Indian Gaming Association and G2E Celebrate Indigenous People’s Day 2022 Global Gaming Expo
Las Vegas, Nevada– October 10, 2022 – Global Gaming Expo (G2E) 2022 officially kicked off its annual show on Monday at the Venetian Expo by recognizing Indigenous People’s Day and with a full day of panels and educational workshops, which included a track focusing on Indian gaming-related topics and issues. To celebrate Indigenous People Day, the keynote track at G2E hosted their first keynote address entitled “Honoring Indigenous Peoples’ Day: A Special Look at Tribal Gaming,” which included Indian Gaming Association Chairman Ernie Stevens, Jr., who moderated the session and panelists Holly Cook Macarro, Political Consultant & Strategic Advisor, Reid D. Milanovich, Chairman, Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians and the Honorable Ben Nighthorse Campbell, Former U.S. Senator, Colorado. Chairman Stevens opened the session by presenting his official Indigenous People’s address to attendees. Stevens said, “At its core, Indigenous People’s Day is an opportunity to tell the story not only of our perseverance but our essential contributions to this nation.” Steven noted, “It should be a well-known fact that our ancestors inspired the infrastructure of America’s early democracy.”
He added, “Countless advances in American medicine, agriculture, and engineering, without the influence of native healers, farmers, and thinkers, would not have been possible. It should be well known. It should be a well-known fact that our ancestors inspired the infrastructure of America’s early democracy. Of course, even before being recognized as United States citizens, Native men and women warriors have stepped up to protect and serve our nation. And this democracy is five times the national average.” He acknowledged the outstanding work of the Indian Gaming industry’s comeback post-COVID-19. “This pandemic rocked Indian Country to our core. From day one, Tribal Leaders put the health and safety of people and communities first.” Stevens added, “The safety-first approach fostered trust in our operations. While Indian gaming revenues fell for the first time since the great recession, our revenues topped $39 billion in 2021, beating our pre-COVID record revenue by more than 13 percent. This comeback is a resounding affirmation of the vision and approach to the pandemic taken by Tribal leadership. It also comes as no surprise to those who witness every day the tireless work of the Indian Gaming industry leaders.”
6 | INDIAN GAMING UPDATE - OCT - DECEMBER 2022 EDITION
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