Indian Gaming Update - January 2013

January 2013 | Volume 4, Issue 1

YEAR IN REVIEW

Richard Milanovich Jess Green

2012

Stanley Crooks

A YEAR MANY LEADERS LEFT US by Chairman Ernest L. Stevens Jr.

O

ptimism and hope have a funny way of presenting themselves. As 2013 moves steadily on, I am reminded of continued promises and new resolutions. Some of those are personal goals, but most of them are to our tribal leadership and tribal members. These people are the heroes I get to spend time with, and it is a humbling experience.

These men and women are the warriors of their community and they all have a strong sense of optimism and hope. Although many of these leaders passed away in the last year, it lets me know that their promises and resolutions will live on.

Chairman Stanley Crooks was an outstanding leader, chief, and visionary. In his life and leadership, he exemplified the Dakota virtues of courage, respect, generosity and wisdom. Over the past twenty plus years, Chairman Crooks showed the courage to always stand up for Indian sovereignty in the Halls of Congress, the State Capitol, and at home. Stanley always stood strong for the integrity of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, which he viewed as a modern day treaty. When I last saw Chairman Crooks, I assured him that we will stand united with our tribes and that his vision will continue with our leaders. He taught us well and I thank him for his knowledge and generosity. Today, you can feel the immeasurable impact he made on his people and to Indian country.

The last time I was with Chairman Crooks, just before his passing, I assured him that we would continue to work hard in Washington, D.C. It was his time to rest, we will honor his legacy by keeping his vision alive.

In Chairman Richard Milanovich, we have lost a truly brilliant mind and a tireless warrior for all of Indian Country. No one symbolized the ascendance of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians better than my friend and mentor Chairman Richard Milanovich. He was a man with a kind heart, who loved his people and led them from poverty to great success. His heartwarming leadership kindled a fire in all our hearts to serve Indian Country and protect Tribal Sovereignty.

Chairman Gene Boshey respected his tribe, the Bois Forte Band of Chippewa Indians. His leadership and the generosity are legendary. He never waivered his determination to support Indian country. The compacts that Boshey signed with the State of Minnesota in 1989 and 1991 for slot machines and blackjack have since become models for other tribes. The Bois Forte Band’s Fortune Bay Resort Casino is one of the largest employers in northeastern Minnesota and a major tourism attraction for the region.

Jess Green was a brother, friend, colleague, and advocate for Indian Country and has shown tireless dedication on behalf of Indian sovereignty, and a selfless commitment to Indian economic development in his work as an attorney representing Indian Country in the private practice of law second to none.

Mr. Green has honorably represented the Chickasaw Nation through years of practicing law on behalf of Native American tribes nationwide. As an attorney, he has used his expertise to pave the way for several landmark decisions vital to Native American sovereignty. His work helped establish the first tribal ju-

David Lester

Gene Boshey

Wayne L. Ducheneaux

“Although we lost a few key tribal leaders this year, we Daniel K. Inouye move forward with the resolve that these great leaders paved the path for us to follow.” Chairman Ernest L. Stevens Jr.

venile court in Oklahoma as well as open the door for tribal gaming in the state. His legal experience includes eight years as a state court judge, tribal court prosecutor, tribal court trial judge and Chickasaw Nation Supreme Court Chief Justice. Jess was one of my best friends and one of the most important influences in my entire career. Indian Country will miss Jess, I miss Jess.

David Lester served as the executive director of the Council of Energy Resource Tribes, based in Denver, Colorado, since 1982. Under the direction of the elected leadership of the 54 federally recognized US tribes and four First Nation Treaty Tribes of Canada, CERT has dramatically restructured the federal-Indian relationship with respect to minerals, mining, taxation, and tribal jurisdiction over environmental regulation on Indian lands. He was also a co-founder of the National Center for American Indian Economic Development along with other leaders and was a former board member.

Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Chairman Wayne Leo Ducheneaux had a great vision for Indian country, and was a champion in the ensuring adequate housing for Native people. He was a former President of the National Congress of American Indians and helped reenergize their presence in Washington that continues today.

And most recently, we lost a brother of our own.

Hawaiian Senator Daniel K. Inouye worked on our behalf and set out to right the wrongs that this country had done to our people. This was not a role that

he was obligated to, but found on his own volition.

He was World War II veteran, Medal of Honor recipient and Hawaii’s senior Senator was always among the first to speak out against injustice whether interned Japanese Americans, Filipino World War II veterans, Native Americans and Native Hawaiians.

Dan Inouye was one of the giants of our time, serving in the Senate for 50 years and in the House before that. Senator Inouye’s tenure in Congress reaches back to Hawaii’s statehood and the election of President John F. Kennedy. His tenure reaches forward to the election of President Barack Obama, whom he served as a mentor and counselor. Senator Inouye never missed a beat and was a Champion for Indian Country to the end.

