NIGA Chairman Issues a Statement Paying Tribute to the Legacy of Senator Edward Kennedy

WASHINGTON, D.C. - August 26, 2009 - National Indian Gaming Association (NIGA) Chairman, Ernie Stevens, Jr., issued the following statement, paying tribute to Sen. Edward Kennedy's legacy of service. Kennedy, 77 died last night after a 15-month battle with brain cancer at his home in Hyannis Port, Mass.

Senator Kennedy was a not only a devoted leader, but a devoted husband, father, grandfather and uncle. Throughout his powerful and significant career, Senator Kennedy was a true advocate for all minorities in the Senate.

Like his brothers, John and Robert, Senator Kennedy was a great champion for Native Americans. President Kennedy broke decisively with the termination era of the 1950's by inviting Tribal leaders to meet with him on the campaign trail and at the White House. President Kennedy laid the foundation for the Indian Self Determination policy.

Senator Robert Kennedy took the war on poverty to the Oglala Sioux tribe, highlighting the plight of our people. Senator Ted Kennedy picked up their mantle, co sponsoring major legislation, assisting Tribal law enforcement and justice systems, working to include us in the political system and speaking out for the First Americans. He helped champion the passage of the Indian Child Welfare Act, which is a cornerstone of Tribal Government protection for our disadvantaged youth.

Without a doubt, Sen. Kennedy helped change the lives of countless people throughout Indian country by using his considerable influence in the Senate. He was a great friend; an American legend and Indian country will truly miss his leadership.

And while there will be a significant gap in the Senate, it is inspiring to know that the strength, determination and the heed of call to political service can be found in his son Rep. Patrick Kennedy. Much like his father, and uncles, he has already shown a true determination to work on behalf of Indian country. Today, our thoughts and prayers go out to Patrick, Sen. Kennedy's wife Victoria and all of the Kennedy family during this time of reflection and remembrance.

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For more information contact:
Deana Jackson
(202) 579-5427
djackson@indiangaming.org

NIGA and Pawnee Nation College Form Agreement to Promotoe Tribal Gaming Education

TULSA, OK- August 13, 2009 - The National Indian Gaming Association (NIGA) and Pawnee Nation College in Pawnee, Oklahoma, have partnered together to establish a program that will provide tribal gaming instruction and education to tribal members and employees at the college. Through the partnership, Pawnee Nation College will be the first tribal college in the nation to offer such a program.

Pawnee Nation College will offer student instruction in the areas of tribal gaming, business, hospitality and other gaming-related derivativesas stipulated in the College's Mission and the College's Tribal Gaming Regulatory Initiative (TGRI). The primary purpose of the partnership is to promote the professional advancement of Indian people in the Indian gaming industry through educational opportunities for current and future tribal gaming employees.

The partnership was made official through a Memorandum of Understanding signed by NIGA Chairman, Ernie Stevens, Jr. and Pawnee Nation College President, Dr. Todd Fuller at a meeting held at the college campus in Pawnee, Oklahoma. The Memorandum also recognized the invaluable contribution of tribal colleges on promoting, community, social, cultural, and economic development in tribal communities.

Upon the signing, Chairman Stevens stressed the impact that tribal colleges have had on his families' education and on Indian education as a whole.

"I am an educator by heart and by trade." Chairman Stevens reflected. "Tribal colleges, for me, are the best place in the whole world. I have five kids and all of those kids are completely educated through the tribal college system. If we can do more through tribal college, then our people are better and our communities are stronger."

Chairman Stevens also expressed his gratitude at being apart of the Indian education movement.

"This is an honor. To be here today, to move this agreement forward, to promote and advance education, that is my life's goal," Chairman Stevens told the College. "Today, being here with you folks, this is one of the best moments. If I can help you educate the young, that is my goal."

Pawnee Nation President George Howell welcomed Chairman Stevens to the College and thanked NIGA for their assistance with the program.

"We hold education as a high priority. I really appreciate you coming and helping us with this agreement. We're looking to make good things happen in Indian Country with this agreement," said President Howell.

