Indian Gaming Update May/June 2013 | Volume 4, Issue 3
PAGE 2 NIGA TRADESHOW AND CONVENTION 2013
PAGE 5 AMERICAN INDIAN GRADUATE CENTER ANNOUNCES POWER OF SCHOLARSHIP HONOREES
PAGE 18 KANSAS RECOGNIZES GOVERNMENT TO GOVERNMENT RELATIONS
Indian Gaming Update
NIGA TRADESHOW AND CONVENTION 2013 5,300 ATTENDEES FILL THE PHOENIX CONVENTION CENTER FOR WORKSHOP, TRAININGS, LEGISLATIVE UPDATES, AND THE TRADESHOW FLOOR.
The National Indian Gaming Association (NIGA) wrapped up another successful Trade Show and Convention, “Indian Gaming 2013”, which took place in Phoenix, Arizona. Each year, the Tradeshow highlights the advancements in the Indian gaming industry, and more importantly, it is the opportunity to bring tribal leadership together to discuss the critical issues that face NIGA’s Member Tribes. Despite stiff economic headwinds, the state of Indian Gaming reported to the membership is strong and growing stronger. Nationwide, there are now 246 tribes in 28 states employing gaming as a means to directly generate 330,000 American jobs, fund essential government services in the form of improved health care, education, public safety, and generally help to rebuild tribal communities. In 2012, Indian gaming brought in a record $27.8 billion dollars in gross revenue, which is a 2.3% increase from 2011. Again, this growth is exceptional given the tough state of the national economy and considering the decline in commercial gaming revenues. All of the credit for this success goes to the tribal leaders, the
tribal gaming regulators, and the Indian gaming professionals who put in the hours – often 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to maintain the integrity of our industry. At a time when many industries are struggling to stay even, Indian gaming has grown. The strength of our industry is representative of the resilience of Indian people overall. During Indian Gaming 2013, NIGA’s Member Tribes rolled up their sleeves to tackle the issues most directly impacting their communities. NIGA addressed federal and state efforts to legalize Internet gaming, threats by the IRS to impose income taxes on the programs and services that tribal governments provide to their people, Indian gaming regulation, and much more. NIGA filled the Phoenix Convention Center with over 5,300 attendees. NIGA is comprised of a solid group of member tribes, tribal leaders, an Executive Board, Associate Members and staff that are dedicated to their mission. Each member tribe represent diverse communities with wide-ranging needs and priorities, but they stand united behind the mission and its core principles, which are to protect tribal sovereignty
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and preserve the inherent rights of tribal governments to develop their economies and improve their communities. One method of bringing the benefits of Indian gaming to all of Indian country is to highlight the great work of Native American entrepreneurs and businesses. These men and women represent the future of our tribal economies, and they hold the key to tribal self-sufficiency. During the tradeshow, attendees heard from a panel of tribal leaders and business experts who examined possible avenues to strengthen tribal economies. The panel included Jamie Fullmer, Chairman/CEO Bluestone Strategy Group, St. Croix Chippewa Councilman, Jay Emery, and Michael Finley, the Vice Chairman of the Colville Tribes. They provided important insights into ways that all tribes can improve their economies beyond gaming. Along with the policy work that was conducted throughout the convention, NIGA co-hosted a 5k/7k walk/run with the NABI Foundation on Sunday, March 24th. The NABI event was created in 2009 to promote health and fitness to our Native American communities. This year, the Chasing the Sun 7K/5K & Health Fair featured food, music and kid-friendly activities and awards that were given to the top runners in each age category. The NABI Foundation has brought an integral and much needed component to the tradeshow: Health and Wellness. Another issue raised by NIGA’s Executive Board is the need to involve youth leadership at our tradeshows. Throughout the show, five-time world heavyweight champion boxer Evander Holyfield visited with attendees. He is a Boys and Girls Club of America Hall of Fame inductee along with Chairman Stevens. The location of the Welcome Reception was significant. This year marks 20 years of Gila River Gaming, as the Gila River Indian Community signed its first gaming compact with the State of Arizona in 1993. During the welcome reception, NIGA took time to honor the Gila River Indian Community for improving the lives of the children in their community. NIGA also hosted the Chairman’s Leadership Luncheon. This year’s honoree went to former Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle. He cultivated a strong relationship with Wisconsin tribal governments and he understands tribal sovereignty and self-determination. Governor Doyle stated that what is good for Indian country, is good for all communities. He worked with tribes to sign compacts that respect tribal sovereignty and the federal trust responsibility. In 2005, he signed an executive order titled, “Relating to an Affirmation of the Government-to-Government Relationship between the State of Wisconsin and Indian Tribal Governments Located within the State of Wisconsin.” (Continued on page 8)
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Indian Gaming Update
WORKSHOPS AND CERTIFICATIONS INTRODUCE NEW IDEAS IN PHOENIX, NIGA BROUGHT ATTENDEES 122 WORKSHOPS, 12 ROUNDTABLES, 235 SPEAKERS AND CERTIFIED 64 TRIBAL GAMING COMMISSIONERS