Senator Inouye had a special place in his heart for Native peoples, and we embrace the legacy that he left to tribal governments. His work is embedded in the growing presence Indian country asserts in Washington, D.C. today. He is our foundation. We honor and thank Senator Inouye for all of his work, his friendship, and support. On behalf of Indian country, we wish him well on the journey to the Spirit World.

These leaders have provided us with the hope and optimism to carry on our mission to make sure that we improve the lives of our families, our relatives and our tribal communities. Everyday, I am thankful and because of these warriors, we can continue to dream big for our people.

+ TESTIMONY + CHAIRMAN STEVENS VERBAL TESTIMONY TO THE SENATE COMMITTEE ON INDIAN AFFAIRS Good afternoon Chairman Akaka, Vice Chairman Barrasso, and Members of the Committee. Thank you for this opportunity to provide the views of the National Indian Gaming Association on the important issue of Internet gaming. I have to say it’s an honor to again be seated on a panel with Senator D’Amato. We testified on the House side last month on this topic.

I appreciate his attempts to understand Indian country, and I hope he will continue to learn about why tribal governments cannot compromise Indian sovereignty.

As this Committee knows, more than 200 Indian tribes use gaming as a means to generate essential tribal governmental revenue. Under IGRA, that revenue is used to address the severe unmet needs of tribal communities. Because Indian gaming revenues are used for government purposes, tribal government revenues are not subject to taxation. For more than two decades under IGRA, tribes have consistently proven their ability to operate and independently regulate Indian gaming.

The success of Indian gaming has been felt across America, creating more than 600 thousand American jobs for Indians and non-Indians alike.

Knowing how many people depend on Indian gaming, legalization of Internet gaming raises significant concerns. In 2010, tribal leaders conducted more than a dozen meetings to discuss bills to legalize Internet gaming. This year at our Board meeting in conjunction with our annual trade show, NIGA established the Internet Gaming Subcommittee, and

has since met several times.

The Subcommittee is made up entirely of tribal leaders from throughout the country and their respective support teams.

As a result, tribal leaders nationwide unified behind a set of core principles that I’d like to now share with you.

(1) First, legislation should acknowledge that all tribes are eligible to both operate AND regulate Internet gaming. Under IGRA, tribes have proven our ability to both regulate and operate gaming facilities. That expertise should be recognized in the new legislation.

In addition, the National Indian Gaming Commission is the only federal agency with experience in regulating any form of gaming in the U.S. They’re the only logical entity to regulate tribal Internet gaming.

(2) Second, legislation should allow customers to access tribal Internet sites as long as it’s legal where the customer is located. Again we have experience here. Tribes have conducted gaming beyond local tribal borders for years by linking machines to broaden participation. Internet gaming is the next logical step.

(3) Third, as I stated above, Indian gaming revenues are dedicated to meeting tribal community needs.

That’s essentially a 100 percent tribal tax. Legislation should acknowledge that tribal Internet revenues must not be taxed.

(4) Fourth, legislation must fully protect tribal rights under IGRA and existing tribal-state gaming compacts.

Tribal-state gaming compacts have been carefully negotiated. Tribes have invested significant resources

based on these agreements, and they must be honored.

(5) Finally, our principles ask that Congress NOT amend IGRA as it establishes a new law on Internet gaming. Many federal laws recognize Indian tribes as governments outside of Title 25, and tribes ask to follow that precedent These are the core principles that tribal leaders nationwide have united behind.

Unfortunately, current Internet gaming proposals – including the bill offered by Congressman Barton – violate these principles, and we oppose their passage.

My written testimony details our concerns, but I’ll summarize our major objections: ONE, the bills fail to treat tribes as government operators, TWO, the bills would tax tribal government revenue, AND THREE, the bills would violate IGRA and existing tribal-state compacts.

In closing, Indian gaming has proven to be the most effective tool to help many tribes address more than a century of failed federal policies.

More than 600 thousand American families, and more than 200 tribal communities rely on the current system.

If Congress is going to change the system, Tribes ask that the new law follow these principles: that it provide fair access to tribes, that it continue to treat Tribes as governments, and that it respect the essential government purposes for which tribal revenues are used.

We truly appreciate the Committee’s oversight, and look forward to working with you and your Senate colleagues on this important issue.

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+ SUMMIT 2012 + Washington, DC (February 9, 2012) – The National Indian Gaming Association (NIGA) hosted their bi-annual legislative summit, hosted in Washington, DC, February 7-8, 2012.

Over 250 Tribal leaders and industry professionals registered for the event. They gathered in the Hart Senate Office Building to discuss current federal legislation, internet gaming, the Department of Justice Memorandum on the Wire Act, the state of the Carcieri Bill, tribal labor issues, IRS taxation, and NIGC regulatory issues.

On Tuesday, Senators Patty Murray from Washington State, Mark Begich from Alaska, and Daniel Akaka from Hawaii, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, provided a firsthand update on the Native issues before Congress. Congresswoman Betty

McCollum from Minnesota, Congressman Ron Kind from Wisconsin and Senator John Hoeven of North Dakota, also provided updates.

