Fire Rock to open Nov. 19
Delegate: Skinwalkers got scared, could not stop project
Bernard Benally, foreground, works to finish concrete on the 
foundation of the Fire Rock Casino in Churchrock. — © 2008 Gallup Independent / Staff Photo

Copyright © 2008
Gallup Independent
By Kathy Helms
Diné Bureau

WINDOW ROCK — The Navajo Nation’s first casino will open Wednesday on a grand scale despite tales of skinwalkers and uranium in the six acres of fill dirt, as well as issues of smoking vs. non-smoking, according to Navajo Gaming Enterprise CEO Bob Winter.

Several months ago, the Fire Rock Casino appeared beset by obstacles, some of which Churchrock Delegate Ernest Yazzie attributed to witchcraft, but, he said last week, “We didn’t let no skinwalkers stop us.” In fact, after Yazzie brought up the matter, the problems started to subside, he said. “ I think they got scared.”

The project was fast-tracked and the 65,000-square-foot casino was completed in just four months.

“I’m just really amazed at the work that’s been done here,” Winter said. “I think the Navajo Nation will be very proud of this facility once they see the inside. A lot of consideration was given to Navajo culture, which was our intent.

“It’s the kind of facility, I think, everyone should be able to have fun in and enjoy not only the gambling but all of the extra amenities that we’ve put into this facility. You’ve never seen a tent like this before!”

Winter was working Wednesday to get the Nation’s permit in place to serve wine and beverages with in the restaurant. “Hopefully we’ll have it in time for the opening,” he said.

Ray Etcitty, general counsel for the enterprise, said he expected construction to be completed and the building to be turned over at the end of the week. “We’re now putting into place all the slot machines and running all the systems.”

The casino will feature 472 slots, a bingo hall that seats more than 300 people, blackjack and five poker tables. “We trained our own Navajo blackjack and poker dealers,” Etcitty said, and all policies and procedures required are in place.

“We have in excess of 200 employees and they’ve gotten their licenses from Business Regulatory. Last week and this week we’ve been putting them through training. We’ll be going through dry-run training this weekend and then we’re all set to go.”

Employees will be at their jobs Saturday and will have some friends and family on hand so they can actually practice with people they know. “It’s not for any money; it’s just a dry run,” he said.

“Sunday is the VIP with the elected officials where we will be showing them the inside of the casino. On Monday and Tuesday we then go over with staff what we’ve seen over the weekend on their run-through and then on Wednesday at 4 p.m., we have the grand opening ribbon-cutting and we are in business at that point,” he said.

Rhonda Ray, marketing manager, said Tohatchi Veterans will serve as color guards and Miss Navajo will sing the national anthem.

“We have the welcoming address by Shawn McCabe, chairman of the Navajo Nation Gaming Enterprise, we have the invocation by Churchrock Chapter President Johnny Livingston, and then we’ll have public speaking by President Joe Shirley Jr. and also an introduction by Ernest Stevens, chair of the National Indian Gaming Commission in Washington.

“Once we finish that, we’re going to invite everybody inside. The staff and everybody will be ready to go.”

Chef Anton from Austria has prepared a menu for everyone visiting Cheii’s Pub and Grill, she said. “Then we have an Asian noodle bar, we have Navajo traditional food, and we’ve got live music coming in that will be entertaining.”

There will be Navajo flute players and drummers outside welcoming visitors as they enter the casino, and a lounge act inside.

They will be signing up patrons for the Atsa’ (Eagle) Players Club, to be known as the “Road to Riches.”

Shuttle pickups will be offered at six different locations in Gallup, including a stop at La Quinta/El Rancho and all of the truck stops. “There will be two shuttles. The first will be running 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and then the second shuttle will be running from noon until 1 a.m.,” Ray said.

“There’s a nice gift shop and a coffee shop inside. We’re working with a lot of our Native artists on consignment.

They can come in and we’ll rotate their artwork like every 45 days so we give a chance for everyone to display their artwork inside.

“We’re really excited. We have been working really well and close with the community. It’s entertainment, so we invite all our guests to come out and have some food and fun. I know it’s going to be good for the community. I really believe it’s going to start bringing in a lot more revenue for everyone,” she said.