During the Tradeshow and Convention, the NIGA Seminar Institute presented another successful training curriculum and brought informative and useful content to the convention attendees who will take this information and implement it in their positions at their facilities. Indian Gaming 2013 offered a multi-day, multi-track format self-directed by the attendees and was created with the intent of facilitating an opportunity to experience training sessions that were diverse and pertinent to their needs. Education sessions were designed to focus on current and emerging issues, best practices and challenges facing our industry. Presentations included topics like Family and Medical Leave Act, Internet gaming, IT best practices, internal leadership growth, and even culinary concepts. Jeffrey Nelson of Kanji & Katzen, PLLC provided attendees an in-depth and up-to-date look at what states are doing in the realm of Internet gaming policy. Discussion of states that had specifically outlawed or were looking to outlaw Internet gaming were also included. For those jurisdictions, such as Delaware and Nevada, where some forms of iGaming had already been legalized, the focus was on how the market structure was developing and what it was
likely to look like in the near future. Patrick Jewell, for Onpoint Underwriting educated his attendees regarding the protection and economic advantages of a Tribal Workers Benefits Program as well understanding the reasons to consider your own TWB code. James Klas, Founder & Principal of KlasRobinson Q.E.D. shared with attendees where to go beyond gaming expanding amenities and services like building a hotel, offering spa services or setting up campgrounds and RV Parks. The curriculum and criteria is chosen with great scrutiny to insure substantive content to the Indian Gaming Tradeshow and Convention. Attendees seek training on these innovative topics, expanding tribal economic opportunities and addressing future trends in the gaming industry. In Phoenix, NIGA brought attendees 122 workshops, 12 roundtables, and 235 speakers. NIGA also certified 64 tribal gaming commissioners. NIGA continues to strive to maintain the integrity and credibility of the training offered and therefore it does not allow want the seminar to be simply a promotion of product/service offered by the company.
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AMERICAN INDIAN GRADUATE CENTER ANNOUNCES POWER OF SCHOLARSHIP HONOREES SIX POWER PLAYERS IN AMERICAN INDIAN EDUCATION HONORED AT 5TH ANNUAL AIGC RECEPTION
Albuquerque, NM – April 28, 2013 – The American Indian Graduate Center (AIGC), a non-profit organization dedicated to building capacity for individuals and tribes through graduate education, announced six honorees who were recognized at the 5th Annual AIGC Reception, marking a special milestone in the organization’s strategic initiative – The Power of Scholarship – to address the growing need for scholarships among the American Indian and Alaska Native graduate and professional degree community. The honorees included: Dr. Kevin Teehee, from Tahlequah, Oklahoma in the Cherokee Nation, attended medical school at Charles Drew / UCLA in Los Angeles with the support of an AIGC scholarship. He finished his training in family practice and worked for the Indian Health Service on the California Central Coast for several years. Currently, he practices emergency medicine in Los Angeles. D. Rhoades Schroeder, a long-time, generous supporter of AIGC, is a graduate of Colorado University. He entered the U.S. Air Force and served in Korea, worked for the ABC network in advertising writing, and later became Creative Director for Buster Brown Shoes. He also taught science to middle and high school students. He continues to give to AIGC because over 90 % of donations directly serve students through scholarships and services. The National Indian Gaming Association (NIGA) and Chairman Ernie Stevens execute the common commitment and purpose of NIGA advancing the lives of Indian peoples economically, socially and politically. NIGA has never wavered on education being essential to that common commitment. AIGC honors NIGA for their leadership in supporting Native American higher education and the American Indian Graduate Center. The Pueblo of Jemez along with Governor Vincent Toya have had a long history of commitment to education for the empowerment of Native American people, and to sharing history, traditions and culture. Governor Toya and the people of Jemez Pueblo hosted a day of
cultural learning and service for the Gates Millennium Scholars’ Alternative Spring Break Program. AIGC honors the Pueblo of Jemez because of their generous hospitality and providing these young scholars a different perspective on the importance of citizenship, social activism, and public service. Southwest Youth Services (SYS), led by Managing Director, JoAnn Melchor (Kewa Pueblo), is a non-profit organization that uses the game of soccer to grow grassroots partnerships and programming in Native communities. The organization has fostered partnerships with 42 Native American communities to provide positive youth development training tailored to individual communities. Also, as a regional coordinator for AmeriCorps, SYS staff and clients were vital in organizing the 2013 GMS Alternative Spring Break Program. AIGC honors SYS for managing the highly successful 2013 GMS Alternative Spring Break Program that was life changing for many of these young scholars. Cate Stetson is founder and owner of Stetson Law Offices, P.C., a law firm that provides general legal services to tribes and tribal entities. AIGC honors Ms. Stetson, because of her long-time support, donating high end pieces of art to AIGC. The pieces are used to raise funds for scholarships. She is a true champion of higher education for Indian students and AIGC. “We honor these individuals for opening doors, creating opportunity, and paving the way for American Indian graduate students nationwide,” said Sam Deloria, Director of AIGC. “Their efforts have made a difference in our scholars’ lives and will continue to benefit the thousands of future students AIGC will serve in the years to come. They are the Power of Scholarship.”