NIGA member tribes also came together at the NIGA evening reception at the Congressional Rayburn Office Building where Senator Daniel Inouye, from Hawaii addressed them.

Chairman Ernie Stevens, along with Executive Director Jason Giles, several Executive Board members, member tribes and the staff represented NIGA. “Because we continue to come together in dialogue like this, with the strong dedication of our tribal leadership and Indian gaming professionals, we have consistently fought to defend and strengthen tribal sovereignty for more than two decades.” the Chairman stated. “I am proud to way s that our leadership on the frontlines is strong and no matter what the issue is, the bottom line always is protecting tribal sovereignty. We stand together with our NIGA staff firmly planted in the ground.”

The morning session on Wednesday will facilitate facilitated Tribal gaming policy and attendees will hear new updates from Congressional speakers, the National Indian Gaming Commission and other Tribal Leaders.

The winter summit continued on Wednesday at the United States Dirksen Senate Office Building at the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs hearing room.

Tribal leaders gathered to hear updates from additional Congressional speakers such as Congressman Denham of California, Congressman Kildee of Michigan, Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack of California and Congressman Tom Cole, of Oklahoma.

NIGA ended the winter summit with a Tribal Leaders reception hosted by NIGA and the National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI).

For more photos of the event, please click here; http:// on.fb.me/Az04zB

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PHOTOS FROM 2012 INDIAN GAMING SAN DIEGO

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GPIGA HOST CONFERENCE AND TRADESHOW AT MYSTIC LAKE ON MONDAY, THE GREAT PLAINS, MIDWEST, AND ROCKY MOUNTAIN INDIAN GAMING GROUP OPENED THEIR THREE DAY EVENT WITH AN AWARDS BANQUET The Great Plains Indian Gaming Association their 20th (GPIGA) iscompleted currently hosting theirAnnual 20th Annual Conference and Tradeshow at the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community’s Mystic Lake Hotel and Casino this May 21st-23rd.

GPIGA is a association composed of 24 federally recognized Tribal Nations in the Great Plains Region. Headed by the energetic Kurt Luger of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, the three day event kicked off with an Awards Banquet with an opening prayer by Gerald St Goodard and an honor song by Midnight Express.

GPIGA awarded Loris Welch who is the General Manager at Dakota Connection as their 2012 Employee of the Year, while the Oglala Sioux Tribal Gaming Commission was awarded Gaming Commissioners of the Year.

In the beautiful bingo hall of the casino, Mark Van Norman, NIGA Chairman Ernie Stevens Jr., Jerry Danforth of Rocket Gaming, and the Minnesota Indian Gaming Association were also recognized for their long life careers in moving Indian communities forward.

Bo Vocu was also honored at the Awards Banquet. Bo Vocu is an Oglala Lakota from Kyle, SD. He is a multiple INFR qualifier in the bull riding and saddle bronc as well as a member of the PRCA and PBR. He has a degree in Business Administration and Computer Information Systems. Along with being a rancher and rodeo cowboy, he is the Vice President of ChiroCode Institute; a healthcare resource company in Phoenix, AZ. He shared that the INFR has provided much for the youth through rodeo by the means of scholarships and rodeo schools.

This kickoff event was brought together by a good meal and great people who have been constant warriors for their communities.

Great Plains Indian Gaming Director Association Energetic GPIGA Executive Kurt Executive Director Kurt Luger greets the Luger greets the attendees at their Welcome attendees at their Welcome Reception.

Reception.

Professional Bullrider Bo Finals Vocu shared Bo Vocu, Indian National Rodeo his remarks. Chairman Stevens gifted himthe theimportant Commissioner shared remarks about Tommy Singer bolo tie he was wearing and role Indian Rodeo plays through out Indian pledges his supportStevens to Bo and thehim INFR for tie.

Country.

Chairman gifted a bolo their efforts to the youth.

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(L to R) Anthony Lee Ervin, Chairman Stevens, Maj. Gen. Darren W. McDew, Cuba Gooding, Jr. Ne-Yo, Misty Copeland, CC Sabathia, Powers Booth, Amber Sabatha, and CC Sabatha’s wife. Ruben Studdard (center right) provided entertainment.

BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB OF AMERICA ALUMNI SELECTED FOR 2012 HALL OF FAME ERNIE STEVENS JR., MISTY COPELAND, AND CUBA GOODING JR. ARE JUST A FEW NATIONAL LEADERS TO BE HONORED AT THIS YEAR’S BGCA ANNUAL AWARDS DINNER. San Diego, CA (May 2, 2012) – The Boys and Girls Club of America (BGCA) has been responsible for molding some of the greatest minds in America into the leaders of today. “Great Futures Start Here” is the nonprofit organization’s motto, as they continue to reach out for the best interests of American youth across the country. were On May 2, NIGA’s Chairman Ernie Stevens Jr. will be inducted into the BGCA Alumni Hall of Fame during the organization’s national convention in San Diego. The hall of fame features pro athletes, accomplished business leaders, Olympians and even award-winning actors.

