May 2012 | Volume 3, Issue 10
Page 2
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NIGA hosts their annual Tradeshow and Convention in San Diego, CA
Page 3 Membership Meeting Recap
Page 4 Marge Anderson Takes Home the Wapato Award
Page 5 Quapaw Tribe Receives the Chino Award
Page 6
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Marcus Oliveira and Alexandrea Schulte
Page 7 Dan Tabor honored at the USS Midway Reception
Page 8 Other photos
Page 9 UUS Midway Reception with Crystal Shawanda
Page 10 Internet Gaming is top topic
Page 12
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Potawatomi Golf Course and Leadership Awards
Page 14 Calendar of Events
Billy Mills, Ben Nighthorse Campbell and Adam Beach cut the ribbon to the Tradeshow.
Records break at NIGA 2012 tradeshow OVER 5,900 ATTENDEES FILL SAN DIEGO CONVENTION CENTER The opening of NIGA’s Tradeshow begins with the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Tuesday, April 3rd. Joining the Chairman on the stage was Law & Order SVU Actor Adam Beach, retired U.S. Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell and Olympic Gold Medal winner, Billy Mills. While meeting at the San Diego Convention Center, Tribal government gaming commissioners got certified, industry officials discussed internet gaming and other legislative priorities, gained knowledge on the latest gaming technology, saw gaming forecasts,
and met and surpassed casino compliance. Chairman Ernie Stevens Jr. presided over the ribbon cutting, and stated that over 5,900 people have registered for the convention, a record-breaking number. “Today, we have filled the 90,000 square foot floor with over 450 world-class exhibits, who are our friends in the gaming industry and Native-owned businesses who are eager to build their brands. There is a $26 billion industry behind these doors, and we welcome you,” Stevens said.
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NIGA Tribal membership meetings ENVIRONMENT, HEALTH CARE, WASHINGTON POLICY ARE ISSUES DISCUSSED IN CLOSED MEETING During the tradeshow, NIGA provides a great learning venue for Tribal leaders. The Tribal Leader meetings are not usually open to the public, but NIGA’s Tradeshow is an event where Native nations can come together and discuss what works, and what does not, for our individual tribal nations and Indian country as a whole. Several topics were discussed from health care to gaming. But all issues impacting tribal sovereignty and selfdetermination are causes for concern to our Indian Nations. One of these issues is environmental responsibility. On the first day, Fawn Sharp, who is the President of the Quinault Indian Nation and co-chair on the NIGA subcommittee on climate change, facilitated this part of the meeting to share her tribe’s efforts in the sustainable timber industry. Loretta Teull, came to San Diego from Washington, DC to give her legislative update from the U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, where she is the Staff Director and Chief Counsel. As of now, there are 36 bills, 22 oversight hearings, 4 field hearings, 5 business meetings, and 10 round tables where Native issues are being discussed this year. Chairman Steve Cadue, Kickapoo Tribe of Kansas, gave an impassioned speech on how Type II Diabetes is ravaging Indian Country. Chairman Cadue’s wife recently passed from complications due to diabetes. He dealt with his grief by founding an organization that will directly address diabetes in Indian Country. NIGA is humbled to give Chairman’s Cadue a venue to share this powerful initiative. On the third and final day of the National Indian Gaming Association’s 27th annual convention, internet gaming was the primary topic. NIGA’s next membership meeting will take place September 18-19, at the Seminole Hard Rock in Hollywood, Florida.
Lorretta Tuell, Staff Director/Chief Council for the U.S. Senate’s Committe on Indian Affairs.
Ehren Richardson, Internet Gaming Consultant at Joseph Eve in Canada.
Treasurer Mark Fox, of the MHA Nation was sworn in upon his re-elected with Kevin Leecy.
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Marge anderson receives tim wapato sovereign warrior award A LIFETIME OF SERVICE TO SOVEREIGNTY IS GIVEN TO MILLE LACS LEADER
Gay Kingman-Wapato gives Marge Anderson the Tim Wapato Award.
