Indian Gaming Update September/October 2013 | Volume 4, Issue 5
PAGE 2 START OF A NEW YEAR FOR INDIAN EDUCATION
PAGE 6 TRIBAL LEADERS RELEASE STATEMENT OF UNITY AT TRIBAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT MEETING AT SHAKOPEE
PAGE 8-10 GLOBAL GAMING EXPO 2013
Indian Gaming Update
START OF A NEW YEAR FOR INDIAN EDUCATION DESPITE BUDGET CUTS, WE CAN CLOSE THE ACHIEVEMENT GAP.
To our educators students all over Indian country, welcome back to school! The real new year begins when we head back into the classroom. There are two great things that happen during the school year; one is that our educators get to make a difference in the lives our Native students, and two is that the student will learn something completely new and valuable. We are very fortunate to have opportunity happen, and it starts right now.
“All over Indian country, we have school administrators, principals, teachers and teacher-aides who are continuing to produce outstanding learners.” - CHAIRMAN STEVENS
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“Inspire a new generation.” As we begin this school year, please know that it takes exceptional staff, informed parents, and an involved community to create the best possible arena for learning. This school year faces many challenges. We already know that Indian country has always faced budget issues regarding education, and it may be even worse due to the sequestration. Qualified teachers cannot be hired, repairs to schools have been halted, and supplies cannot be ordered. This is especially troubling in those areas with remote access. When there is less, more is required to be done. That is the way it has been since my days in school. I encourage our educators to remain focused on the mission of ensuring our students receive the best education possible. All over Indian country, we have school administrators, principals, teachers and teacher-aides who are continuing to produce outstanding learners. We are all directly impacted by the state of this sequestration, and I am sensitive to the financial stresses many are experiencing. While I divide my time between Washington, DC, and Indian country, my commitment to you, as a fellow parent, and grandparent, remains the same; We will continue to listen to your needs and share your accomplishments with those who need to hear them. Your voice will be heard. Together as Indian nations, we can continue to work together to provide the best education possible. This year, our children will be inspired to learn and understand their potential in becoming skillful and thoughtful citizens, who are equipped to play central roles in our Native community and the entire nation. And that message needs to be delivered by our parents and teachers. Student achievement remains our highest priority, and as parents, we will continue to align resources to ensure success for every student as measured by state, national and international standards of academic performance. Our people are our strength. Do not let this bud-
get crisis distract us from our primary mission, which is raising achievement for all students and closing the achievement gap! Our educators mean so much to our community and it is especially hard to say goodbye to those who have passed on. Education is one of the highest priorities for Indian country, and this summer we lost two very important people who were heroes in the classroom. Teaching, I think, is one of those jobs that require a big heart and endless passion. My grandmother, Maria A. Hinton, was a woman who was such an inspiration to me and to those all over Indian country. She was an educator who had endless passion and a heart that beat for her people. As a leader in our Oneida community, she ensured that our Native language would live on. She got her degree, not for herself, but to be able to teach the next generation the Oneida language. At the age of 93, she retired from the classroom. My grandmother reminds me why we are doing the work we do today; to rebuild our communities through Indian self-reliance. She passed on at the age of 103. My grandmother was an icon, a traditional faith keeper and a retired schoolteacher who overcame many obstacles in her lifetime and survived early boarding schools, the Assimilation Era, and the Great Depression to name a few. My grandmother was my hero, a teacher and mentor to me and will be regarded as one of the finest educators of our time. In closing, I want to mention Albert White Hat, a member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe, like my grandmother, was an educator of his language. He passed at the age of 74 this summer. They left a legacy not just in the product they delivered, but in the generations of students they mentored and taught. These two educators will be extremely missed. Enjoy this new school year and let’s make it is our most successful yet. Inspire a new generation!
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Indian Gaming Update
Chairman Stevens and Miccosukee General Chairman Colley Billie (above right)addresses tribal leaders at the summer Tax Strategy Meeting.