The diverse selection of actors, musicians, military veterans and leaders illustrate the tremendous job BGCA has done serving over 4.1 million youth over the past century.

Today, there are over 4,000 clubs across the country, providing youth with opportunities in education, fitness, social recreation, teen issues, and bullying prevention. These youth development programs have given teens and youth supervision for activities afterschool and on weekends.

The Oneida Boys Club taught Ernest Stevens Jr. how to be a kid and got him back into school. His much-needed role models gave him the chance to compete in sports and helped him develop self-discipline. Today, Chairman Stevens is highly regarded for his strong stance on sovereignty and Indian self-determination.

Since partnering with American Indian tribes, the BGCA have provided outreach to over 90,000 American Indian youths. They now have 196 clubs in Indian country and 9 more on the way.

For more information on the BGCA in Indian country, please visit, www.naclubs.org

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Full list of Inductees: • Cuba Gooding Jr., Academy Awardwinning actor • Ne-Yo, Grammywinning singer/ songwriter • CC Sabathia, New York Yankees star pitcher, 5 time MLB All-Star, 2007 Cy Young • David LindsayAbaire, Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright (“Rabbit Hole”) • Powers Boothe, Emmy-winning actor (Fox series “24”) • Misty Copeland, soloist, American Ballet Company • Anthony Lee Ervin, winner of seven NCAA swimming titles and a 2012 Olympic contender • Ernest Stevens Jr., Chairman of the National Indian Gaming Association, leader/advocate • Major General Darren W. McDew, Commander at Andrews Air Force Base

on the Issue of Internet gAmIng ONLINe GAMING IS ON THe HORIzON.

The National Indian Gaming Association just wrapped up hosting our 2012 summer Legislative Summit in Washington, DC. Over 260 tribal leaders attended the two-day event. It was hosted in the Rasmussen Theater in the National Museum of the American Indian and in the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs hearing room in the Dirksen Senate Building.

During the Summit, NIGA’s Member Tribes met face-to-face with Members of Congress and their policy advisors who are involved in the federal Internet gaming debate. Tribal leaders gave the Congress a real time update from Indian Country about their views on federal Internet gaming legislation as well as the many other current issues of interest to tribal communities. And this year, we have many.

However, NIGA’s Membership focused most of its attention on the debate surrounding federal legislative proposals to legalize Internet gaming in the United States.

As you might now, this debate took a sharp turn in December of 2011 when the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) made public its reinterpreted legal opinion on the Wire Act, concluding that “interstate transmissions of wire communications that do not relate to a ‘sporting event of contest’ fall outside the reach of the Wire Act.” DOJ found that the Wire Act does not bar the intrastate Internet lotteries proposed by the states of Illinois and New York,

which asked for the opinion.

The DOJ opinion opens possible Internet gaming expansion for both tribal and state governments.

Because many difficult legal questions remain, no jurisdiction has yet moved beyond selling lottery tickets over the Internet. However, both Nevada and Delaware have moved forward with authorizing legislation that enables those states to offer games other than lottery tickets over the Internet.

This debate holds great importance to the 247 tribal governments that have used revenues generated from Indian gaming to rebuild our communities.

Indian tribes in twenty-six states (26) from across a wide section of Indian country use gaming revenues to rebuild community infrastructure, educate Native children, improve health care for our elders, enhance public safety, and much more.

In 2010 alone, Indian gaming was responsible for $86 billion in total economic output, which includes 706,000 American jobs, and $29.2 billion in wages.

The jobs data includes 306,000 direct jobs ($12.6 billion in wages), 140,000 indirect jobs (6.3 billion in wages), and 260,000 induced jobs ($10.2 billion in wages).

Indian gaming revenues have also saved thousands of American jobs outside of Indian country. A June 2011 National Public Radio report, titled “Casino Revenue Helps Tribes Aid Local Governments,” acknowledged that revenue from the Stillaguamish

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oglala sioux tribe President John Yellowbird steele stands with other tribal leaders for the opening prayer of the nIgA legislative summit. the first day of the summit was held in the national museum of the American Indian’s rasmuson theater.

Tribe of Washington helped prevent additional layoffs at the local everett, Washington prosecutor’s office.

The article also noted to the $1.3 million that the Tulalip Tribes recently gave to the local school district after they heard about possible budget cuts and teacher layoffs. These same scenarios are taking place in more than a hundred local jurisdictions throughout the United States, saving thousands of jobs for American health care workers, fire fighters, police officers, and many other local officials that provide essential services to children, elders, and others.