Marge Anderson, Chief Executive of the Mille Lacs ed Ernie Stevens Jr., Chairman of NIGA. Band of Ojibwe, was honored on April 2 by the NaAnderson is one of the nation’s most respected tional Indian Gaming tribal leaders and a foreAssociation (NIGA). most advocate for tribal Anderson received the sovereignty. She has Tim Wapato Sovereign served nearly 30 years in Warrior Award for her the Band’s government. longtime commitment She was District I Repto championing tribal resentative from 1976sovereignty and Indian 1987, Secretary/Treasurgaming. er from 1987-1991, and The award is named Chief Executive from for the late Tim Wapa1991-2000 and again to, a NIGA founder since 2009. During that and its first executive time, she has led the dedirector. He dedicated velopment and growth of his career to educating Grand Casino Mille Lacs, members of Congress Grand Casino Hinckley, about tribal governand other Band-owned ments, American Indibusinesses. She was also an cultures, and Indian the driving force in the gaming. decision to use business Wapato’s wife Gay revenues to rebuild the Chairman Stevens Jr. gives Marge Anderson a congratulatory presented the award Mille Lacs Reservation hug during her award presentation. after sharing a story through new schools, about how Anderson clinics, community centook on Donald Trump ters, housing, and infrain the “schools verstructure ranging from sus yachts” debate in roads to water treatment Congress. Trump was plants. prepared to testify, Anderson’s extensive Anderson came to the honors include selection hearing with school as one of the 25 most children, and Trump ended up storming out of the influential women in Minnesota by the Minneapolis/ hearing. “Marge was always a steady force for us in our St. Paul Business Journal and one of the 100 most battles. Today we stand on the shoulders of these peoinfluential Minnesotans of the twentieth century by ple who paved the way,” Gay Kingman-Wapato said. the Star Tribune. Anderson has also received Tribal “On behalf of one of the greatest warriors of all Leader of the Year Award from the National Congress time, to another great warrior, Marge Anderson,” addof American Indians.
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Quapaw Tribe is honored at the Chino Humanitarian Awards Banquet.
quapaw tribe receive Chino humanitarian award AWARD GOES TO A NATION OF FIRST RESPONDERS For the first time ever, a tribal nation was honored with the Wendell A. Chino Humanitarian Award at the National Indian Gaming Association’s 2012 Indian Gaming Tradeshow & Convention. The Quapaw Tribe of Oklahoma was awarded due to their tremendous contributions and aid during the May 2011 tornado in Joplin, Missouri. At the awards banquet, NIGA Chairman, Ernie Stevens Jr. remarked on tribe’s efforts to help the nearby city of Joplin, Mo., after a devastating tornado. “The Quapaw tribe, this nation of First Responders, demonstrated their innate ability to mobilize and provide a safe recourse for Joplin,” Stevens said. “Lead by the humility and heart of John Berrey, this tribe has served their country at a great level. “The Wendell A. Chino Award Humanitarian Award is one of the highest awards in Indian
country and the Quapaw Tribe have certainly earned it.” Berrey dedicated the award to J.R. Matthews’ late son, Seneca Black Elk Matthews, a Downstream employee, who was a recent victim of a car accident just a few weeks before the award was presented. At the time, he was acting as a first responder of an accident moments before when a vehicle struck him. The award was presented to the Quapaw tribe by Mark Chino, Wendell Chino’s son. Wendell Chino, the award’s namesake, is an iconic figure in Indian country. He was a nationally recognized leader of the Mescalero Apache Nation, serving most of his life as his nation’s president. He modeled his philosophy by turning the Mescalero reservation into a small business empire that raised his nation to a level of economic growth never before experienced by any other Native American tribe.
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MORE PHOTOS ARE FOUND ON OUR FACEBOOK PAGE
Chairman Stevens with his daughter at the NIGA Membership Meeting in San Diego, CA.
Actor Adam Beach and Ernie Stevens Jr. at the tradeshow.
Marcus Oliveira
native pro-athletes honored at the convention
With an extensive amateur background consisting of over 200 fights, Marcus Oliveira entered the professional ranks a step ahead of the competition and is anxious to establish a reputation as a fighter to keep an eye on. Originally from Keshena, Wisconsin, Marcus has now found a training headquarters and home in Mayetta, Kansas where, as a member of the Menominee Tribe, he is raising his family and building a fan base. His heritage has not only made Marcus a popular attraction among his Native-American supporters, but also among those boxing purists who love to see his command of sound boxing fundamentals and the guarantee of plenty of action every time he fights. As one of boxing’s rising prospects, Marcus Oliveira is determined to make a statement to those who are watching and send a clear message to others in the division that his climb only leads to one place and that’s at the top of the Light Heavyweight division.
