Insight in Indian Country

John James, CEO of Navajo Nation Gaming Enterprise (Navajo Gaming), joins Wes Benally this episode to discuss the evolution of tribal gaming. They discuss the importance of customer experience and the role of innovation in the industry. John shares insights on navigating economic uncertainty, balancing technology with team development, and the significance of non-gaming amenities in enhancing customer experiences. A must-listen for aspiring leaders in the gaming sector! Chapters ·        01:18 - Evolution of Tribal Gaming Over the Decade ·        04:53 - The Experience of Brick-and-Mortar Casinos ·        08:25 - Customer-Centric Operations in Gaming ·        11:54 - Navigating Economic Uncertainty in Gaming ·        14:42 - The Role of Innovation in Gaming Operations ·        17:32 - Balancing Technology and Team Development ·        19:21 - Non-Gaming Amenities and Customer Experience ·        25:01 - Future Trends in Tribal Gaming ·        29:14 - Advice for Aspiring CEOs in the Gaming Industry REDW Advisors and CPAs is proud to bring you the Insight in Indian Country Podcast, covering important advisory, accounting, and finance topics that impact Tribal Nations and business affairs. Thanks for listening!

This episode, REDW National Tribal Practice Leader, Wesley Benally, welcomes Rebecca George, Executive Director of the Washington Indian Gaming Association, to the podcast. They discuss the misconceptions surrounding tribal gaming, the economic impact it has on communities in the Pacific Northwest, and the importance of education and advocacy in navigating state-tribal relations in Washington. Rebecca shares insights on the diversification of tribal economies beyond gaming and the future trends in gaming technology. The conversation emphasizes the need for collaboration and education to support tribal sovereignty and empower future leaders. Chapters ·        00:00 - Introduction to Tribal Gaming and Misconceptions ·        02:50 - The Impact of Gaming on Tribal Communities ·        05:51 - Navigating State-Tribal Relations ·        09:01 - Economic Diversification Beyond Gaming ·        11:47 - Future Trends in Gaming Technology ·        14:57 - The Importance of Education and Advocacy ·        18:01 - Advice for Future Tribal Leaders REDW Advisors and CPAs is proud to bring you the Insight in Indian Country Podcast, covering important advisory, accounting, and finance topics that impact Tribal Nations and business affairs. Thanks for listening!

In this episode, Wesley Benally interviews James Siva, Vice Chairman of the Morongo Band of Mission Indians, discussing the dual perspectives of tribal leadership and gaming advocacy. They explore the future of gaming in California, the importance of balancing community values with economic decisions, and the need for economic diversification among tribal nations. Siva emphasizes the significance of engaging younger generations in the gaming industry and the power of inter-tribal collaboration. He also shares valuable advice for future tribal leaders, encouraging them to ask questions and embrace their unique perspectives. Chapters ·        00:00 - Introduction to Tribal Leadership and Gaming Advocacy ·        03:09 - The Future of Gaming in California ·        05:54 - Balancing Community Values and Economic Decisions ·        09:09 - Economic Diversification for Tribal Nations ·        11:55 - Engaging the Younger Generations in Gaming ·        14:55 - Inter-Tribal Collaboration and National Impact ·        20:58 - Advice for Future Tribal Leaders REDW Advisors and CPAs is proud to bring you the Insight in Indian Country Podcast, covering important advisory, accounting, and finance topics that impact Tribal Nations and business affairs. Thanks for listening!

Wesley Benally welcomes Taryn Reynolds, MSL, THRP II, to the Insight in Indian Country Podcast. Taryn is a proud member of the Osage Nation and Human Resources Consultant [https://www.redw.com/hr-human-resources-consulting/] at REDW Advisors & CPAs. With a rich background spanning 13 years in tribal government, she shares her unique perspective on blending traditional values with progressive governance in tribal organizations. In their conversation, Taryn emphasizes how protecting sovereignty extends beyond language preservation into organizational policies. Taryn illustrates how tribal communities can be both progressive and traditional, challenging the "that's how it's always been done" mentality while honoring cultural values. Her message resonates with a powerful truth: Native communities aren't just surviving – they're thriving and creating sustainable futures for generations to come. Chapters * 00:00 - Introduction and Personal Background * 03:19 - Cultural Identity in Professional Practice * 08:27 - Understanding Tribal Sovereignty and HR * 14:31 - Progressive Approaches to Tribal Governance * 19:44 - Sources of Inspiration and Mentorship * 25:14 - Vision for Future Tribal Leaders * 28:08 - Reflections on Native American Heritage Month * 30:17 - Closing Thoughts on Ambition and Leadership REDW Advisors and CPAs is proud to bring you the Insight in Indian Country Podcast, covering important advisory, accounting, and finance topics that impact Tribal Nations and business affairs. Thanks for listening!

In this powerful episode of Insight in Indian Country [https://www.redw.com/tribes/insight-in-indian-country/], host Wesley Benally [https://www.redw.com/team/wesley-benally/] welcomes Sean McCabe, CPA and Controller of the Navajo Nation [https://opvp.navajo-nsn.gov/albuquerque-cpa-sean-mccabe-takes-reins-at-navajo-nation-office-of-controller/], for a candid discussion about building a meaningful legacy in tribal finance. With nearly 30 years of accounting experience, Sean reflects on what it means to leave a lasting impact that "my kids could be proud of, my people could be proud of." As a member of the Salt People Clan and Red Running into the Water Clan, Sean shares how he navigates his role as one of the key financial leaders of the largest tribal nation in the country, always keeping service to the community at the forefront. The conversation delves into the unique challenges and opportunities of tribal financial leadership, where cultural values and business decisions intertwine. Sean offers valuable insights into the critical need for Native representation in senior financial positions across Indian Country, encouraging the next generation to step up to the plate: "We need more young Native American people at the top that can really lead discussions and lead communities and tribes in a direction that we've never seen before." Through their discussion, both leaders emphasize that true success isn't just about winning or losing, but about doing things "the right way" and maintaining the values inherited from their ancestors while pushing for progress. Sean's journey illustrates how professional excellence and cultural identity can work together to create a legacy that serves the people. Chapters * 00:00 - Introduction and Welcome * 02:14 - Sean's Background and Cultural Identity * 04:14 - Blending Cultural Values with Professional Practice * 08:27 - Navigating Leadership in Tribal Finance * 13:16 - Native Representation in Professional Positions * 17:48 - Sources of Inspiration and Motivation * 22:22 - Building a Professional Legacy * 26:16 - Reflections on Native American Heritage Month * 29:31 - Closing Thoughts and Encouragement REDW Advisors and CPAs is proud to bring you the Insight in Indian Country Podcast, covering important advisory, accounting, and finance topics that impact Tribal Nations and business affairs. Thanks for listening!