live on common ground and we are all committed in solidarity to the common good."
Along with touting the $3.6 million saved by streamlining services and adjusting administrative vendors, Tiger discussed several of the nation's large real estate investments and their potential impact on the 75,000-citizen tribe before a crowd Saturday morning.
With gaming revenues up 10 percent across the tribe's 11 casinos, Tiger announced that the nation is in the design phase of expanding its flagship facility, River Spirit Casino at 81st Street and Riverside Drive, to include hotel rooms, a spa, convention and meeting facilities, and additional gaming space.
"We will be making public announcements about this project in the very near future, which will include the introduction of internationally known hospitality brand names not currently in the area," he said.
The expansion comes after the 2012 renovation of the tribe's casino in Okmulgee. Similar efforts are under way at its Duck Creek facility on U.S. 75.
The tribe is also actively recruiting tenants for RiverWalk Crossing in Jenks and is developing a long-term master plan for the property after buying it at auction last spring for $11.5 million.
Tiger said the plan "represents a dramatic step forward in the diversification of our business interests."
A master plan is also in the works for another of the Creek Nation's large 2012 purchases: the Okmulgee Country Club. The tribe in November opened a restaurant on the property, located on an original Creek allotment.
Original Print Headline: Creek chief presents outline for 2013
