March 2012 | Volume 3, Issue 10
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NCAIED hosts their annual Reservation Economic Summit in Las Vegas, NV
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NCAI host their Executive Council in Washington, DC.
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Chairman Stevens Remembers Chairman Milanovich.
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The Chairman attends the 17th Annual National Indian Women Supporting Each Other in Washington, DC.
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Countdown to the San Diego NIGA Tradeshow and Convention.
ON A DIFFERENT BEAT (Top Left)Lynn Valbuena, former NIGA Treasurer vice chairwoman for the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, receives an award from RES for her outstanding leadership in support of American Indian business and economic development endeavors in tribal communities. (Lower Left) Chairman Stevens stands with Gina Marie Scarpa of the NABI organization and associates.
Attendees included American Indian and Indigenous entrepreneurs, tribal economic and business development decision-makers, tribal leaders, government and corporate Executives and Buyers seeking Indian suppliers and contractors. RES is structured as three days of business information and training delivered through more than 24 60-minute sessions that is geared specifically for native entrepreneurs, tribal enterprises, and organizations wishing to do business with American Indian Businesses. In addition, a 2-day trade fair provides opportunities for American Indian suppliers to meet corporate and government buyers to market their organizations and companies, network, and negotiate potential contracts. NCAIED is Indian Country’s premier business development agency with over 40 years experience collaborating with tribal entities and Native American entrepreneurs. The National Center is committed to business development within Indian Country utilizing best practices and quality service to enhance management.
+ RES 2012 IN VEGAS + Las Vegas, NV (March 1, 2012) – On the edge of the strip in Las Vegas, the National Center for American Indian Economic Development hosted their biggest show. Over the course of five full days, Chairwoman Margo Protor navigated the Reservation Economic Summit with ease and comfort. RES for short, it is the premier American Indian economic and business development conference in the nation, next to the NIGA Tradeshow of course.
2 | INDIAN GAMING UPDATE - MARCH 2012
+ CHAIRMAN MILANOVICH +
Washington, D.C. - National Indian Gaming Association Chairman Ernie Stevens, Jr. issued the following statement after the passing of Richard Milanovich, Chairman of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians: “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. Richard was a man of the greatest integrity who will always be remembered as a leader with a strong work ethic and powerful presence, but who always remained humble and graceful to those around him. He was a dedicated and effective advocate of tribal sovereignty and self-sufficiency not only for the Agua Caliente people he served, but also for all of Indian Country. I know we have all been touched by the legacy Richard will leave behind and he will truly be missed. I am honored to have worked and learned from this great warrior, leader, and teacher. While Indian Country mourns the passing of Chairman Milanovich and celebrates his legacy, let us all remember to keep his wife Melissa and his six children close to our hearts. We will truly miss you Chairman and we will do our very best to carry on your work and your dreams.�
3 | INDIAN GAMING UPDATE - MARCH 2012
+ NCAI EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEETING 2012 + Washington, DC (March 8, 2012) – In the L’Enfant Hotel, located near the Capitol Building, the National Congress of American Indians hosted their Executive Council Meeting. The 2012 NCAI Executive Council Winter Session is a time for tribal leaders to gather together in our nation’s capital to discuss ways in which tribes can continue to contribute to the success and prosperity of “Our America.” Attendees engaged with members of Congress and senior Administration officials to focus on the key legislative issues affecting tribes that the 112th Congress will be debating and considering in this session. This year’s winter session focused on legislative issues facing members of the 112th U.S. Congress as well as the Obama Administration’s agenda in the upcoming year. NCAI says this meeting provides an opportunity for tribal leaders and advocates to visit congressional
offices to discuss current legislative priorities. The Chairman and Executive Director of NIGA were primarily interested in their Comprehensive Tribal Tax Parity workshop. In this workshop, they discuss that Congress will likely engage in a significant tax rewrite in 2013. To prepare, we would like to develop a comprehensive tribal tax parity bill that will address tribal tax issues such as tax exempt bond parity; general welfare benefits; pension plans; incentives for economic development, etc. This meeting brought to life the NCAI President Jefferson Keel outline in his State of Indian Nations he delivered earlier in the year. In it, he addressed the benefits of a sustained commitment between the federal government and tribal nations, highlighting the ways in which tribal governments can build a prosperous future for all Americans.
4 | INDIAN GAMING UPDATE - MARCH 2012
+ EXTRA + MORE PHOTOS ARE FOUND ON OUR FACEBOOK PAGE
+ HONORING OUR WOMEN LEADERS + NIGA CHAIRMAN STEVENS PARTICIPATES IN A HONORING LUNCHEON FOR OUTSTANDING WOMEN LEADERS. On March 9th during a special awards luncheon presentation, two Native women were honored for their lifetime achievements in serving their people and communities. These amazing women have shared their talents, cultural knowledge, and expertise to positively impact: tribal self-determination, community health and wellness, the educational needs of youth, and the retention and preservation of culture. Nedra Darling and Monique LaChappa (pictured above) took home a great award were honored at the luncheon from other wonderful Native women leaders.
5 | INDIAN GAMING UPDATE - MARCH 2012
+ NIGA TRADESHOW 2012 + San Diego, CA (March 22, 2012) – In just one week, NIGA will arrive in San Diego, California. Over 5,000 tribal officials, Nativeowned business leaders, and international gaming industry authorities are expected to attend and with reported higher numbers of early registrations, the 27th Annual NIGA Tradeshow and Convention is already being called one of their most successful. A first for NIGA, the 90,000 square foot exhibit area has completely sold out, and more Native-owned businesses and entrepreneurs are on the tradeshow floor from all over the United States. The Chairman’s Welcome Reception, sponsored by Rocket Gaming, invites all attendees aboard the USS Midway, a retired aircraft carrier located at the San Diego pier. During the Wendell Chino Humanitarian Awards Banquet, NIGA has invited country legend, Dwight Yoakam to perform.
The membership meeting will be NIGA’s highest priority hosting most Tribal leadership and gaming professionals as well the legal and professional from Washington DC and through out the industry. Workshops and trainings will also take place during the convention, and will host topics most relevant today, like Internet gaming, the future of Indian gaming to 2015, and issues facing IRS regulations and tribal sovereignty. The Chairman and Vice-Chairman’s tournaments will take place at the Sycuan’s Oak Glen Golf Course and Willow Glen Golf Course and the Sovereignty tournament will take place at the Barona Creek Golf Club. The NIGA tradeshow and convention serves as the nation’s premiere location to build, grow and sustain Indian country through gaming, business, infrastructure, education and most importantly; sovereignty. Register soon if you haven’t already!
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BEST IN SHOW! NIGA promises the largest, highest-quality, most-exciting show they have ever had.
VIEW THE CONVENTION GUIDE & ADDENDUM NOW! 2012 Guide: http://bit.ly/GQi9oD Watch highlights of the 2011 Phoenix Convention on YouTube.com
2012 Addedum: http://bit.ly/GKnIaT