As governments, acknowledged in the U.S. Constitution, Indian tribes are not directly taxed. However, according to the 2010 economic Impact Report, Indian gaming generates $9.5 billion annually in federal, state, and local tax revenue, and an additional $1.5 billion in direct payments to federal, state, and local governments in the form of payments to defray regulatory costs, revenue sharing, and other cooperative agreements.

So as you can see, there is much at stake to not only Indian Country, but the Nation as a whole in the federal debate to legalize Internet gaming.

In the face of the DOJ Wire Act opinion, NIGA’s Member Tribes and our legislative partner, the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI), remain committed to protecting tribal sovereignty in any Internet gaming legislation that moves forward.

Our consensus position requires that Internet legislation must: protect tribal sovereignty, preserve the

integrity of IGRA and existing gaming compacts, provide tribes with equal access to the new industry, and treat tribes as governments – exempting potential tribal Internet gaming revenue from taxation. Tribal gaming revenues are 100% taxed, as all funds are required by federal law to fund health, education, public safety, and general care programs.

Current bills introduced in the House of Representatives do not meet the principles endorsed by tribal governments. These bills have received several hearings in the Fall of 2011, but have stalled to date in 2012.

NIGA and our Member Tribes have consistently visited with a broad group of Members of Congress, and it remains Tribal Leaders hope that any directive to Internet legislation adheres to the principles stated above.

In less than 25 years under IGRA, tribal governments have made great strides in making the policy of self-determination work to heal the harms inflicted by more than a century of failed federal policies to assimilate and decimate tribal life. However, as everyone in Indian Country knows, we have much work to do. Now is not the time to undercut this success.

NIGA and our Member Tribes will use this important week of our Legislative Summit to continue to educate all Members of Congress and remain vigilant throughout the year until the final bell tolls on the 112th Congress. Members of Congress are asking for more tribal guidance on Internet gaming and during this year’s summit, we will have something to tell them.

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the legIslAtIVe summIt wrAP uP NIGA HOSTS OVeR 260 ATTeNDeeS The first day of the Summit was held in the National Museum of the American Indian. The power and symbolism of this building located on the steps of the Capitol was an appropriate setting for Tribal leaders to discuss the variety of issues facing our communities, including: the discriminatory audits of Tribal governments by the Internet Revenue Service (IRS), threats to the restoration of Tribal homelands by recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions, and the push from Indian country to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) to restore tribal authority to investigate and prosecute non-Indian crimes of domestic and dating violence. The primary focus of NIGA’s Member Tribes is on the federal efforts to legalize Internet gaming in the United States.

Ayesha Khanna, Counsel and Policy Advisor for Senator Reid, addressed the audience in the NMAI’s Rasmuson Theater to discuss the Senate’s efforts to develop a federal Internet gaming bill. She informed attendees that Senator Reid is working with Senator Kyl (R-Az) to pass Internet poker legislation. Ms. Khanna stated that in the drafting process that tribal revenues will not be taxed. Tribal leaders voiced their concerns about the regulatory framework and whether that would be conducted by the states, or federal oversight. Ms. Khanna stated that Senator Reid will not release a draft of the bill until they have additional bipartisan support for the proposal.

Tribal leaders heard from the National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) Chairwoman Tracie Stevens. Tribal leaders are concerned that the NIGC’s proposed Class II regulations are still not sufficient to protect the viability of older class II machines that remain an important offering in many tribal casinos. Chairwoman Stevens stated that the NIGC, at NIGA Tribal members’ request, would extend the deadline for these regulations and continue to take

Tribal Leader input. The new deadline for the class II regulations is August 15, 2012.

Tribal leaders also heard from a wide bipartisan list of congressional speakers and were addressed Tribal leaders. Additionally, Chairman Akaka and Senators Tester and Franken shared their views on Tribal sovereignty and Indian gaming and Internet gaming. by Loretta Tuell, Chief Council of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, who stated their top priority is a legislative fix to the Carcieri v. Salazar case. Loretta also presented a discussion draft of an Internet gaming bill, called the “the Tribal Online Gaming Act,” at the Summit.

On Thursday, the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs held a hearing on Internet Gaming: “From Brick and Mortar to the Internet.” The witness list included Chairwoman Tracie Stevens of the National Indian Gaming Commission, Chairman ”Two Dogs” Bozsum of the Mohegan Tribe, Secretary Glen Gobin of the Tulalip Tribes of Washington, Chairman Jamie Hummingbird, of the National Tribal Gaming Commissioners/Regulators, and elizabeth Homer an attorney and former NIGC Commissioner.

The witnesses shared consensus that the debate on Internet gaming is of special importance to Tribal governments since Tribal use gaming revenue for essential services to their communities. elizabeth Homer testified that the provisions in IGRA allow for technological aids in gaming and that Internet gaming is a natural outgrowth of new gaming technology.

NIGA’s Mid-Year Conference will present another opportunity for Tribal leaders to meet and discuss our most important legislative issues. The MidYear Conference will be held on September 18th19th at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida.