INDIAN COUNTRY TAX STRATEGY MEETING OVER 200 TRIBAL LEADERS AND REPRESENTATIVES ATTEND SUMMER MEETING TO DISCUSS GAMING, THE INTERNET, INTERTRIBAL TRADE, TAXATION AND TRIBAL ENERGY DEVELOPMENT
Washington, DC ( June 6, 2013) - On Tuesday, June 4, the National Indian Gaming Association and the Lummi Nation hosted tribal leaders in the Nation’s Capitol for an Indian Country Tax Strategy Meeting. Tribal leaders discussed the current IRS auditing practices affecting many tribal governments. The two day meeting, held at the Crystal City Marriott and Congressional office buildings, covered the IRS’ current general welfare exclusion guidelines, the history of tribal treatment under U.S. tax laws, the Constitution, and treaties. Tribes from the Northeast, East Coast, Great Plains, California and Washington regions sent tribal leaders to the meeting, along with over 70 other tribal councilmen and representatives who were present at the meeting. “We shouldn’t be wasting time educating the IRS on our sovereign rights. Auditors are coming to our governments with no training or understanding of our cultures and are attempting to itemize and tax basic practices and traditions that are unique to Indian Country,” NIGA Chairman Ernie Stevens said. “This unfair treat-
ment of tribal government programs is an affront to our culture and our inherent sovereignty.” Through an Executive Order from President Obama, the Treasury and IRS are to engage in government to government consultation with tribes regarding tribal government programs that provide benefits to members. Tribal governments are still waiting for such an outreach. Current federal tax laws either do not acknowledge Indian tribes or directly conflict with principles of inherent tribal sovereign authority and their rights as nations under the Constitution and through treaties. Congress has promised to undertake federal tax reform this year. Tribal leaders have made a pledge to continue to work to align federal tax laws with federal Indian policy to ensure the federal government upholds treaty and trust obligations under the Constitution. Tribal leaders will continue their tax meetings at the NCAI Mid-Year Conference on June 24th in Reno, and again at the NIGA Summer Legislative Summit, July 23-24, 2013 in Washington, DC.
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Indian Gaming Update
TRIBAL LEADERS RELEASE STATEMENT OF UNITY AT TRIBAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT MEETING AT SHAKOPEE OVER 200 TRIBAL LEADERS AND REPRESENTATIVES ATTEND SUMMER MEETING TO DISCUSS GAMING, THE INTERNET, INTERTRIBAL TRADE, TAXATION AND TRIBAL ENERGY DEVELOPMENT
On August 20th, the National Indian Gaming Association (NIGA) held an Tribal Economic Meeting to discuss Indian gaming, Internet gaming, Intertribal trade agreement legislation, taxation and Indian energy legislation. The one-day meeting was hosted at the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community’s Mystic Lake Casino and Resort. More than 200 tribal leaders and advocates were in attendance. Chairman Charlie Vig, Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community, welcomed the tribal leaders and commended their work to promote Indian sovereignty. Tribal leaders released a unanimous statement on Economic Development in Indian Country. (See next page). The day long agenda covered H.R. 3043, the Tribal General Welfare Exclusion Act of 2013, Tribal Economic Empowerment Zones and Economic Development Tax Credits, and potential Intertribal trade legislation. A large focus of the meeting centered on Internet gaming. Chairman of the Mohegan Tribe, Bruce “Two Dogs” Bozsum, made a presentation on the prospects of federal Internet gaming legislation. Tribal leaders also reviewed a model tribal Internet gaming bill. Backed by NIGA resolutions, National Congress of American Indians resolutions and regional Indian organizations, tribal leaders in attendance called for congressional legislation to address the General Welfare Exclusion Doctrine. This legislation was created to recognize the right of Indian nations and tribes to provide tribal citizens with
Chairman Bruce Boszum, Mohegan Tribe, Scott Vele, Councilman Stockbridge-Munsee Tribe and Executive Director of M.A.S.T., Attorneys Elizabeth Homer, Steve Gunn, Chairman Tex Hall, Three Affiliated Tribes of Fort Berthold, Chairman Stevens.
tribal government programs and services designed to make Indian lands and reservations sustainable. From that discussion, the consensus of tribal leaders at the meeting was that there needed to be broad support needed for H.R. 3043 to be successful. Further, tribal leaders agreed that Intertribal trade legislation needed to be created in order to develop and diversify Indian country economies, promote jobs, Indian sovereignty and the revenue base.
Tribal leaders in attendance called for congressional legislation to address the General Welfare Exclusion Doctrine. Lastly, the meeting ended with a discussion on Indian energy legislation. As legislation is drafted regarding energy development, tribal leaders requested that tribes be there at every developmental step and should have the sole regulatory and taxation authority over tribal lands, natural resources, wind, solar, hydropower, minerals and oil and gas. The meeting, hosted by the National Indian Gaming Association, has been one in a series hosted around the country to prepare for their Mid-Year Conference in Albuquerque, New Mexico on October 29-30, 2013 at the Sandia Resort and Casino.
