Cherokee Nation Cuts the Ribbon at Roland Hotel

Cherokee officials celebrate the opening of the hotel at Cherokee Casino and Hotel in Roland. They are, from the left, Dan Carter, Cherokee Nation Businesses (CNB) board of directors; Chuck Garrett, CNB senior executive vice president, David Thornton Sr. of Vian, Cherokee Nation Tribal Council; Shawn Slaton, CNB chief executive officer; Principal Chief Bill John Baker; Doug Evans, CNB chief financial officer; Deputy Principal Chief S. Joe Crittenden; Jerry Holdery, CNB board of directors; Cherokee Nation Secretary of State Chuck Hoskin Jr.; Bryan Warner of Sallisaw, Cherokee Nation Tribal Council; and Lacey Horn of Vian, Cherokee Nation treasurer.

The Cherokee Nation officially opened its six story hotel, with 120 rooms, in Roland with a ribbon cutting.

Principal Chief Bill John Baker said the 170,000-square-foot property has added 300 jobs and added amenities to the region. The $80 million complex is considered an entertainment destination.

Baker said, “Creating good jobs for our people is the primary goal of all our business endeavors at the Cherokee Nation. Not only does this new facility fulfill that goal but it will also bring a lasting impact on the region, as well as help build the economy of Sequoyah County and the Cherokee Nation.

Bryan Warner of Sallisaw, tribal councilor for District 6, said, “I want to thank everyone for their hard work. Before I became a council member I kept my eye on everything the Cherokee Nation was doing for its people. When you look at this facility and an entity like CNB, CNE and the Cherokee Nation, you look at what it provides to the employees. Working here gives them the opportunity to meet their family’s goals and lead to a better way of life.”

The first Cherokee Nation Bingo Outpost opened in Roland in 1990 and had 64 employees. Twenty-four years later the property has more than 500 employees.

David Thornton Sr. of Vian, Cherokee National tribal councilor for District 5, said, “It’s a great day in the Cherokee Nation. It’s nice to sit here and look at all the employees, and think about the quality and quantity of life that this facility is bringing to this area. That’s what we have to look forward to.”

Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

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