Pawnee Nation College President Todd Fuller also spoke at the meeting and expressed his excitement about the partnership and having the NIGA aboard to support the program.

"What we believe with this partnership and this agreement, is that it becomes a very attractive opportunity for people once they know that the National Indian Gaming Association is affiliated with the College and that we have a partnership like that," said Fuller. "The credibility that it creates for us as an institution is just tremendous."

Both Chairman Stevens and President Fuller also fielded questions from tribal council members and college employees about the partnership.

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For more information contact:
Deana Jackson
(202) 579-5427
djackson@indiangaming.org

Oklahoma Indian Gaming Message Focuses on Indian Sovereignty

TULSA, OK, August 9, 2009 - NIGA Chairman Ernie Stevens Jr. addressed attendees of the Oklahoma Indian Gaming Conference in downtown Tulsa about the importance of maintaining a presence in Washington, D.C.

Stevens said Oklahoma is undoubtedly Indian Country, as leaders and constituents alike continue to do a great job maintaing a strong presence Washington, D.C. In particular, he pointed to the efforts of David Qualls, Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association Chairman.

"This is Indian Country. Every place you go in Tulsa and around Oklahoma, you see Indian people," Stevens said. "This is the most Indians I've seen in my life."

The importance of solidarity and finding strength in numbers for the collective good of the whole has not been lost on Stevens, whose father led Indian Country to retain tribal sovereignty a generation earlier. Ernest Stevens Sr. did two combat tours in Korea before returning home to help Indians on the reservation and in Washington, D.C.

"Dad had a way of fighting on behalf of sovereignty, like so many of our elders do," Stevens said. "Never give up, never rest, never get tired (was the advice).

"I think that's where we're at right now," he said.

Stevens recounted the early beginnings of Indian gaming and the skepticism Indian Country faced in implementation of a new form of economic development. Today, Indian gaming has become more than a boon for tribes across the country, especially since many states now depend on the gaming revenues to weather the rough economic climate.

"Whether it's a flourishing economy or a tough economy, we've been through this with our lives, our family and our businesses," Stevens said.

His comments on the American Indian tenacity for survival were not limited to gaming, but also to simple daily existence for many native families that most Americans were not familiar with. While America struggles, I say welcome to our world, he said.

"When rich folks lose a few dollars, they panic. Indian Country doesn't panic, we just work harder," Stevens said. "I think people have to understand when Indian Country loses, our communities lose.

"It's not about being rich, it's about being a community," he added.

Part of the self-sufficiency afforded to Indian communities from gaming is the supplemental funding afforded to students for education. With five kids, Stevens said his children know firsthand the importance of college degrees.

"My oldest son is a tribal councilman and just finished with his MBA," Stevens said. "I have three daughters in college, one in grad school and two undergrads. Ernest III has a media degree.

"If I could promote anything, I say education and training," he concluded.

Jason Giles, NIGA general counsel and deputy director, followed Stevens with a legislative update on major items facing Indian Country in Washington, D.C. being tackled by NIGA, NCAI and supporters of Indian sovereignty.

The biggest concern is the Employee Free Choice Act in which tribes have been excluded in the language of the legislation.

"We are building support in the Congress for the fair treatment of Tribes under this Nation's labor laws," Giles said. "Federal, state and local governments are exempted because of their sovereign status and Tribes deserve the same respect."

The second issue is the Carcieri v. Salazar decision in the Supreme Court, which Giles said can only be repaired legislatively. Fighting this case with Congressional legislation is the major battle Indian Country must undertake immediately, Giles said. Having a role in the legislative process to fix language in any amendments is paramount, he added.

"It's literally adding two words, or removing a single word to the statute, that's how we can legislatively address this issue is," Giles said. "All land to trust decisions, especially within the tribe's reservation borders, those decisions should be automatic.

"It should be a quick and easy process for a tribe to regain their traditional homelands, especially when that land was improperly taken in violation of our treaties," he said.

Throughout the conference, the message for attendees and Indian Country was clear: working together and communication are the keys to success in maintaining Indian sovereignty.

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For more information contact:
Deana Jackson
(202) 579-5427
djackson@indiangaming.org