strengthen Native communities.” He added, “Over the past two years, our industry has shown remarkable perseverance and resiliency. The recent
the Mid-year event, including presentations topics such as “Arizona Sports Betting: One Year Later,”; “Remembering the Fort McDowell Raid,”; “A Deep Dive Into Class II
Gaming in Arizona,”; “What’s next for sports betting in California?”; “Arbitration Challenges with Gaming Compacts,”; “The Current State of Cannabis in Indian Country,” and “Integrating Your Online and Land- Based Gaming Products: Problems and Solutions.” The Indian Gaming Association also hosted an honoring luncheon recognizing several of Indian country’s leaders, first with the annual John Kieffer Sovereignty Award, presented to Veronica Homer, the former Vice- Chair, of the Colorado River Indian Tribe and the first Woman President of the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) and Henry Cagey, a senior council member of the Lummi Indian Business Council and formerly the Chairman of the Lummi Tribe. IGA also posthumously honored
“Over the past two years, our industry has shown remarkable perseverance and resiliency. The recent rebound of the Indian gaming industry from COVID-19 was no surprise to those who live and work in Indian Country.” “This tireless and meticulous work-built trust and confidence in our operations and led to an incredible post-pandemic resurgence for Indian gaming nationwide.” Ernie Stevens, Jr.
rebound of the Indian gaming industry from COVID-19 was no surprise to those who live and work in Indian Country.” “This tireless and meticulous work-built trust and confidence in our operations and led to an incredible post-pandemic resurgence for Indian gaming nationwide,” Stevens said. Indian gaming revenues topped $39 billion in 2021: an increase of 40 percent over 2020 and more than 13 percent over the record revenues generated in 2019. Chairman Stevens shared, “The Tribal Government gaming industry’s comeback is a resounding affirmation of Indian Country’s resilience and the
nationwide safety-first approach taken by Tribal leadership. While many are still on the mend, bringing folks back to our facilities in a safe, fun, and exciting way shows that we are moving our way back. The state of the Indian gaming industry is strong and growing stronger. But we cannot rest until all our tribal gaming properties are secure.” An array of the panel discussion was presented during
leaders from Fort McDowell with the Chairmans Leadership Award to two former leaders of the Fort McDowell Yavapai Community, the late Clinton Pattea, longtime President, and the late Gilbert Jones, Sr., also a former President. Family members from each accepted the awards on behalf of the two prominent Fort McDowell leaders.
The John Kieffer Sovereignty Award was presented to family & friends of Veronica Homer, former NCAI President who was not able to attend and Henry Cagey, former Chairman of the Lummi Tribe. Photos L-R: Henry Cagey accepting the honoring along side Danny Kieffer, son of the late John Kieffer and Greg Abrahamson, Spokane Tribal Council Member
10 | INDIAN GAMING UPDATE - OCT - DECEMBER 2022 EDITION
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