Cherokee Nation Businesses reports record November, says Pope County case will go to trial in March

Chuck Garrett, CEO of Cherokee Nation Businesses, told the Cherokee Nation Executive & Finance Committee on Dec. 17 that November produced an all-time historic revenue record for CNB, driven in part by casino operations in Tunica at Goldstrike.

Garrett highlighted a company charitable effort, saying Hard Rock employees were recognized for donating 100 toys to the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots program. He said consolidated CNB financial statements for November will be distributed to committee members and that he will provide a fuller summary at the next meeting.

Committee members asked Garrett for an update on litigation tied to Pope County. Garrett said CNB is scheduled "to be in trial at the Eastern District of Arkansas in March" on claims he summarized as due process, takings and interference with contract. He said discovery is ongoing — "depositions being taken, document requests being made" — and expressed confidence in CNB's legal position while noting the outcome turns on the judge.

When asked whether another tribe had been named in restitution claims, Garrett said no for restitution and described the decision to proceed as involving sovereign-immunity considerations and legal strategy. Committee member Julia asked whether the targeting in Arkansas implied discrimination against the Nation; Garrett replied "generally no," saying another Native tribe was, in his view, a primary actor in the dispute and that other factors likely influenced events in Arkansas.

The committee did not take action on the litigation during the meeting; Garrett's update was provided as an informational report and to answer members' questions. The committee received CNB's consolidated financials for November and will be given a fuller briefing at the next scheduled meeting.