Casinos

The National Indian Gaming Association (NIGA) invited Chaffee, BIA’s Tourism Director Ed Hall and Rose Anne Abarahamson, an Olympic producer, to present NVF’s “Olympic Dreams Projects” in Washington during Inauguration week. As a result, 40 tribes expressed interest in supporting NVF’s programs. While that meeting secured NVF some of the most dynamic leaders on its board, there is still a feeling that NVF agrees with, that in order for this to be real “new beginning” this Olympic year, that mainstream Americans, corporations and foundation really need to build the lions share of the bridge. There are also some misconceptions about Casinos in mainstream America. Republicans Nixon and Reagan originated Indian Casinos as the only effective way, they could think of, to uplift Native peoples who are still on the bottom economic rung in America. Most people are not aware that there are only about 16 Casinos who are making money. The majority have be very successful in getting tribes badly needed health care, infrastructure, recreations programs and a representative voice in their states. NVF believes that putting a Native American on the Supreme Court along with his/her traditional values and wisdom, could do wonders to accelerate the rebalancing and sustainability of America.

While skiers have won speed records in creating the foundation of a bridge between our cultures, NVF is hoping and working hard to finalize sponsorships to connect bridges across America. While waiting for
mainstream America to step up to the plate, one of the best ways for tribes to preserve their vital earth-honoring spirituality, with or without casinos, is by taking full advantage of the sports opportunities
being offered through skiing and Olympic Exchanges at reservations this Olympic Year. Sports, as all our ancestors knew, build our full potential, including the character, health, vision, energy and enthusiasm to give back our unique gift for the greater good of all. Mother Earth needs us all now. Sports also connects Native youth to the world outside the reservation for education and career opportunities,” said Navajo Commissioner Mark Maryboy, a champion bronc rider who picked up a life time sport skiing at Telluride. By their leadership in focusing on their youth, Casinos have a chance to become heroes to both cultures. “Our kids (some foster and high risk) are treated with such dignity and appreciation at ski resorts,” say Indian teachers. “The reason this program works where others have failed, apart from the historic and spiritual significance, is everybody has fun,” said Aspen’s Terry Paulson, the Vice Mayor of Aspen, who was reelected in a no growth platform, in the biggest landslide in the town’s history.

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