When the COVID-19 pandemic caused U.S. casinos to temporarily shut down two years ago, tribal operators were hit especially hard because of their close-knit communities. And within those tribal communities, one population was notably affected: women.
In North Carolina, Cherokee Tribal Gaming Commission Executive Director Rita Grasty set aside time to ensure her work duties were not neglected as she tended to family concerns. Celeste Hughes, a tribal-gaming regulatory consultant for the Cahuilla Economic Development Corporation in California, talked about grief, loss, and change, saying, “I’m still facing them, because I’m now hearing different stories.” Christina Solorio, Quechan Gaming Agency Executive Director in California, recalled how she felt the burden of responsibility placed on her shoulders. “That was the hardest thing that I’ve encountered professionally,” she said.
And Mississippi Band of Choctaw’s Gaming Commission Chairwoman Bea Carson recalled that some tribal members were convinced they could face the pandemic on their own, that their faith would protect them. But that belief proved false. “No. We couldn’t do it by ourselves,” Carson said.
Carson spoke Wednesday during the panel discussion “Women in Tribal Gaming: Surviving the Pandemic” at the National Indian Gaming Association Tradeshow and Convention.
“When we were doing our research for this presentation, it was very apparent that women shouldered the bulk of the struggles,” said Merydan Technology Vice President of Professional Services Frances Alvarez, who moderated the panel.
The devastating effects of the pandemic highlighted other stark realities. Alvarez noted that women tend to earn less than male peers, have less savings, and comprise the majority of single-parent households, in addition to being responsible for most of the housework. Those factors contributed to women dropping out of the labor force and causing economic hardships. There were physical and mental-health manifestations as well.
It took Hughes nearly a year and a half to realize that she was languishing, a concept explained by Dr. Alan Grant, a”¯psychologist and professor at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. “Languishing” describes going through life without experiencing excitement or joy. Hearing about the concept made Hughes realize the importance of getting help for herself and tribal members experiencing similar issues.
“If we can’t handle situations, how are we going to expect anybody else to do it?” Hughes said.
The women found ways to confront obstacles placed in their paths. Solorio made sure tribal members stayed in contact with one another, making sure everyone had a connection to rely on in times of need. “I think that’s continuing in everything we do now,” Solorio added. “And as we move forward, it’s important to communicate with one another.”
Carson said communicating was not an issue, but she realized some tribal members forced to work from home felt anxious that they weren’t being productive. Carson reinforced for them their importance to the tribe. “In my eyes, they were doing exactly what they needed to do,” Carson said. “What they needed to be doing was staying safe and actually just directing from home.”
Hughes took some of the time afforded to her by pandemic-related closures to change her career and start her own business, Celeste E. Hughes Consulting. She thinks women need to stop feeling uncomfortable about focusing on their own needs and concerns.
“I think it’s just being reflective on yourself, taking time for yourself,” she said. “Don’t feel guilty about spending time on yourself. Just keep moving in a positive direction and continue to grow.”
