p. 36 tribal:Layout 1 4/16/21 9:48 AM Page 37
The Shops at Mohegan Sun
Mohegan Sun and all Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment properties operate under a “positive and inspirational culture that derives from the Mohegan tribe,” Hamilton says. “We are grounded in the Mohegan Way, also known as ‘The Spirit of Aquai,’ which stresses the importance of being welcoming, collaborative, always showing mutual respect and seeking to build relationships. Everything the Mohegan family does have these values at heart.”
Tribal Touches
jewelry, and more. Quill Boutique highlights stylish jewelry, bags and more. “All Four Winds Casino locations are filled with elements that speak to the history, traditions and culture of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi,” Freedman says. This includes architecture that features copper, cedar wood and stone, which are utilized in many tribal events. “Each of our casino locations also features large fireplaces, which pay tribute to the Potawatomi Indians, who are known as the ‘Keepers of the Fire,’” Freedman says. The Rotunda at Four Winds New Buffalo includes murals from Native American artist Mike Larson that symbolize significant moments of Pokagon Band history. The wooden decor in the Rotunda at Four Winds South Bend is reminiscent of black ash baskets traditionally made by Pokagon citizens. Throughout the Choctaw Casinos & Resorts properties there is artwork that shows the culture as well as the sculptures, such as the Red Warrior in Durant and the Seven Ponies in Pocola. The opening of the Sky Tower later in the summer will include a gallery showcase featuring Choctaw artists. “During the month of November, we celebrate Native American Heritage Month and showcase our tribe’s culture in various ways across all the properties,” says Kristina Humenesky, director of public relations, Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma.
For the most part, the Seminole Tribe has few links to its history and culture in the properties it owns in Florida. Since they opened in 2004, it’s been all about the Hard Rock brand in the Hollywood and Tampa properties, spokesman Gary Bitner says. But the links exist, subtle though they may be. Those subtleties, to cite an example, include the sweetgrass scent of bathroom toiletries and pool cabanas that take their inspiration from Seminole chickees. “Seminole branding is more evident at the other four casinos, and particularly at the Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee, east of Naples,” Bitner says. The Seminoles also maintain a world-class museum (temporarily closed due to Covid-19) and its adjacent historical and cultural archives on the Big Cypress Seminole Reservation, an hour west of the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood. The Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum, accredited by the American Association of Museums, predates the development of the Seminole Hard Rock brands. “The tribe hopes the museum will reopen sometime this year,” Bitner says. Tribal customs and culture often come out in retail settings. “The variety of shops and specialty Native American items available for purchase at our flagship resort, Four Winds New Buffalo, provide a unique shopping experience for guests,” says Frank Freedman, chief operating officer, Four Winds Casinos. Four Winds Outfitters sell tribal artwork. The Promenade Shop features men and women designer clothing and outerwear, Native American-designed Rotunda at Four Winds New Buffalo
Pool Power While tribal resorts, like commercial ones, cater to adults who gamble, Bacon says a trend in certain markets speaks to family fun. “These are multi-use facilities that can include bowling, arcades, movie theaters, and grab-and-go food outlets. These centers appeal to a large, diverse demographic and often are important contributors to a staycation type of experience,” Bacon says. Mohegan Sun’s flagship property in Connecticut offers shops, bowling and an arcade, go-kart racing, a trampoline park and the Mohegan Sun Golf Club. The massive resort is in close proximity to the Mystic seaport and other quaint seashore towns. The District at Choctaw casinos offer over 70 of the newest arcade games, 20 lanes of bowling and MAY 2021 www.ggbmagazine.com
37