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PHOTOS FROM 2012 MID YEAR CONFERENCE

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15 | YEAR IN REVIEW - JANUARY 2013

member of kIss with top leadership from the world gaming industry and Chairman stevens were invited to cut the ribbon on the g2E stage floor.

IndIan GamInG LEavEs ITs maRk On ThE G2E COnfEREnCE In Las vEGas OVER 24,000 ATTENd VEGAS TRAdESHOw - INDIAN GAMING PRESENCE IS HEARD

The American Gaming Association held their Global Gaming Exposition in Las Vegas October 1st through 4th. Indian Gaming was well represented in the audience and on the stage with Chairman Ernie Stevens Jr., participating in the opening ribbon cutting ceremony.

AGA President President Frank Frank Fahrenkopf Fahrenkopf To open the show, AGA brought Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley KISS to brought Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley ofof Kiss to cut cut the ribbon. The stage was also represented by many the ribbon. Joining them on the stage was Patti Hart, of the CEO’s from major gaming companies including CEO of International Gaming Technologies, a longtimea Patti Hart, CEO of International Gaming Technology, supporter of NIGA and Indian Gaming. longtime supporter of NIGA and Indian Gaming.

Remarking on the involvement of Indian Country in one of the largest gaming shows in the world, Chairman Stevens stated: “I am delighted to see Indian Country come out in full-force to one of the largest gaming shows in the world. Our industry is well represented

this week and our tribal gaming facilities continue to make their mark on the gaming industry worldwide.

“Our large presence reminds the US Commercial market that there is another aspect to gaming that can be captured outside the dollars and cents of the mainstream gaming companies.

“Indian Country’s purpose here is to take our message of reservation economic development and Tribal sovereignty to the gaming profession at large.

The Indian Gaming success stories will be recounted many times over this week and can only add to this event.”

Reed Exhibitions is the official planner for the Global Gaming Expo (G2E). Held since 2001, the show is attended annually by over 30,000 industry professionals from around the world.

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PhOTOs fROm ThE 2012 gLOBaL gamIng ExPO

former nfL tight end Byron Chamberlain, who played for the denver Broncos, minnesota Vikings.

american gaming association President and CEO frank fahrenkopf with Chairman stevens.

Chairman stevens squares off with Evander holyfield during g2E.

george Rivera, governor of the Pueblo of Pojoaque.

Valerie Redhorse gives a presentation at g2E.

Chairman stevens with Ron harris, CEO of Rocket gaming systems, nIga Executive director Jason giles, and Vice President of native american Relations gerald L. danforth.

seminole President sanchez, James maida, dr. spilde and nIga Executive director giles.

sdsu seniors in the tribal gaming major; mark fojas, Janine dublada and Jherie Erdelyi.

ChECk OuT mORE PhOTOs On OuR faCEBOOk PagE!

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nIGa hOnORs TRIBaL LEadERs and IndIan GamInG advOCaTEs aT ThE GLOBaL GamInG ExpO HIGHLIGHTEd AwARd IS FOR SyCUAN INSTITUTE

sycuan Institute at the san diego state university receive their award at the nIga Reception.

At the 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 trade show floor.

Chairman of the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation danny Tucker gave the opening remarks.

Industry leaders packed the lounge as the Chairman recognized many who are making impressive contributions in 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.

“Take dr. Spilde for instance. In a partnership with the Sycuan Institute at the San diego State University, they will release a national impact study on tribal government gaming to evaluate the second decade of social and economic change on and near Indian reservations,” Chairman Stevens remarked. “Gaming

has had a tremendous impact on our communities and it is great to know that the Sycuan Institute is ushering in a new generation of young leaders through this project.”

Awardees were presented with statues during the Chairman’s Reception on Tuesday, October 2, 2012 in the Sands Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Chairman of the Sycuan of theSycuan Kumeyaay Of those recognized were Band Chairman BandNaof tion Kumeyaay Danny Tucker was danny recognized for San his tribe’s in the Nation Tucker, diegorole State the overall education Impact Study facilitated by University Professor of dr.the Kate Spilde, Seminole Tribe theFlorida SycuanPresident Institute. Tony Sanchez Jr., Pauma Band of of OthersIndians that were recognized were SDSU Professor Luiseno Councilwoman Bennae Calac, Saginaw Dr. Kate Spilde, Seminole of Florida President Chippewa Indian Tribe Tribe Council Member Michelle Tony Sanchez Pauma Advisors Band of Luiseno Indians Stanley, Tribal Jr., Financial Chairman Rick Hill, Councilwoman Bennae Calac, Saginaw Paulette Chippewa Idaho State Representative Candidate Jordan, Indian Tribe Council Member Stanlet, Tribal Shakopee Mdewakanton SiouxMichelle Community Chairman Financial Advisors Chairman Rick Hill, Paulette Jordan, Charles Vig and George Rivera, Governor of the Pueblo Shakopee Chairman Charles Vig and George Rivera, of Pojoaque.