Alexandrea Schulte Also at the convention was Alexandrea Schulte. She is a Native American Professional Golfer from the Northern Ute Tribe. Ms. Schulte graduated in December 2010 from University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas with a Bachelor of Arts, and Majoring in Communications. She had a full golf scholarship, was 4 year starter including 4 SEC Championships, 4 NCAA Regional and 1 NCAA Championship appearances. She finished among career leaders in many historical statistics. Currently, the only Native American woman playing on LPGA tour.
Margo Proctor, Carmen Davis, and Gary Davis “Litefoot.”
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veterans honor
Throughout history, Indian country has relied on leaders who have paved the way for economic development and positive growth, and recognizing their talent has been a part of the NIGA Tradeshow agenda for years. This year was no exception. Beginning with the Chairman’s Welcome Reception on Sunday, all veterans who have served their country were honored with roses aboard the USS Midway Museums. Further, a Navajo Code Talker and former Chairman of his tribe, Peter MacDonald was honored along with former Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell, Navy Seal Dan Tabor, and even Chairman Stevens himself was presented a medal from the National American Indian Veterans Association, headed by Don Laudner.
dwight yoakam As a highlight of the convention, Johnny Cash’s favorite country singer, Dwight Yoakam came straight from Nashville to be NIGA’s entertainment at the Wendell A. Chino Humanitarian Awards Banquet, Tuesday, April 3, 2012 in the San Diego Convention Center.
USS MIdway
AWARD HONORS ERNIE STEVENS SR. This celebration for our Native veterans kicked off the opening of our NIGA Trade Show and Convention in San Diego on April 1st. It was especially touching evening because the National American Indian Veterans honored the Chairman’s father, Ernie Stevens Sr., not only for his military service, but also for his work on behalf of Indian Country for many years.
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Photos
Wind River Arapahoe Legion Post 84 at the USS Midway.
Navajo Codetalker Peter McDonald Ben Nighthorse Campbell, Adam Beach and Billy Mills at the Tradeshow Ribbon Cutting.
Celebrity Golf Team at the Spirit of Sovereignty Golf Tournament.
Jason Coochwytewa of Red Note Inc. and GinaMarie Scarpa of NABI at the Diabetes Walk.
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USS Midway reception
ROCKET GAMING SYTEMS DELIVERS MEMORABLE OPENING RECEPTION This year, Rocket Gaming Systems, in conjunction with the Chairman’s Welcome Reception, embarked upon one of the company’s largest events in its 15year history. The company partnered with the USS Midway Museum aircraft carrier as part of the ceremonies to kick off the 2012 Indian Gaming Tradeshow and Convention in San Diego, California.
Rocket Gaming Systems leadership.
On April 1st, the 972-foot ship was the venue for the Chairman’s Welcome Reception sponsored by Rocket. The event drew more than 1,000 people. Attendees will enjoy food, drinks, an amazing performance by Crystal Shawanda (pictured right) and dancing as well as a special ceremony honoring our military veterans. “We’re proud to sponsor the Chairman’s Welcome Reception and help launch the Indian Gaming Tradeshow and Convention,” said Ron Harris, CEO of Rocket Gaming Systems. “As a Class II provider of games, we take particular pride in our commitment to Indian Gaming and hosting this event is just one way of expressing thanks to our customers.”
Crystal Shawanda.
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Chairman Stevens Jr presided a Congressional Internet Gaming Taskforce for Tribal leaders.
internet gaming is top topic
CONGRESSIONAL INTERNET GAMING TASKFORCE MEETING OPENS HONEST CONVERSATION AND EDUCATION
On the third and final day of the National Indian Gaming Association’s 27th annual convention, internet gaming was the primary topic. NIGA, in partnership with the National Congress of American Indians, hosted a NIGA-NCAI taskforce meeting in which they each reiterated their commitment to a unified approach in discussing the internet gaming issue. Both organizations have standing resolutions that call for any Internet gaming legislation to respect the principles of Tribal Sovereignty, tribal taxation, tribal regulatory authority, and designating the NIGC as the federal agency working with Tribes on any internet gaming regulation. Later, NIGA hosted an internet gaming forum, in which tribal leaders and the U.S. Congressional
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“It is not a matter of when, but a matter of who internet gaming will work for” - Ernie Stevens Jr.