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TRIBAL LEADERS’ STATEMENT OF UNITY FOR TRIBAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN INDIAN COUNTRY NIGA held an Economic Summit on Indian Gaming, Internet Gaming, Intertribal Trade Agreement and Legislation, and Taxation at the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community’s Mystic Lake Casino and Resort. More than 200 tribal leaders and advocates were in attendance. Chairman Charlie Vig, Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community, welcomed the tribal leaders and commended their work to promote Indian sovereignty. The topics of discussion included: • • • • • •
H.R. 3043, the Tribal General Welfare Exclusion Act of 2013; Tribal Economic Empowerment Zones and Economic Development Tax Credits; Intertribal Trade and Potential Legislation; Chairman Bozsum, Mohegan Tribe, made a presentation on federal Internet gaming legislation. Tribal leaders reviewed a model tribal Internet gaming bill. Indian Gaming, including Tax-Related Issues.
NIGA Resolutions, NCAI Resolutions and Regional Indian organizations had called for congressional legislation to address the General Welfare Exclusion Doctrine to recognize the right of Indian nations and tribes to provide tribal citizens with tribal government programs and services designed to make Indian lands and reservations livable homes. The consensus of tribal leaders at the meeting was that: Request congressional delegations to support H.R. 3043, Representatives should be asked to sign on to as cosponsors, and Senators should be asked to introduce and co-sponsor a Senate companion bill; Efforts should focus in the House on the Ways and Means Committee members, who have not yet signed onto the bill and bi-partisan support from other Representatives; and Efforts in the Senate should focus on the Senate Finance Committee and the Senate Indian Affairs Committee. Indian nations and tribes should ask the White House to support H.R. 3043, ask the Secretary of the Interior (and ASIA Washburn) to support H.R. 3043, and ask the Secretary of the Treasury (and Dr. Elaine Buckberg) to support H.R. 3043. Request Interior Solicitor to acknowledge the Constitution’s direction on Indian nations and tribes, Indian sovereignty, and tribal self-government; review and clarify the 1940 on Indians not taxed; and enforce the 1924 Indian Citizenship Act provision that expressly protects the right of Indians to tribal property unimpaired and unaffected by the grant of U.S. Citizenship. Tribal leaders also had a consensus that Intertribal Trade and legislation to promote Intertribal Trade is supported by the tribes present and should be supported by Indian nations and tribes to develop and diversify Indian country economies, promote jobs, Indian sovereignty and the revenue base. There was a tribal leaders consensus that Indian nations and tribes should have exclusive power to tax activities and property on Indian lands and Indian reservations. On Indian energy legislation, including wind, solar, and hydropower, there was a consensus that Indian nations and tribes should have the sole regulatory and taxation authority over tribal lands, natural resources, wind, solar, hydropower, minerals and oil and gas.
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Indian Gaming Update
(From L to R) Geoff Freeman - AGA, Michael Leven - LVS, Atal Bali - Bally, Orrin Edidin - WMS, Ernie Stevens Jr - NIGA, Larry Ruvo - Southern Wine and Spirits, Marcus Prater - AGEM, Virginia McDowell - Isle of Capri, Tom Jingoli - Konami & AGEM, Gavin Isaacs - SHFL Entertainment, Patti Hart - IGT. Global Gaming Expo.
NIGA CHAIRMAN SHARES THE STAGE WITH GLOBAL GAMING LEADERS AT 2013 G2E TRIBAL GAMING REPRESENTATIVES PRESENCE IS FELT AT 2013 GLOBAL GAMING EXPO, WORLD’S LARGEST GAMING SHOW.