Governor of the Pueblo of Pojoaque.

For more information about the Sycuan Institute on Tribal Government Gaming or the tribal gaming major, please see www.sdsu.edu/htm

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ChaIRman sTEvEns sITs dOwn wITh EvandER hOLyfIELd TO dIsCuss yOuTh InITIaTIvEs FORMER BOXERS SHARE STORIES ANd MUTUAL COMMITMENT TO THEIR COMMUNITIES.

world heavyweight Champion shares a laugh with Chairman stevens.

At the Global Gaming Expo, National Indian Gaming Association Chairman Ernie Stevens Jr. had the opportunity to sit down with world Heavyweight Champion, Evander Holyfield and share their boxing histories and their mutual dedication to improving the lives of their communities’ youth. They also had the opportunitiy to enjoy some spitfire pork boosted with the Arkansas taste of Holyfield’s “Real deal” BBQ Sauce.

They discussed and shared their valuable experience as young aspiring fighters in the Boys and Girls Club in their respective communities and now both being members of the Boys and Girls Club of America Hall of Fame.

“It was a great opportunity to sit down with Evander Holyfield and witness his passion to make sure young people become healthy, successful and productive adults. The heart of this five-time heavy-

weight-boxing champion is obvious,” Chairman Stevens remarked. “I think we both understand that when the gloves come off, the ability to build winners in our community’s youth has more of a positive impact than what we have accomplished in the ring.”

The NIGA Association has lead hasthe led Spirit the Spirit of Sovereignty of Sovereignty Foundation by providing academic collegiate scholarships to American Indian students since 2000, through a partnership with the American Indian College Fund and has a personal partnership with the Boys and Girls Club in Indian Country.

The Holyfield Foundation’s goal is to positively impact communities while empowering our youth with effective tools that will enable them to realize success academically, physically and spiritually.

Both the Spirt of Sovereignty and the Holyfield Foundation are committed to strengthening their community’s youth.

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Brian Patterson, President of USET addresses the Tribal Leaders in Las Vegas, NV.

TRIBAL LEADERS DISCUSS STRATEGY FOR THE NEXT CONGRESS, SENATE AND PRESIDENT OVER 24,000 ATTEND VEGAS TRADESHOW Las Vegas, NV (November 9, 2012) - The National Indian Gaming Association invited Tribal Leaders to South Point Casino in Las Vegas to discuss the results of the November 6 Election.

Top items of discussion were Internet gaming and IRS tribal taxation issues. The results will also effect how the “lame duck” Congress addresses Indian country’s priorities of Internet gaming, Carcieri fix legislation and taxation of benefits.

“We are staying ahead of our message and building a conversation with our tribal leaders,” NIGA Chairman Ernie Stevens Jr. said. “We are analyzing who is coming into the 113th Congress and looking at ways on how

we can continue to work with President Obama and moving Indian Country forward.”

100 tribal leaders and gaming Indian profesgaming Over 100 tribal leaders and Indian professionals attended the two-day meeting which sionals attended the two-day meeting. The “lame duck” concludes on the 9th. The “lame duck” governing session began November 13th, and this meeting was session begins November 13th to resolve some vitally vital for theissues. planning of our legislative strategy during important theThe lame duck strategyperiod. meeting was hosted in conjunction with the 37th Annual Indian National Finals Rodeo hosted in the South Point Arena and Equestrian Center. The INFR currently has 11 Regions within the United States and Canada.

2 | INDIAN 20 | INDIANGAMING GAMINGUPDATE UPDATE- DECEMBER 2012 - JANUARY 2013

(L-R) Tonantzin Carmelo, Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Award Nominated Actor, Sam McCracken, General Manager & Nike N7 Programs and CEO of the N7 Fund, Mary Kim Titla, Educator/Journalist, Ernie Stevens, Jr., Chairman, National Indian Gaming Association, Lynn Valbuena, Chairwoman, Tribal Alliance of Sovereign Indian Nations (TASIN), Steve Valbuena, Lynn’s Husband, Marjorie Tahbone, Miss Indian World 2011-12 and Andrew J. LeeTrustee, the National Museum of the American Indian and Executive at Aetna Inc.

SENATE COMMITTEE HEARS TESTIMONY ON NATIVE IDENTITY On Thursday, November 29 2012, the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs held a hearing on “Reclaiming Our Image and Identity for the Next Seven Generations.”

Witnesses included; Lynn Valbuena, former NIGA Secretary and Chairwoman of the Tribal Alliance of Sovereign Indian Nations (TASIN) from Patton, California.

In her testimony, Chairwoman Valbuena said, “Tribal people should not be in the position of constantly having to undo misperceptions caused in part by flawed policies… We look for Congress’s collaboration in to the future so that tour image and identity is strong and vibrant for the next seven generations.”

