“That’s brilliant,” Jason Paralta voiced his opinion above the exclamations of the others. Mostly encouraging words could be heard around the table. “What would be at the cultural center? How would it work with the visitors to the casino?”
Myrtle was beaming. Practically clapping in her seat. This was something she had always wanted for her people.
Jonathan sat up straighter in his seat. Aliya had mentioned this idea that had been proposed months ago, but it had still seemed a long way off. Her plans had been to start with just dance. He was all ears though wondering how she would fit in. “But, I think it should be something more than just dance,” Tawny continued. “I don’t want to do what The Mohegan have done either. Their educational center and museum are remarkable, but ours would also focus on the history of our people and oral traditions, storytelling, and exhibits. I want more. For our people. I think we could have a place where not only dance is taught, but art, crafts, history, language, and our oral traditions can be passed on. We can offer classes to the people and to the public.”
Josephine was the first to speak up. “You are talking about a large facility. A big endeavor.”
“Yes, I am and I want something that will have room to grow. Let me explain.” Her excitement was catching on. Everyone was listening attentively as she explained her vision. “We could expand as we grow. Add more classrooms, and storage. I see shops on the bottom floor that sell the products we make there. I see a restaurant that serves traditional foods, and a clothing store. But everything is created upstairs in the classes we teach. The profits would be put back into the center to buy more supplies and restock. We have a small auditorium for shows by our performers. Dance classes. Art classes. Crafts. A movie theatre, too. And what the kids and adults make at the center could be sold here at the casino as well, and all would be given back to the community.” She paused and then looked directly at Josephine. “The money could go for the clinic that Josephine wants.”
Josephine gasped. That was her project, what she had wanted for her people, but the cost of running it wouldn’t have been in their budget for years, she had recently learned.
“What about the casino? Where does their part come in?” asked Drake, currently serving as head of the Merchandising Department. “I know it all goes back to the people, but this sounds expensive.”
Tawny smiled. “We not only teach our people there, but tourists and locals who wish to learn. Here, we sell packages, day outings, to the patrons who may want to leave for a little while during the day. Instead of heading to The Mohegan’s, they stay in house so to speak. We still profit. Those sales stay with the casino. That money covers our expenses. Our profit initially will be small, but as we expand we can shuttle four to five groups a day to the Learning Center. And initially we will have to take a small percentage of the total profits on sales of the products to cover our costs. Twenty percent I think. This would be to cover our additional expenses of running and building the facility, and staff will come out of their end. But I’m thinking we may be able to utilize volunteers as well. This will mean jobs too, for our people. And it will give them an alternative to gambling, drinking, and other activities.”
“This sounds marvelous.” It was Myrtle speaking.
“If you like the idea and wish to proceed, I’d like to work with Aliya on this. She has her business management degree, and while she’s pregnant she won’t be able to dance and choreograph as much, but I think she can help with the research and the business plan.”
“I like the idea.” Jonathan offered, gazing around the table at all present. “I know I’m her husband and really shouldn’t add my input, but the benefit to the reserve, the children, the people, would be great. Not to mention the cultural benefits it will have for the community.”
“I agree 100%.” That came from Myrtle Croaton. As a tribal council member and one of the tribal elders, her opinion was greatly respected.
“Well, it is something to think about. And I like it too. I think we should proceed with the research at least, and look at costs for development.” Those words came from Jason, the last of the tribal council members.
Josephine interrupted once more. “Yes, I’d like to hear more, too, see more. See the research, a business plan, and a proposal, but let’s not jump the gun. I would love for this to come to fruition, but we really can’t do something like this and make this kind of decision until we fill the empty seat on the council. Even with a quorum, I’d feel better about doing this kind of project if all the seats were filled and it were a unanimous decision.”