“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. Nearly 11 months after a Cherokee County man was shot by police officers in the doorway…
