"Fort Sill Apache fire dancers ushered in the opening events last week for the tribe’s new $27 million hotel addition, calling forth both protection and prosperity for the venture.

The hotel is the first one among the eight local tribes gaming ventures and officials hope that it will set a new bar on area Indian gaming. Tribal chairman, Jeff Haozous, said expectations for the hotel will be fulfilled.

“This is a long-term investment, so it goes past short-term fluctuations in the economy,” he said. “We made these decisions regardless of the overall economic climate.”

Guests turned out for the new hotel’s opening on Aug. 23 and more came back for an official grand opening and VIP party on Aug. 25 where the tribe introduced local and state officials along with tribal members to the new property. Opening ceremonies included a red carpet, showgirls and limousines. The event also featured the giveaway of a new car."

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S.E. Ruckman: Fort Sill Apache open first hotel among area tribes (The Native American Times 8/27)