At the Global Gaming Expo, attendees gathered around the main hall stage for the opening of their trade show at the Sands Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada on Tuesday, September 24, 2013. To open the show, American Gaming Association President Geoff Freeman welcomed “Beetlejuice,” Walking Dead “Zombies,” and Avatar “Warriors” to the stage. All the characters have slot machines being launched this week. The stage was also represented by many from the global gaming industry. Nancy Wilson of REED, Geoff Freeman of AGA, Michael Leven of LVS, Atal Bali of Bally, Orrin Edidin of WMS, Larry Ruvo of Southern Wine and Spirits, Marcus Prater of AGEM, Virginia McDowell of Isle of Capri, Tom Jingoli of Konami & AGEM, Gavin Isaacs of SHFL Entertainment, Patti Hart of IGT, and Chairman Ernie Stevens Jr. of NIGA shared the stage. “Indian country leaders and professionals gathered for the ribbon cutting with great enthusiasm. G2E is the largest gaming show in the world and Indian gaming is a major part of the size and success,” Chairman Ernie Stevens said.
Geoff Freeman, President of the American Gaming Association and Ernie Stevens, Jr., Chairman of the National Indian Gaming Association at the Global Gaming Expo ribbon cutting media event.
“Tribal government gaming has always been a tremendous presence of this great show. Networking, learning and teaching the world about tribal economic success is why we are here.” In 2012, Native American-owned casinos were located in 28 states and gross gaming revenues at Indian casinos totaled 27.9 billion, a 2.7 percent increase over 2011 figures. Global Gaming Expo (G2E) is the international gaming trade show organized by the American Gaming Association (AGA) and Reed Exhibitions since the fall of 2001. G2E is attended by nearly 24,000 industry professionals from around the world.
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NIGA RECOGNIZES TRIBAL LEADERS AT G2E RECEPTION NINE TRIBAL LEADERS ARE RECOGNIZED FOR THEIR DEDICATION TO INDIAN GAMING
On Tuesday of the 2013 Global Gaming Expo, National Indian Gaming Association Chairman Ernie Stevens Jr. invited friends of Indian gaming to a special reception at the NIGA Tribal Leader’s Lounge on the expo floor. Industry leaders packed the lounge as the Chairman recognized tribal leaders and professionals who are making impressive contributions in Indian gaming. These leaders represented just a few of many who are making the Indian gaming industry thrive. Of those recognized were Gila River Casinos Board of Directors Deborah Griffin, Menominee Casino General Manager Jim Reiter, Pueblo of Pojoaque Governor George Rivera, Rocket Gaming Vice-President and Former Oneida Chairman Jerry Danforth, Tribal Financial Advisors Chairman, Former Oneida Chairman, and NIGA Chairman Emeritus Rick Hill, Coeur d’Alene Tribe of Idaho member and Bingo Nation representative David Matheson, Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation Chairman Michael O. Finley, Former Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation Chairman Mel Tonasket, and NIGA Board Member and Northern Arapaho Gaming Agency Regulator Jenni Wildcat. Menominee Casino General Manager Jim Reiter receives a “lifetime achievement award” for his many years of service to Indian gaming. “We are thrilled to have so many modern warriors represented here at the Global Gaming Expo. These leaders have demonstrated remarkable dedication to their communities and to the continuance of Indian gaming as a viable way to improve the lives of our people and their neighboring communities,” Chairman Stevens said in a statement. ”Jim Reiter is a distinguished leader and long standing advocate in tribal gaming. As a leader, Mr. Reiter has stayed on the front line yet behind the scenes to run a fluid operation. He is always sure to credit the entire team at the Menominee Casino for its success,” Chairman Stevens remarked. Awardees were presented with silver and turquoise bolo ties or Navajo squash blossom necklaces during the Chairman’s Reception on Tuesday, September 24, 2013 in the Sands Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Deborah Griffin accepts NIGA’s award for appreciation for the Gila River Indian Community for hosting tribal leaders at the “Jam on the Rez” during the Indian Gaming Tradeshow in Phoenix.
Menominee Casino General Manager Jim Reiter receives a “lifetime achievement award” for his many years of service to Indian gaming.
Governor Rivera of the Pojoaque Pueblo receives an award for his tremendous dedication to the advancement of Indian gaming.
Coeur d’Alene Tribe of Idaho and Bingo Nation= representative David Matheson, NIGA Board Member Paulette Jordan, NIGA Chairman Emeritus Rick Hill and NIGA Chairman Ernie Stevens pose in a photo at the NIGA Tribal Leader Lounge at G2E in Las Vegas, NV.
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Battle Creek, MI 49014 When:
Friday, Sept. 20, 2013 at 10:00 a.m.
Details:
Rios and Stuck will be recognized for their awards with photo and interview opportunities.
Indian Gaming Update
Team Members are highly encouraged to attend.
