Shawnee Development is a tribally owned corporation charged with overseeing enterprise projects and business investments meant to help create a diverse and sustainable economy for the long-term benefit of the Shawnee people. Operated by a five-person board appointed by the Chief, the Shawnee Tribe’s sharp increase in programs and services available to tribal citizens over the past few years has been made possible by the success of Golden Mesa Casino in Guymon, OK, which has been under Shawnee Development management since its inception.
As reported in November, the Shawnee Business Council voted to approve a change to the Shawnee Tribe Revenue Allocation Plan, or RAP. The primary objective of the Shawnee Tribe RAP is to provide supplemental funding and financial support for tribal government operations, programs, and economic development not covered by federal funds or grants. The Business Council prioritizes three areas of economic investment through the RAP: capital reserves for sustained, long-term stabilization; economic support for the non-grant funded portion of each of the Government Programming budgets and daily operations; and economic development by Shawnee Development, to create long-term and sustainable economics for the tribe.
“Our former RAP allowed for thirty percent of our net income to be allocated to Shawnee Development for tribal economic development,” said Shawnee Development President Chris Floyd. “An equal amount went to tribal government operations, and the remainder was held for in the tribe’s capital reserves. However, this model had to be reassessed to meet the budgetary needs of the tribes increasing demand on programs and operational growth while ensuring stability for future generations through supporting both our government and ongoing tribal business enterprises.”
The newly revised RAP, which went into effect last October, dictates that now half of all gaming income is allocated for government operational expenses. Despite this ten percent modification reducing Shawnee Development’s revenue, Shawnee Development’s Board of Managers still expects to cross the finish line on executing a major expansion of Golden Mesa Casino’s operations in the coming months.
“Fifteen or so years ago, we were holding Indian taco sales and other community fundraisers to help support tribal operations,” said Shawnee Development board member Mike Staubus. “Golden Mesa only opened its doors three years ago, so it’s an immense blessing that we may be breaking ground on an expansion as early as this spring.”
For the latest updates on Shawnee Development & Golden Mesa Casino, follow @saawanooki on social media or sign up for the monthly e-newsletter piyeetacimooweeneefa.
ONE CITIZEN’S JOURNEY THROUGH HIGHER EDUCATION, CAREER DEVELOPMENT AND HOMEOWNERSHIP Shawnee tribal citizen Michael Cedrone lives in Texas, where he works as Head of Human Resources at GBC Food Services. Cedrone attributes his success to the tribe’s educational, career and housing support programs. His professional journey began at Lone Star Park in Grand Prairie, TX, […]
During General Council weekend (September 20-21), the Shawnee Tribe hosted Firaxis Games’ Pete Murray (Learning & Development Manager) and Lead Producer Andrew Frederiksen, developers of Sid Meier’s Civilization VII, due to be released next February. Murray and Frederiksen kicked off their Shawnee visit with attending the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the new Emma “Mock” Donaldson saawanwaatoweewika […]
Messages from the Chiefs – Fall 2024: It’s a US Election Day! Chief Barnes highlights the importance of voting in every election, local to federal, and Chief Baldridge reflects on the earliest days of his service on the Business Council compared to where we are today.
Shawnee language classes will resume for the 2025 calendar year on Monday, January 6! Self-paced learners and those hoping to participate in live classes should contact the Shawnee Language Immersion Program team (SLIP) to begin enrollment. SLIP will work with each individual student to place them in the appropriate course(s) based on their learning preferences […]
On Friday, September 20, tribal citizens and community members gathered to celebrate the grand opening of the Shawnee Tribe’s newest facility and cultural resource—the Emma “Mock” Donaldson saawanwaatoweewika (Shawnee language house). A little more than ten minutes east of central Miami, OK, the facility boasts a large, open gathering space with high ceilings and a […]
On October 15, the Governor of Ohio, Mike DeWine and his wife, First Lady Frances “Fran” DeWine traveled to Miami, OK to visit with various Shawnee Tribal programs and leadership. “We were honored to receive Governor DeWine and his wife at our Shawnee language house, Cultural Center, and Administrative offices,” said Chief Ben Barnes. “We […]
In September, the Shawnee Tribe’s Gaming Commission staff received safety training from City of Guymon professionals including; Fire Marshall Jason Bond, Fire Chief Scott Lathrop, 911 Director Justin Carnagey, and Police Sergeant Jacob Bankston. “It was a very productive training day and was well received by the Gaming Commission staff,” said Otis Hughs, Executive Director […]
GILA RIVER, Ariz.—Chief Ben Barnes attended today’s event on the reservation of the Gila River Indian Community, where President Joe Biden delivered a historic speech and a formal presidential apology for 150 years of federal Indian boarding school policies which he called “a shame” and “a blot on American history.” “I’m delighted that President Biden’s […]