2006 GREAT WOMEN OF GAMING
Proven leader
Delores Pigsley
Tribal Chair, Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians and Board Member
Chinook Winds Casino Resort
""I have always believed that experience is as important as education. However, in today's world, education beyond high school is a necessity. Without a degree or a skill, opportunities are limited. Fortunately, local colleges offer classes in hospitality and gaming," Pigsley said.
Pigsley currently serves as tribal chair for the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians and on the board of directors for the Chinook Winds Casino Resort. From 1987 to 1995, Pigsley was a member of the Tribal Gaming Committee, and she has been involved with gaming for 19 years.
As a former official delegate to the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians, Pigsley demonstrates her highest regard for her tribe and community. But her work doesn't stop there; she has served as a member of the National Congress of American Indians, the National Tribal Chairman's Association, the National Indian Women's Association, the Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board, the Chemawa Indian School Board, and the National Indian Council on Aging. One may wonder: How does she find time for it all?
"If married, make sure your spouse is supportive of your plans. Plan to spend long hours at work and usually some time traveling. If you don't have family support it can be a difficult, if not impossible, aspiration. Take advantage of experienced staff, actively listen, and set a good example," Pigsley noted.
She admitted that in order to be successful, one must balance her professional and personal life: "Women are the backbone of most families. Women with children face the daily issues of childcare, sick children, housekeeping, meal planning, laundry, grocery shopping, and balancing a professional world with a domestic world. Time allocation and organization must be planned and used wisely. Family has to come first," she said.
Yet, her views on gaming are clear. In an article in the Siletz Tribal Quarterly Nesika Illahee, she writes: "In my opinion, if tribes go through the complex process and have the ability to get land in trust for gaming, the more power to them. Only a handful have been successful in getting land in trust for gaming off-reservation. It's a lengthy and difficult process."
The Siletz Tribe, alongside 19 others, gained national recognition in 1992, as the federal government acknowledged their ability to self-govern, thereby affording them the authority to reconstruct federal programs to meet tribal necessities.
Pigsley acknowledged the influence of education for improving the industry's appreciation for diversity: "Cultural sensitivity training is a must in the industry. It's not difficult to manage an ethnic workforce if one can understand the history and background of all employees. Being sensitive to each other is critical."
Jim Kikumoto, general manager, Chinook Winds Casino Resort clarified Pigsley's talent: "[She has] unwavering dedication, perseverance in the face of adversity, and willingness to put the needs of the tribe and Chinook Winds Casino ahead of her own. Her leadership skills are unparalleled. Delores's speaking ability is admirable, for she may address any audience, from dignitaries to our front line. Delores leads by example and has the respect of all that are fortunate to have worked with or for her."
Pigsley certainly gains the respect from those around her: "People with new ideas and fresh perspectives on improving processes inspire me, both of which can be found in current employees. It's good to sometimes look beyond management for those fresh ideas. It is always good to get consumer feedback."
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