“Victor has reported on industry trends and issues and helped the world understand the complex nature of our business.” - AGA Executive Director Judy Patterson.
Leslie Lumley, Marketing Director at Yakama Nation Legends Casino and Jamie Stuck, NHBP Tribal Council ViceChairperson.
TRIBAL PRESENCE WELL REPRESENTED AT G2E Dorie Rios NHBP Tribal Council Secretary 2013.
Jamie Stuck
NHBP Tribal Council Vice-Chairperson
TWO SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS, A LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD AND OVER 8 SESSIONS DEDICATED TO INDIAN GAMING.
The American Gaming Association honored Victor Rocha, owner and editor of Pechanga.Net, with the 2013 Lifetime Achievement Award for Gaming Communications. Pechanga.Net is the leading source of Indian and gaming news on the Internet, combining original reporting with links to hundreds of articles each day on Indian and gaming topics. Rocha is frequently quoted in the press on gaming issue, is a popular choice as a conference panelist and moderator and is a leading voice on gaming issues on Twitter and Facebook. In 2013, he hosted the first annual Indian Country Online (ICON) conference on all aspects of Internet gaming and social media. Rocha has earned many awards, including VCAT’s 2001 Catalyst Award, Global Gaming Business Magazine’s 40 Under 40 (2001), the National Indian Gaming Association’s 2002 Outstanding Contribution to Indian Country, and Raving’s 2012 Casino Marketing Lifetime Achievement Award. “Victor is one the go-to guys when it comes to information on the gaming industry, and the depth of his knowledge on Indian gaming issues is unmatched,” Judy Patterson, senior vice president and executive director of the AGA. “Through Pechanga.Net, which is the first stop for many industry heavyweights each morning, he has reported on industry trends and issues and helped the world understand the complex nature of our business.”
John N. Roberts of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians received the Regulator of the Year Award by IMGL and Victor Rocha, owner and editor of Pechanga.Net, was honored with the 2013 Lifetime Achievement Award for Gaming Communications by AGA.
The International Masters of Gaming Law (IMGL) also announced the recipients of their 2013 Gaming Regulator of the Year awards. Gaming Regulator of the Year in Indian Country was given to John N. Roberts of the San Manuel Gaming Commission. The awards presentation took place at the Global Gaming Expo (G2E) in Las Vegas on September 24 at the Country Club Restaurant, Wynn Las Vegas. Global Gaming Expo also awarded seven scholarships to emerging leaders in the gaming industry. The scholarships were given to professionals under the age of 40 to cover the cost of a G2E 2013 Conference pass and a two-night hotel stay. Leslie Lumley, Marketing Director at Yakama Nation Legends Casino and Jamie Stuck, NHBP Tribal Council Vice-Chairperson were two leaders from Indian country who received this scholarship. Finally, 8 standout panels dedicated to the Indian gaming industry spanned over two of the three days of G2E.
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G2E HOSTS TRIBAL GAMING PANEL INTERNET GAMING CONTINUES TO LANGUISH IN CONGRESS
Global Gaming Expo (G2E) 2013 featured an exciting series of keynote events that provided attendees with educational experiences and exclusive access to the industry’s leading experts. G2E’s keynote events featured a tribal gaming panel discussion, which addressed the top issues impacting the gaming industry today. The keynote series concluded on the final day of G2E 2013 with a roundtable discussion featuring John Guzik, founding partner of the Franklin Partnership, as the moderator, and several knowledgeable government affairs professionals who discussed a host of tribal gaming issues.
John Gusik said of the panel; “While Washington is in gridlock, there are many important issues impacting Tribal Communities that need to be addressed. Issues such as Budget Sequestration and funding Tribal programs, Off Reservation gaming, Internet Café’s, and Internet Gaming were just a few of the issues that were discussed at the G2E Tribal Keynote Panel discussion.” Tribal gaming keynote panel members included Pete Kirkham of Red Maple Consulting, Jana McKeag of Lowry Strategies, John Harte of Mapetsi Policy Group and Eddie Ayoob of Barnes & Thornburg.
Tribal gaming keynote panel members from left, moderator John Guzik, Pete Kirkham of Red Maple Consulting, Jana McKeag of Lowry Strategies, John Harte of Mapetsi Policy Group and Eddie Ayoob of Barnes & Thornburg present their discussion during G2E at the Sands Expo and Convention Center on Thursday, Sept. 26, 2013.
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