U.S. Rep. Deb Haaland, D-NM, speaks to the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Feb. 23, 2021, during the first day of her confirmation hearing for secretary of the Department of the Interior . (C-SPAN) The nomination of New Mexico Representative Deb Haaland (Pueblo of Laguna) to lead the Department of
Author: Damon Scott
Damon is a multimedia journalist for the Seminole Tribune. He has previously been an editor and reporter for digital and print media in Florida and his home state of New Mexico. Send him an email at damonscott@semtribe.com.
Seminole Tribe returns as sponsor of NICWA conference
The National Indian Child Welfare Association (NICWA) is gearing up to host its second-ever virtual conference and the Seminole Tribe is once again the lead sponsor. It’s the 39th conference overall, which brings together Natives involved in child advocacy issues. The 2021 theme is “Connectedness, Resilience, and Persistence.” It takes place
Pandemic pushes gaming revenue to 18-year low
One of the first official glimpses into the Covid-19 pandemic’s impact on commercial gaming was revealed Feb. 17 and the view is as bad as many expected. Commercial gaming revenue totaled $30 billion in 2020, a 31% drop from 2019. The American Gaming Association (AGA) through its “commercial gaming revenue tracker”
Hard Rock’s Reverb has Tampa in its sights
Hard Rock delivers millions in bonuses to employees
Hard Rock’s path to Rockford casino moves forward
Hard Rock officials presented their vision for a Rockford, Illinois, casino development to the Illinois Gaming Board in late January. It was the latest step toward solidifying a proposed permanent site as well as a temporary one. If approved, the $310 million development is expected to bring between 800 and 1,000
NCAI intents to engage with new administration
One of the priorities this year for the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) is to make it known to the new Biden administration that Indian Country is focused on issues of importance to tribal communities. There are many, including tribal sovereignty, the environment, racial justice and the ongoing pandemic. NCAI President
Haaland confirmation appears likely
New Mexico Rep. Deb Haaland’s confirmation hearing before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee to lead the Department of Interior ended Feb. 24 without a vote. Sen. Joe Manchin III of West Virginia, who is the chairman, gave members more time to submit additional questions and Haaland and the
Meet Seminole Tribe Fire Rescue’s No. 1 and No. 2
Updated: Tribe’s vaccine eligibility continues to expand
HOLLYWOOD — Shots of the Covid-19 vaccine continued to be distributed across the Seminole Tribe in February and tribal employees began to take advantage of expanded eligibility requirements. Hundreds of tribal members and employees have received the vaccine since the program began in late December, starting with public safety and health