Per capita payments are awarded to the Cherokee youth, and the money is placed in the Minors Trust Fund Account. “You are always going to have individuals less appreciative but the majority use it wisely,” Hicks said. The success of Harrah’s casino has increased members’ payments to more than $8,700 a year.īut not all spend this money wisely, which is frowned upon by some members.

Members received their first per capita payment of $600 in 1996, Dugan said. The tribe opened and operated a small casino in 1995 after gaming was first approved by the state. Typically appliances and furniture are things folks put on a payment plan, but they are now able to purchase them in full,” she said. “I recall seeing many trucks pulling home furniture and appliances after a per capita check was awarded. “It helps many families purchase those necessities,” Dugan said. “As individuals, it’s certainly raised our standard of living,” said Joyce Dugan, a former chief from 1995-1999 and director of communications at Harrah’s.ĭugan has seen the positive effects that per capita payments have made since the casino opening on Nov.

Members use this money to make home improvements, buy Christmas presents and for other household needs. “The daily living is getting better,” Principal Chief Michell Hicks said in an interview from his office in the tribal headquarters. The money has changed the tribe’s way of life. Nestled within the Smokies is one of the country’s oldest tribal museums.

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