Kalispel Tribe faces criticism after casino spa employee quits

Thursday, June 20, 2013  

The Kalispel Tribe of Washington wants a casino spa employee to come back to work after the woman said she was pressured to wear a wig to cover up her head.

Melanie Strandberg, 25, shaved her head to show support for her sister, who suffers from cancer. She said she was pressured by her supervisor at the La Rive Spa at Northern Quest Resort and Casino to wear a wig.

Strandberg quit and went public with her saga, prompting a barrage of criticism against the casino. The facility conducted an investigation and said it placed the spa director on administrative leave.

"We want Melanie to know Northern Quest supports her and her family. Her job is open to her and we would love to talk with her directly," the casino said in a statement.

Strandberg said she doesn't want her job back.

Get the Story:
Choice to support sister by cutting hair stirs row (The Spokesman Review 6/19)