Other witnesses included; Andrew J. Lee, a Trustee of the National Museum of the American Indian; Mary Kim Titla, an educator and journalist; Sam McCracken, General Manager of Nike N7 Programs; Tonantzin

Carmelo, a SAG nominated actress; and Marjorie Tahbone, who served as Miss Indian World 2011-12.

National Indian Gaming Association Chairman Ernie Stevens Jr. also attended the hearing to support the witnesses. This hearing on November 29, 2012 was also the last that Hawai’i Senator Daniel Akaka will preside over as he is retiring at the end of his term in the Senate.

“Every single witness here today provides a unique perspective on our Native identity. Throughout American history, the authors of our stories have not been told from our perspective, and a Congressional hearing like this gives us the opportunity to do what is right and that is to put our stories back in our hands so that it is told truthfully and with conviction, “ Chairman Stevens said.

“Our organization also came here on this day to thank Senator Akaka for leading the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs in a way that provided a venue that respects Nation-to-Nation cooperation and acknowledges our sovereign rights as Native people of this land. He has truly become a dear friend of mine and we will truly miss his presence. Senator Akaka has long been a warrior for Indian country and will be remembered as one of the greatest heroes in American history.”

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Recipients and presenters of the Great Plains Christmas Drive are the Cheyenne River Youth and Oglala Nation.

SPIRIT OF SOVEREIGNTY FOUNDATION DONATES TO ANNUAL DRIVE The Spirit of Sovereignty (SOS), a entity of the National Indian Gaming Association, donated to the to the twelfth annual toy drive in Rapid City, South Dakota.

The donation, along with many others (see list above) will help to continue services to youth with educational activities, organized athletics, citizenship and leadership groups, cultural activities, life skills programs and toys during the holidays.

“We are happy to support our future leaders in our community,” Ernie Stevens Jr., Chairman of the NIGA, said in a statement during the check presentation.

The Spirit of Sovereignty Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization founded by its parent entity, the National Indian Gaming Association (NIGA), to reward the educational goals of exceptional Native-American students.

Started in 2000, the Foundation has awarded many scholarships to both undergraduate and graduate students. The organization is committed to generating scholarship funds, and welcomes contributions of both time and money. The Spirit of Sovereignty Foundation currently awards scholarships through the American Indian College Fund.

SPIRIT OF SOVEREIGNTY HOLIDAY TOY DRIVE DONORS: BARONA BAND OF MISSION INDIANS IGT SHAKOPEE MDEWAKANTON SIOUX COMMUNITY KENCO COMPANY SEMINOLE TRIBE OF FLORIDA SYUCAN BAND OF KUMEYAAY NATION CALIFORNIA CARD CLUBS COALITION WELLS FARGO KITCHELL HOLLAND & KNIGHT

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INDIVIDUALS DONATIONS: MICHELLE AGUILAR-WELLS BARRY BOYER REGINALD DEFOE JON & CAROLYN FORD MERRIE FRASER TRUDEE KLAUTKY LORI MEADERS SHELLEY NAFTEL RITA RACTLIFFE JOHN SCHWEERS PRISCILLA SELDON LOUIS SGORI LAURA SMITH MARIA VILAR-BLANCO SHELDON WOLFCHILD

Mille Lacs Band Chief Executive Melanie Benjamin (center).

MILL LACS BAND PURCHASES TWO HOTELS

TRIBAL OWNERSHIP OF ST PAUL HOTELS WILL TAKE NEARLY HALF DOWNTOWN AREA HOTEL OFFERINGS The Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe announced plans to purchase two hotels in downtown St. Paul, a deal that would give the bands ownership of nearly half of the capital city’s downtown hotel rooms.

Band leaders say the move is not about expanding the tribe’s gambling business, but rather the beginning of a national business plan aimed at diversifying.

The band plans to purchase its first hotel outside of the state.

The purchase and sale agreement for both should be finalized by Friday and the deal completed in the next two months.

Mille Lacs Band Chief Executive Melanie Benjamin told band members about the plan today during her annual State of the Band Address. Benjamin described the move as a return to self-reliance for the band, something she said centuries of broken treaties and stolen lands have taken.

“Today survival means competing in the American economy,” Benjamin said. “Our goal must be eco-

nomic self sufficiency.”

Larger view Melanie Benjamin To survive as a culture and a people, Benjamin said, it’s critical that the band diversify its business holdings beyond gambling.

“We don’t want to be tied to one industry as we were once tied to the federal government,” she said.

“We seek to be self reliant ... and able to chose our path to our future.”

The band said it plans to purchase its first hotel outside of the state by the end of the year.

Joe Nayquonabe, the Commissioner of Corporate Affairs for the Mille Lacs Band, said it aims to establish hospitality assets in every major market in the country.

“As we’ve put together this strategy and our investment criteria, we’ve kind of came to recognize that we have to think bigger and we have to think broader about where we go with our economic development activity,” Nayquonabe said.

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