Dear Editor,
While speaking to a Muscogee (Creek) citizen today, I learned that RiverSpirit Casino does not have access to wheelchairs for our elders. This conversation was prompted by a flyer at our community center announcing the “2026 Elder’s Sweetheart Dance” being held February 19, 2026 at RiverSpirit. She said they would not be able to attend because there are no wheelchairs available to get her mother upstairs, where the event is being held. My husband can no longer make the long walk either.
Her mother is 101 years old and unable to make the long walk from parking to upstairs. She took her mother to the 2025 Elder Christmas Party. They parked via valet and asked for a wheelchair. They were told no wheelchairs were available because too many had been stolen. They then went to security for help and security had one wheelchair for emergencies. They were able to use it and attend the party.
The walking distance to events at RiverSpirit is long and hard for those of us with bad hips, knees and just can’t walk long distances any longer. Maybe MCN could purchase or rent wheelchairs for special events held for our elders. There should be many ways to prevent theft of wheelchairs.
What if the Chief, Second Chief and National Council Representatives were at the entrances of the casino with wheelchairs to take our elders to their party? After all, don’t the casinos belong to the citizens and don’t those elected work for the citizens?
Mvto,
Gail Ellis
Non-Muscogee (Creek) citizen
Wife of Muscogee (Creek) citizen
