ASU Indian Legal Program Called Upon To Accept Leadership Roles for Change Initiatives
National Indian Gaming Association Chairman Ernie Stevens, Jr., joins students at the Arizona State University’s Sandra Day O’Conner College of Law, downtown Phoenix, Arizona
Phoenix, AZ – April 08, 2019 – Wasting no time to make certain his focal points ensuring Tribal Sovereignty are crystallized loud and clear, National Indian Gaming Association (NIGA) Chairman Ernie Stevens Jr., immediately traveled to Phoenix, Arizona answering the call of a fellow Oneida Tribal Educator to speak at Arizona State University’s Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law that houses the prestigious Indian Legal Program. After National Indian Gaming Association member tribes recommitted their assurance in his abilities voting him in for his 10th consecutive 2-year term as their leader at the recent Indian Gaming Trade show & Convention in San Diego, Chairman Stevens hit the road honoring, speaking, and specifically calling to action the next Native legal generation to accept leadership roles as of now. Chairman Stevens said, “The message of my visit here with you is to ask for your commitment to be vocal and active on all fronts as of this very moment, to ensure all of the hard work our ancestors and great leaders laid as our foundation, take no steps backward!” The Chairman remarked that given the current state of Indian affairs and how federal administrative actions to hinder the progress of Indian Country require acceptance of advocacy and leadership roles immediately to prevent any further loss. Detailing his life lessons of service, the Chairman finished by offering support through local Tribal Members by asking and stating, “I extend my hand and call upon you to ask for help, as I cannot do it alone.” Stevens was joined by Gila River Indian Community Governor Stephen Lewis, who was recognized for his unwavering support of the Chairman and NIGA. ASU Indian Legal Program (ILP) Director, Kathleen “Kate” Rosier, then followed up the presentation and student luncheon with a tour of the brand new state of the art facility which also bears several NIGA Member Tribes named areas, demonstrating tribal support and commitment to the law school and the ILP.
The tour included a visit to the various high tech and interactive classrooms, digital student lounges, study halls, moot court and areas of real practice, and finally the glorious conference room and memorial office dedicated to the college’s namesake, Arizona resident and former United States Supreme Court Justice, the Honorable Sandra Day O’Connor. Chairman Stevens and Director Rosier concluded the day’s events with a commitment to engage in follow up visits to solidify initiatives that were introduced at the meeting and will be under development.
Chairman Stevens is joined by Gila River Indian Community Governor Stephen Lewis and Rich Breninger, Faculty Associate, ASU American Indian Studies
11 | INDIAN GAMING UPDATE - MID YEAR EDITION 2019
Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online