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Indian Gaming Update
NIKE N7 SUMMER COLLECTION STORES AROUND THE COUNTRY NOW OFFER N7 PRODUCTS BENEFITING NATIVE AND ABORIGINAL YOUTH SPORTS PROGRAMS
N7 is Nike’s commitment to bring sport and all its benefits to Native American and Aboriginal communities in North America, with a focus on youth. Nike N7 hosted workout events for local youth with the Oklahoma Indian Clinic and Chickasaw Nation on April 12. The Summer 2013 N7 collection will be widely available beginning April 13 at select Nike retail locations, on nikestore.com, and for the first time at select Foot Locker locations across the United States and Canada and on Footlocker.com. In addition, the Summer 2013 Nike N7 collection also features a Dragon Fly T-Shirt inspired by a legend passed down to Jacoby Ellsbury of the Boston Red Sox from his mother when he was eight. The legend says: If you catch a dragonfly, carefully rub its wings on your feet, then watch it fly away, you’ll become a faster runner. Ellsbury, the first N7 Ambassador and the first major leaguer of Navajo descent, is proud of his heritage and his speed. Other Summer 2013 N7 Collection styles include the N7 Nike Free Forward Moc, N7 Logo T-Shirt, N7 Hoodie, N7 Zone and Tempo Shorts, N7 Legend Capri, Nike LunarGlide+4 N7 and Nike Free Trainer 5.0 N7. The Nike N7 collection of apparel and footwear is designed for men, women and young athletes, and helps support the N7 Fund its mission to inspire and enable two million Native American and Aboriginal youth in North American to participate in sport and physical activity. The N7 Collection highlights the N7 philosophy—in every deliberation we must consider the impact of our decisions on the next seven generations—and also embodies Nike’s sustainable design ethos to create performance product engineered for superior athletic performance and lower environmental impact.
Cheryl Stevens shows new N7 apparel at a Nike store near the Pokagon Casino.
Since the Nike N7 collection launched in 2009, more than $2 million has been raised for Native American and Aboriginal youth sport programs through the N7 Fund, including the Native Youth Sports Foundation (The Jim Thorpe Games) and the Ottawa County Boys & Girls Clubs in Oklahoma City. Nike N7 and the N7 Fund are aligned with Designed to Move, a growing community of public, private and civil sector organizations (including Nike) dedicated to ending the growing epidemic of physical inactivity. For Nike N7 Collection retail locations and for more information about Nike N7, visit www.niken7.com, or follow Nike N7 on Facebook and @NikeN7.
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“This transition for the Four Winds Dowagiac has shown the resilience in the Midwest gaming region and we are happy to support their growth,” Chairman Ernie Stevens said at the opening.
FOUR WINDS DOWAGIAC TO OPEN TO THE PUBLIC INCLUDES 300 SLOT MACHINES, FOUR TABLE GAMES AND A RESTAURANT
Dowagiac, MI (May 1, 2013) - The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians is pleased to announce that Four Winds Dowagiac has recently opened to the public on Tuesday, April 30. Four Winds Dowagiac is located just a few miles south of downtown Dowagiac at 58700 M-51 South. Four Winds Dowagiac includes 300 slot machines, four table games, and a Timbers restaurant that can seat approximately 30 people. “This transition for the Four Winds Dowagiac has shown the resilience in the Midwest gaming region and we are happy to support their growth,” Chairman Ernie Stevens said at the opening. “With their new facility, they will now be able to provide essential services to their community.” There is also a non-smoking area with approximately 20 slot machines. The casino maintains the same look and feel in design and finishes as Four Winds New Buffalo and Four Winds Hartford, which set a new standard for gaming in the Midwest. “Dowagiac is home to the Pokagon Band of Potawa-
tomi Indians Tribal Government as well as many Pokagon Citizens, which made it the natural location for our newest property,” said Matt Wesaw, Chairman of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians. “We are thrilled to open this casino, which has created approximately 100 new jobs for Pokagon Citizens and people living in nearby communities. The casino will also support the development of ancillary businesses in the area.” “We feel that Four Winds Dowagiac is sized accordingly to meet the demand of the local market,” said Matt Harkness, General Manager for Four Winds Casinos. “Additionally, through our player loyalty program, the W Club, players that visit Four Winds Dowagiac will have the same opportunities to earn points, redeem offers, and participate in promotions as they do at our other locations.” New players can sign up for a Four Winds W Club membership at any casino location and will be eligible to win up to $5,000 in free slot play.
