On Saturday, September 20, during the Annual Meeting of the Tribal Council, former Shawnee Chief Ron Sparkman gave a history and retrospective. In 2019, the Business Council gave Sparkman the title of Ambassador to the Shawnee Tribe. He served as Chief from 2001 to 2019.
“We have come a long, long way,” said Ambassador Sparkman. “I’m just utterly amazed at the progress that’s been made.”
During Sparkman’s tenure as Chief, he was able to rely on meaningful friendships to help reinstate federal recognition for the Shawnee Tribe in 2000 and in 2018, helped secure partnerships to put land into federal trust in Guymon, OK.
“We needed all the help we could get,” said Ambassador Sparkman. “Strictly through friendships, we got everything approved.”
The trust land acquired in Guymon was used to build a casino for the tribe. Golden Mesa Casino & Hotel just recently celebrated a grand opening for a $78 million expansion which includes a 40,000-square-foot gaming floor, new food and beverage options, an RV park and a four-floor hotel. With the proceeds from the casino, the tribe has been able to grow exponentially to 60 full-time staff members all serving numerous programs for tribal citizens.
As Ambassador Sparkman concluded his address, he said, “Let’s continue to grow!”
WATCH Ambassador Sparkman Address.