representatives provided information and feedback about online gaming. NIGA’s Chairman presided over this meeting which was designed to provide a chance for Tribal Leaders and members of Congress to engage in a dialogue on the subject of internet gaming away from the formalities of Washington, D.C. The work conducted at this meeting will lay the foundation to bring about an understanding between Congress, States, and most importantly the tribal leadership. “It is not a matter of when, but a matter of who internet gaming will work for. With the reinterpretation of the Wire Act, having a seat at the table is not enough.” Chairman Ernie Stevens, Jr., stated. “From this forum today, we are moving forward together. Every Tribe and all states will be a part of this discussion.” California congressional representatives, Mary Bono Mack, Brian Bilbray, Jeff Denham, Darrel Issa and Minnesota representative Betty McCollum provided their perspectives while listening closely to Tribal concerns. Tribal leaders took turns expressing their own Tribes’ concerns and the potential opportunities regarding internet gaming. Many reiterated the Tribal principles of sovereignty and self-regulation. Several Tribes mentioned that in light of the December 2011 Department of Justice their respective State Governments were now moving toward internet sales of lottery tickets and potentially other forms of gaming. The Congressional delegation urged Tribal Governments to communicate their principles and work with States on a government-to-government basis. In addition, Congressional members urged Tribes to continue to educate Congress on the success of Indian gaming and how it has positively impacted Indian Country. There could potentially be over 100 new members of Congress and the Senate on November 6th this year, all who will have limited knowledge of Indian Gaming, let alone internet gaming. The meeting concluded with Tribal leaders urging continuing dialogue on this issue as we move towards the Great Plains Indian Gaming Tradeshow in May and NCAI’s Mid-Year Conference in June.
Rosemary Morillo, Chairwoman Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians
Southern Ute Chairman Gary Hayes providing information at the NIGA Internet Gaming Forum.
David Roosevelt, Chairman Cabazon Band of Mission Indians
Robert Martin, Chairman Morongo Band of Mission Indians
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leadership firekeeper golf
course work
NOTAH BEGAY DESIGNED GOLF COURSE IS JUST ABOUT A HOLE IN ONE The Firekeeper golf course is the newest project and resort amenity, of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation. Firekeeper is the first signature course of four-time PGA Tour winner Notah Begay III – the only full – blooded Native American on the tour. The Firekeeper is owned by Prairie Band LLC, an economic development company wholly owned by the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation. Firekeeper golf course has just finished its first season of operation to rave reviews: • • • • •
Firekeeper has been ranked by Golf Digest “top 5 best new courses in 2011” Ranked the “9th best new golf course in America” by Golf Week magazine Ranked as “Best new golf course to play” by Golf Magazine Ranked as “18th Best Casino Golf Course” by Golf Week magazine Ranked as “#1 Golf Course in the world” by NIGA Chairman Ernie Stevens
Kurt Luger, Byron Dorgan, Billy Mills, and Jefferson Keel were honored at the leadership luncheon.
DORGAN, KEEL AND OTHERS ARE HONORED On Monday during the Chairman’s Leadership Award Luncheon at the NIGA Convention, Great Plains Indian Gaming Association Executive Director Kurt Luger was honored with former U.S. Senator Byron Dorgan, Gold Medal winner Billy Mills, and Chickasaw Nation Lieutenant Governor Jefferson Keel. The NIGA Chairman’s Leadership Award honors individuals and tribes who have contributed and advocated for tribal sovereignty and economic development. Chairman Ernie Stevens Jr. created the Chairman’s Leadership Award 10 years ago.
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upcoming events June 17-19 NCAI Mid Year Lincoln, NE July 16-18 Northwest Indian Gaming Conference Little Creek Casino Resort Shelton, WA August 13-15 Oklahoma Indian Gaming Cox Center Oklahoma City, OK September 18-19 NIGA Mid Year Seminole Hardrock Hotel & Casino Hollywood, FL October 1-4 Global Gaming (G2E) The Sands Expo & Convention Center Las Vegas, NV 8-11 USET Annual Meeting Uncasville, CT 21 – 25 NCAI Convention & Marketplace Sacramento, CA November 15-16 RES Oklahoma – INPRO Hardrock Hotel & Casino Tulsa, OK
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