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(Continued from page 3) Its purpose is to create and define the processes by which the Wisconsin Department of Transportation and Federal Highway Administration work in collaboration with Wisconsin’s eleven sovereign Indian Nations. NIGA also recognized a young Tribal Leader, Kevin Killer. Mr. Killer is an extremely hard working leader within his community. He is a member of the State House of Representative in South Dakota and was recently elected to a 3rd term. The second day ended with the Indian Gaming 2013 Cultural Night where Nathan Small, Chairman of the Shoshone-Bannock Tribe, was presented with the prestigious Tim Wapato Sovereign Warrior Award. Chairman Small has served on the seven-member Fort Hall Business Council for a total of six years. In June of 2011, he was re-elected for a second term as chairman; prior to that, he served as vice-chairman. Chairman Small was instrumental in opening the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes’ first gaming operation and served as gaming manager from 1990 to 1998. Chairman Small remained resilient and steadfast, and has achieved much for his community. He was actively involved in establishing NIGA’s presence in Washington D.C. in the early 90’s. His energy should serve as a reminder that there is no deadline for dedication. He has proven that again and again for his community and for Indian country. He has shared a great history with Tim Wapato and Gay Kingman-Wapato, along with NIGA Chairman Emeritus Rick Hill. Tex Hall was honored with the Wendell A. Chino Humanitarian Award underscores the principles of leadership, humility, strength and honor. Chairman Hall exemplifies each of those qualities. He continues to lead and educate, while instilling these sound principles in others. As a former President of NCAI, and current Chairman of his Nation, his leadership and presence in Washington D.C. has accomplished many positive results. His passion to educate others speaks volumes, not only within Indian country but also in Washington D.C. and the Mandan Hidatsa Arikara Nation are stronger because of the efforts of Chairman Tex Hall. The Indian Gaming 2013 Trade Show floor of-
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ficially opened with the ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday, March 26. Joining Chairman Stevens this year were the NIGA Executive Board; Law & Order SVU Actor Adam Beach, retired U.S. Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell, Olympic Medalist Billy Mills,Golfer Alex Schulte, Governor George Rivera of the Pueblo of Pojoaque, fivetime heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield, Professional Rodeo Cowboys, Wrangler National Finals rodeo World Champion Tie Down roper Tuf Cooper, former World Champion Roper Stran Smith and Wrangler National Finals Rodeo qualifiers Clif Cooper and Erich Rogers. The purpose of the tradeshow and convention is an annual celebration of Indian Gaming’s successes and achievements. Thousands of Indian gaming industry professionals from the commercial sector and the Tribal Regulatory sector join NIGA each year to help foster a dialog about the latest trends in the gaming industry and how to better serve the Tribal communities. The goal is to continually serve Tribal Leadership and help maintain all that Indian gaming has built in Indian Country. At its core, this involves consistently defending our Tribes’ right to engage in economic development. Finally, Chairman Ernie Stevens and Secretary Bernadine Burnette was re-elected by acclimation to serve for another two years.
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Indian Gaming Update
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DOI Secretary Jewell speaks with the NCAI leadership during the Reno Mid Year Conference.
NCAI WRAP UP NCAI HOST MID YEAR CONFERENCE IN RENO, NEVADA
On Tuesday June 27th, President Jefferson Keel addressed the General Assembly delegates by reminding them that in order to secure a future for Native people, “our resolve must be even more focused, and our unified voices even louder.” President Keel encouraged the audience to become even more proactive and engage on important issues in order to protect our communities and our children. Earlier that morning the United States Supreme Court upheld the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) in a 5-4 decision in Adoptive Couple v. Baby Girl. However, they reversed and remanded the case back to the South Carolina Courts. President Keel addressed the morning’s news with a statement, “Today’s decision sends a clear message that there is no question of ICWA’s role as the most important law to protect Native children and families. The decision also affirms Congressional authority to protect Indian children. We remain committed to Native families and we will continue to support Dusten Brown’s fight for his rights as a father and for Veronica to remain with her loving father, grandparents, and community.”
President Keel concluded his speech emphasizing that the work done during the conference and throughout the year is a critical component in our future success and that success wouldn’t be possible without the partnership with tribal communities. Mark Trahant, independent journalist who will soon join the University of Alaska Anchorage as the Atwood Journalism Chair, continued the message of securing the future in his keynote speech by reminding the audience of the importance of investing in the youth of Indian Country. He also stressed the need “to rally our voters as if our entire future depended on the outcome. There is nothing more powerful than dedicated, community, Native activists.” At the conference, the NCAI Youth Commissioners hosted nearly 30 young Native leaders throughout the week. During their daily meetings, the youth heard about the newest initiatives, including a new bereavement project by the Center for Native American Youth and a leadership initiative by George Washington University.
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CHAIRMAN STEVENS: WE WILL CONTINUE TO HONOR
“Their strength and perseverance is the foundation of which we now stand upon.”
