The National Indian Gaming Association presents to Navajo Nation Council Spring Session
Chairman Ernie Stevens, Jr., and Jason Giles, Executive Director provided legislative and industry updates to the Navajo Nation Council during their annual Spring Session of the 2019 Navajo Nation Council in Window Rock, Arizona.
Window Rock, AZ – April 16, 2019 – National Indian Gaming Association Chairman Ernie Stevens addressed the 24th Navajo Nation Council on April 16, 2019, as part of their Spring Legislative Session at the historic Navajo Nation council chambers in Window Rock, Arizona. Through an invitation by the Navajo Nation Speaker, Seth Damon, Chairman Stevens provided a National Indian gaming report to the council. Chairman Stevens said, “The National Indian Gaming Association is proud to be at the forefront of educating and advocating on behalf of Indian gaming tribes across the country to ensure Congress has sound policies within the federal, tribal government to government relationship to advance the economic benefits that gaming brings to our communities.” “We appreciate the partnership that we have with the Navajo Nation and the influence that you bring, not only to the National Indian Gaming Association and our member tribes but to many other native organizations that continue to fight for tribal rights, to assert tribal rights regarding our sovereignty and self-determination. He added, “The Navajo Nation continues to be a powerful advocate in the nation’s capital; all tribes benefit from your leadership,” said Stevens. Chairman Stevens provided the 2018 Indian gaming industry report of revenues, overall direct and indirect jobs and the benefits produced through the industry. “In 2018, 252 tribal governments operated 488 gaming facilities in 28 states, helping Indian gaming grow to $33.8 billion in direct revenues and $5.3 billion in gaming-related ancillary revenues for a total of $39.1 billion in total revenues.” Stevens also commended the Navajo Nation Gaming Enterprises and the Navajo Nation Gaming Regulatory Agency for their commendable work towards the accomplishments of their tribal government properties and workforce. “Navajo Nation Gaming is a real example of what the success of tribal gaming is all about. You are building a strong workforce with the citizens of your Nation. The gaming enterprise employs nearly 1,200 full-time Team Members, 86% of whom are
Navajo, including over 72% of the management ranks. It is unprecedented.” As part of their visit to the Navajo Nation, Stevens visited the Navajo National Gaming Regulatory Office staff and management who were conducting an internal training on craps table game to identify cheats & scams. Stevens commended the regulators, “You represent a strong influence, protecting the gaming investment of the Navajo Nation. Your constant and regular impact on the National level with your continued presence and preparation at these training is to be commended.” Upon an invitation, Chairman Stevens traveled to the Twin Arrows Navajo Casino Resort near Flagstaff, Arizona, where he was a guest speaker at their quarterly Team Member Communications Meetings, which are mandatory sessions for all employees to stay current on key events and business initiatives that affect the Navajo Nation Gaming Enterprise (NNGE.) The event was conducted in two sessions, an early morning session and an afternoon session to accommodate the schedules of all of the employees. The sessions included over 500 Twin Arrows team members. Stevens said he was very impressed with the team energy. “It was exciting to see a room full of energetic employees, ready to participate as a team meeting at 7:00 am. I was so impressed; I canceled my travel schedule to spend the entire day in both sessions.” Navajo Gaming opened its first Navajo Casino on November 19, 2008 – Fire Rock Navajo Casino in Church Rock Chapter, near Gallup, New Mexico. The second Navajo Casino opened October 13, 2010 – Flowing Water Navajo Casino in Tsé Daak’áán Chapter, near Shiprock, New Mexico. The third Navajo Casino opened January 16, 2012 – Northern Edge Navajo Casino – in Upper Fruitland Chapter, near Farmington, New Mexico. The fourth Navajo Casino – Twin Arrows Navajo Casino Resort – is located in Leupp Chapter, near Flagstaff, Arizona. The Navajo Nation Gaming Enterprise is a Navajo Nation wholly- owned business entity created by the Navajo Nation in September 2006.
12 | INDIAN GAMING UPDATE - MID YEAR EDITION 2019
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