For many, Memorial Day Weekend marks the beginning of summer. More importantly this weekend, Memorial Day weekend, is a time to recognize our relatives who have fallen during our wars. Large numbers of Native people enlist for military service and have the highest per capita enlistment rate of any ethnic group in the United States. The reasons vary from supporting their families and ensuring economic stability, to seeing the world. We are proud of their personal journey into the military and thank them for their service. Our heroes who took the ultimate sacrifice for freedom are not forgotten. Our heroes are our great-grandfathers, our uncles and aunts, our cousins and our brothers and sisters. These are the people who understood that their way of life was threatened. Their strength and perseverance is the foundation of which we now stand upon. Around the country, our Native people give thanks to our fallen, our veterans and our active military brothers and sisters. Memorial Day Weekend, the 3rd Annual Arrow Lakes Memorial Powwow in Inchelium, Washington recognizes veterans past and present. In Cass Lake, Minnesota, the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe’s Palace Casino was host to the Veterans Memorial Pow Wow 2013. Recently, the Hawaiian Senator Brian Schatz reauthorized legislation on the construction of a Native American veterans memorial on the Mall which will now allow the National Museum of the American Indian to assist with fundraising efforts, something that was left out in the original legislation. Senator Schatz reminds us that, “American Indians, Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiians served in all of the American wars since the Revolutionary War.” This is a wonderful accomplishment, as here in Washington DC, existing veteran memorials do not recognize the contributions of our Native service members. We will continue to honor our relatives, like my wife’s late father, Joseph Motoxen, who was awarded the Purple Heart for his service in World War II, and my brother David, a disabled veteran, who was named after our great-great-grandfather who fought in the civil war. During this time, we will visit with my father, Ernie Senior, who was a Marine Corps platoon leader at the age of 19, and a Staff Sergeant during the Korean Conflict. We will recognize him at a ceremony with my grandmother, who is almost 103. As we begin our days, our meetings, our pow wows, and the work that we do, we give thanks to those heroes who are also our relatives. From the National Indian Gaming Association, we thank our military and recognize our fallen during Memorial Day Weekend. Yawako! (Thank you)
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TRIBAL LEADERS MEET TO DISCUSS INDIAN COUNTRY TAX STRATEGY Prior Lake, MN (May 22, 2013) – Tribal leaders gathered this morning at the Great Plains Indian Gaming Association’s Conference and Tradeshow to discuss tax issues affecting Indian Country. As Congress considers comprehensive tax reform, tribal leaders are working to align federal tax laws with federal Indian policy. The United States has a solemn treaty and trust obligation to Indian Tribes that is recognized in the U.S. Constitution. Indian Tribes and Tribal Governments have an inherent sovereign right to provide for their citizens and govern their tribal jurisdictions. Current federal tax laws either ignore Indian Tribes or directly conflict with these principles of inherent Tribal sovereign authority. “Tribes were sovereign governments long before the IRS came into existence. The IRS has directly singled out Tribes with their unfair auditing of Tribal government programs that provide for the general welfare of their members,” NIGA Chairman Ernie Stevens said. “Indian Country
needs tax reform now to address the IRS’ unchecked auditing of Tribal Governments.” Tribal leaders attending this morning’s meeting at Great Plains were in agreement that Indian country needs to unify around the principal of sovereignty when defending their general welfare programs against the IRS audits. Councilman Lewis Taylor from the St. Croix Tribe in Wisconsin summed up the sentiment of Tribal Leaders in attendance when he stated: “We need to be strong on Sovereignty. This issue with the IRS can, and most likely will, happen to your tribe.” Tribal Leaders set the stage for their June 4th, Tribal Leaders Tax Strategy meeting in Washington, D.C. the strategy meeting was hosted by the National Indian Gaming Association and the Lummi Nation of Washington State. All Tribal leaders were urged to gather in the Nation’s Capital for this important tax policy discussion.
INDIAN COUNTRY TAX STRATEGY MEETING 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 treatment 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 2324, 2013 in Washington, DC.
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Haskell President Chris Redman with NIGA Chairman Ernest L. Stevens Jr.
federal Indian Boarding schools, including Haskell. How things have changed! There are so many places in America where Indian people have become professional experts and impact players. At the same time we continue to preserve our culture, traditions and languages and re-energize them and rehabilitate early federal government policies, such as Platt’s, intended to discourage and undermine all cultural expression and worse, to separate children from their families and communities during critical developmental years. Haskell Indian Nations University is now one of the finest educational facilities in the United States and the world. HINU provides top level academic skills to complement a strong influence of Native American Studies. My grandma, Maria Christjohn Hinton, was a student here more than 80 years ago and is an example of the phenomenal changes that have since taken place. Today, Haskell Indian Nation University is a shining example of how we have risen to the challenge of self-determination in Indian Education.
“Haskell Indian Nations CHAIRMAN STEVENS: University is now one of the GRADUATION MESSAGE finest educational facilities It was truly a great honor to give the Commencement in the United States and the address to the Haskell Indian Nations University Graduating Class of 2013. I encouraged these young Leaders to celebrate the beginning of this newest chapter of their world.” lives. I related how our ancestors met the challenges of survival, as did their parents and now it is their turn. I told them to celebrate their accomplishment; tomorrow the works starts. I know they are up to it and I let them know that. This commencement gives Native America great hope and inspiration for the future of Indian people as we move deeper into the new information age. The following comments are excerpts of my speech. This University was established more that 117 years ago with a handful of students as an institute. It was the United States Indian Industrial Training School. The policy of Richard Henry Platt was instituted at Carlisle Indian School to “remove the Indian and save the man” which, of course, included women. The intent was to prepare young Indians for the workforce, at entry-level positions. This policy became the standard at all other
The policies undermining our languages and culture didn’t work then; grandma was a first language speaker and teaches our language and taught it in the Tribal school for more than 30 years. She retired as a certified school teacher in her mid-nineties. At Haskell my grandmother, with many others, quietly resisted the system way back then, which among other things tried to change her left handedness. Grandma stood strong by her traditions and her preferred form of communication, whether it was speaking her language, or writing with her left hand, she is still left-handed, fluent in the language and remains strong at 103. Maria Hinton is the last living Oneida from Wisconsin who speaks Oneida as a first language. My Grandma went to four Indian boarding schools and in spite of the Government’s intent, held on to her way of life and was able to sort out some of the
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“Believe in yourself. Walk with confidence, draw on your strength, and live with honesty and integrity.” teachings in a good way yet always avoided talking about the negativity and negative boarding school influence. But let me be clear, Grandma never blamed, looked back or accused anyone of anything. Her message has always been to move forward, live your life and make a difference because life is now and in front of us, not in the past. She is only one example of Haskell alumni that includes many of your own relatives, and now, this graduating class. Haskell students have distinguished themselves and compete academically with the best schools in the United States. The HINU Graduating Class of 2013 has have received a first class academic education at a university that stands head to head with any Graduating class in America, something we are all proud of. My wife and I received our degrees in 1983, 30 years ago almost to the day. And while much has changed, such as the onslaught of the information age, much has remained the same; Indians working together, competing against the outside, and creatively expressing the cultural traditions of our ancestors. We have never forgotten our origins, our values and the determination of our elders to survive and protect our ways, our Sovereignty. We work hard in many different ways and fields of endeavor at home and nationally. We are making Indian Country a better place. I look forward in seeing you new graduates carrying on the traditions of accomplishment , as your predecessor Haskell alumni as well as the cultural values of your ancestors. As the Chairman of the National Indian Gaming Association my work is to communicate to Senators and Congressional Representatives the significant Tribal contributions they make to the economies of the States in which they are located as well as to the state and local economies. It always surprises me to learn that many of these powerful and important people are unaware of the present day contributions of Indian Country to America’s economy. We have created 650,000 jobs nationwide and more than 300,000 jobs in Indian communities. Indian gaming revenues in 2012 were $27.2 billion the effect of which has spilled over into the local and state communities to the benefit of all. Since 1988, tribal gaming has generated hundreds of billions of dollars much of which has gone into state tax coffers from wages of gaming employees. The multiplier effect has brought many more benefits as more money is circulated in local and state commerce. Indian economies were traditionally not based on money but money has become part of the world we live in today. Many of you are here today as beneficiaries of this new prosperity. Some Tribes have been able to move their economies forward yet others continue to struggle and it is our duty, yours and mine, to help those who have been unable to take advantage for many reasons not within their control.
The challenge our ancestors faced is survival, it is the challenge each generation must face and you will now take your place in facing the challenge of survival. It won’t be easy; it never was but it is worth every effort we all make! Those who will follow will recognize and appreciate your efforts. Completing this stage of your education at Haskell is a major step on a long road in Indian Country. I would be remiss if I did not recognize the many other Tribal Colleges that are also sending their alumni on to graduate schools all over the United States. It is a measure of such progress that President Obama’s Secretary of Education, Arne Duncan was this year’s commencement speaker at the College of the Menominee Nation. Our success in making education a priority has not gone unnoticed and has been enthusiastically supported by the Obama administration and other non-Native friends. In closing I want to express my appreciation to my wife Cheryl Stevens for her invaluable support and who was one of the most dedicated student athletes I have ever known and a role model to our children and colleagues with whom she worked. Everything she learned on the court she applied to everyday life. Together, we raised 5 beautiful children and we are both extremely proud of them; Brandon, Ernest III, Margaret, Maria, and Lois, all graduates of Haskell Indian Nations University. Once again I must reiterate to all of today’s Graduates…you are making a difference in today’s world. So like so many before you go out and create change. Like Billy Mills told me, your whole life is in front of you. And as my Grandmother said when asked about the historical abuse she encountered in the boarding school era, that was then and this is now, we must look forward and continue build on a very powerful tradition in Indian Country, Indian people helping one another! I finished the speech with a quote from President Barack Obama from his commencement speech he made a week previous in Ohio. “We are blessed to live in the greatest nation on Earth. But we can always be greater. We can always aspire to something more. That doesn’t depend on who you elect to office. It depends on you, AS CITIZENS, how big you want us to be, how badly you want to see these changes for the better.” These words ring true for you as they did to the Ohio State graduates President Obama was addressing. In fact, they are more relevant for you. You are not only citizens of the United States, you are the citizens of your Tribes and the future of Indian Country!! Believe in yourself. Walk with confidence, draw on your strength, and live with honesty and integrity. Graduates, be proud of this day and of what you have achieved. Be proud of where you come from.
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THREE LEADERS WALK ON WILLIAM “BILL” HOULE, MARGE ANDERSON, AND DR. CLINTON PATTEA RECENTLY PASS.
On June 30th, 2013, Indian Country and the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa lost a truly visionary leader who was responsible for the creation and direction of the National Indian Gaming Association. William J. “Bill” Houle, 14 year Chairman of his Tribe, and the first Chairman of the National Indian Gaming Association, has entered the spirit world while surrounded by the loving presence of his family. Bill, a Navy veteran, served the people of the Fond du Lac Band as a Tribal Councilman and then as Chairman for over 20 years. He was cut from original style of tribal leadership that acted on principles of tribal sovereignty first and foremost. By protecting his Tribe’s sovereignty, he felt strongly that it would lead to improving the life of the people at Fond du Lac Reservation, where he himself had experienced tremendous poverty and hardship. Chairman Houle understood the importance of building a reservation economy to provide employment, health, housing and education to Indian people. He also knew of the importance of creating a discretionary source of revenue for tribal governments through development of tribal enterprises. From manufacturing to gaming, Chairman Houle fought to create business opportunities for all Indian people. Chairman Houle’s economic policies led to the Fond du Lac Band being the first Tribal Government to issue bonds under the Indian Tribal Government Tax Status Act. He also worked to have former reservation land placed into trust for gaming purposes long before the passage of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. Of course, those that knew Chairman Houle well, also know that he treasured his love of fishing. As Chairman he fought to protect the Tribe’s hunting and fishing rights under their 1837 and 1854 Treaties. Protecting the Fond du Lac Band members’ treaty rights also formed the basis for all tribes in Minnesota to protect similar rights under their treaties.
Under Bill Houle’s leadership the Fond du Lac Band started one of the first High Stakes Bingo facilities in Minnesota. This experience helped him serve on the BIA National Task Force to study Gaming on Indian Reservations in the early 80’s. Chairman Houle, and a handful of other leaders, were frustrated by the BIA’s lack of interest in establishing regulations to protect the budding gaming industry. Bill, the late Purcell Powless (Oneida of Wisconsin), Josephine Jackson (Saginaw Chippewa), James Billie (Seminole), Stan Jones (Tulalip), Rocco Knight (Rumsey Rancheria), Fred Thomas Sr., (Kansas Kickapoo) and Wisconsin Winnebago’s (now Ho-Chunk) Merlin Red Cloud decided to do something about it. This group met in December of 1985 at the Seminole Tribe’s Eden Roc hotel and decided to seek protective federal legislation for gaming on Indian lands. They needed an organization in Washington, D.C. to advance their quest for federal gaming legislation and they decided that new tribal entity should be the National Indian Gaming Association. With no money, no offices, and no infrastructure, Bill Houle took the reigns as NIGA’s first Chairman and saw the passage and adoption of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act in 1988. Without Bill Houle’s vision and willingness to step into a literal void, Indian gaming would not be where it is today. There could not have been a more experienced and resourceful leader in Country to step in at NIGA’s inception and lead this organization to the status it enjoys today. All of us at NIGA, past and present, are indebted to Chairman Houle’s leadership and steady presence at a time of great hostility towards Indian gaming and tribal sovereignty. As a family man and tribal leader, Chairman Houle exemplified the modern Indian Warrior and has shown us the importance of securing our economic future for the next generation of Indian leaders. Chairman Houle, you will be missed by all.
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The National Indian Gaming Association would also like to recognize the passing of Marge Anderson, Tribal Chief Executive of the Mille Lacs Band. In 1991, Marge Anderson was the first woman elected as Tribal Chief Executive of the Mille Lacs Band. During her tenure as Chief Executive, Anderson led the development of Grand Casino Mille Lacs and Grand Casino Hinckley and brought new schools, clinics, community centers, housing, a water treatment plant, and other infrastructure to her community. Her efforts strengthened tribal self-governance and increased her tribe’s self-sufficiency, which received national recognition. “We are saddened to hear of Marge’s passing. She was a leader who thought about building a good future for her people, and it paid off thanks to her,” NIGA Chairman Ernie Stevens Jr. said. “Marge was a national leader and personal mentor of mine. Her impact in strengthening sovereignty in Washington, DC will always be respected.” Similar to Chairman Houle, Marge also fought for their treaty rights at a time when there was great hostility in Minnesota towards tribal hunting and fishing rights. Anderson reasserted fishing and hunting rights on Mille Lacs Lake and in other parts of east-central Minnesota that were granted under the 1837 Treaty. In 1999, she led a celebration outside tribal headquarters when the Supreme Court declared that the fishing and hunting rights under the 1837 Treaty were still valid and had not been relinquished. Born, Marjorie Ann Davis on April 21, 1932, on the reservation, Anderson graduated from Onamia High School in 1952. Denied the opportunity to go to college, she eventually completed hundreds of hours in advanced skills training, workshops, and seminars and took on the cause of higher education for her people. Chairwoman Anderson was an authority on the history, traditions and culture of the Ojibwe and was fluent in the language. A fixture at NIGA’s annual Legislative Summits in D.C., Marge became a national figure, known throughout Minnesota, by federal officials in Washington, and by tribal leaders across the United States. “The members of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe have lost a great political leader and champion of tribal rights who will be remembered for generations to come,’’ said U.S. Rep. Betty McCollum, D-Minn. “Marge was an inspiration who dedicated her life to improving the lives of her community and Indian people all across this country.” Anderson is survived by her husband, Merlin Anderson, two children, six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Lastly, the National Indian Gaming Association would like to recognize the passing of Dr. Clinton M. Pattea, Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation tribal president. “We have lost a truly brilliant warrior and leader for all of Indian Country. No one symbolized the sovereignty of the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation better than my friend and mentor Dr. Clinton M. Pattea,” Chairman Stevens said. “He was a man with a huge heart, who loved his people and built a foundation of success through a diversified tribal economy and job creation. His fortified and steadfast leadership reminds us all how important it is to protect Tribal Sovereignty.” “I know we have all been touched by the legacy of Dr. Pattea and he will truly be missed. I am honored to have learned from this great warrior, leader, and teacher.” We will truly miss the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation tribal president and we will do our very best to carry on his legacy.” Integrity is what Dr. Pattea will be remembered for; a leader with 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 Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation, but through his unwavering accomplishments, for all of Indian country. During the time of his presidency, he stopped the construction of the Orme dam that would have flooded most of the Yavapai land, and he helped pave the way for legalized Indian gaming by leading a successful standoff against FBI agents who raided the tribe’s casino. These two incredible landmark events affirmed and strengthened the sovereign rights of his people. Pattea graduated from Northern Arizona University in 1959 with a bachelor’s in business and minor in art. The next year he first entered Fort McDowell’s Tribal Council. In 1970, he was appointed executive director of the Arizona Commission on Indian Affairs, a post he held for 16 years. Pattea held the position of tribal president longer than any other in Fort McDowell history. He has been awarded a number of honors including an honorary doctorate from Northern Arizona University. In 2008, the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University, Tempe, honored Frank Chaves, Richard Hill Sr., John James, Mark Macarro, Clinton Pattea and Ernest Stevens Jr. with the Pathbreakers Awards. The award recognized and honored the national contributions and accomplishments of those who positively impacted Indian gaming. In 2009, he was recipient of the Wendell Chino Humanitarian Award presented by the National Indian Gaming Association.
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KANSAS RECOGNIZES GOVERNMENT TO GOVERNMENT RELATIONS FIRST WEDNESDAY OF FEBRUARY WILL NOW BE NATIVE AMERICAN LEGISLATIVE DAY AT THE CAPITOL IN KANSAS Topeka, Kansas (May 20, 2013) - Jefferson Keel, president of the National Congress of American Indians, and Ernie Stevens, Jr., chairman of the National Indian Gaming Association, joined Kansas American Indian tribal leaders at the Kansas Capitol where a ceremonial signing of Senate Bill 111 will be signed by Kansas Governor Sam Brownback. Senate Bill 111 designates the first Wednesday of February 2014 and the first Wednesday of February each year thereafter as “Native American Legislative Day at the Capitol.” The bill also changes the title of “American Indian Day” to “Native American Day” which would continue to be recognized on the fourth Saturday of September. The Kansas Legislature passed the bill last April which some consider the first of its kind in the Nation. The bill marks the culmination of a series of efforts between the tribes in Kansas and the State in formally recognizing government to government relationships. President Jefferson Keel and Stevens were special guests of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation. Keel is in his second term as President of the National Congress of American Indians, the largest and oldest tribal organization in the country that is based in Washington DC. He is also in his fourth term as the Lieutenant Governor of the Chickasaw Nation and serves on numerous national boards including the Tribal Interior Budget Com-
(L to R) Chris Howell, tribal liaison for Governor Brownback’s office, Chairman Stevens, Ponka-we-Victors, Kansas District Representative who sponsored the bill, Chairman Ortiz and President Keel.
mittee, Tribal Law and Order Commission, and the Department of Health and Human Services Secretary’s Tribal Advisory Committee. Keel is a retired US Army officer with over 20 years of active duty service that included receiving a Bronze Star with “V” for valor and two purple hearts. Stevens has been the chairman and official spokesperson for the National Indian Gaming Association (NIGA) headquartered in Washington DC since 2001. In addition, Stevens is a former councilman of the Oneida Nation in Wisconsin and has also been an officer in NCAI. He presently sits on many executive boards including the Native American Rights Fund and the National Indian Telecommunications Institute. He is heavily involved with Native American youth and is active on the Native American Advisory Board for the Boys & Girls Club and the National Indian Child Welfare Association. He graduated from Haskell Indian Nations University in Lawrence and is a strong advocate of the school. For the last two years the Kansas tribes have been recognized by the Kansas Legislature at the State Capitol and this year Native American veterans were also honored as special guests. Kansas District 103 Representative PonkaWe Victors, Tohono O’odham, initiated the day-long event in 2012 after she was elected to office and was also the sponsor of the bill.
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2013 NIGA MID-YEAR CONFERENCE
SANDIA RESORT CASINO ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO
OCTOBER 29-30, 2013
Over the course of two days, attendees will receive the latest updates on Internet gaming, taxation of tribal benefits programs by the IRS, General Welfare Exclusion (GWE), Carcieri and Patchak decisions, NIGC’s new consultation policy, and information on the audits by IRS field agents. This is a perfect conference for Tribal Leaders, Administrators, Attorneys, Gaming Industry Executives, Managers, CEOs, Commissioners, and Economic Development and Gaming Boards. If you are interested in doing business with Indian gaming, this is the place for you! Registration is only $350 to attend. This includes access to the Tribal Leaders Membership Meeting, Training Seminars, the American Indian Business Network Reception, Dinner at the Awards Banquet and the Mini-Expo. We are still offering low rates at this one convenient location, the Sandia Resort Casino, owned and operated by the sovereign nation The Pueblo of Sandia! And don’t forget the Golf Tournament! REGISTER NOW AT: WWW.INDIANGAMING.ORG
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