Our Association has examined internet gaming and sports betting for two decades. We have built consensus positions backed by our mission to protect and preserve tribal sovereignty and IGRA. Tribal Governments must be able to access new technology to participate in the evolving gaming industry. The use of mobile gaming is part of this evolving industry. IGRA did not permit Indian Tribes to engage in gaming. Instead, IGRA acknowledged that Tribal Governments retain the inherent sovereign authority to engage in gaming, and IGRA simply codified this right. IGRA cannot be interpreted as an impediment to tribes that seek to modernize their gaming offerings. So, while we have so much to celebrate as we prepare to gather for Indian Gaming 2022, we have significant business to discuss with our Member Tribes and partners. The past two years highlighted our resilience and showed what is possible when Indian Country unites behind the common purpose of working together to build a better place for all generations to come. While it seems like this pandemic may be closer to being behind us, we must continue our resolve to do our part to defeat it. As a result, Indian Gaming 2022 will continue to follow stringent COVID-protection protocols outlined by the CDC and Orange County in California. This pandemic will be forever engrained in our stories. Like our ancestors before us, we will share the lessons learned with our future generations, so they are prepared to protect their communities. At the same time, we continue our work to strengthen our communities to guarantee that we are even more resilient to deal with future threats. As we successfully and safely did twice last year, we will bring our membership to the table to do the work necessary to continue to build our industry. We will honor those who led before as we gather for the Annual 2022 Indian Gaming Tradeshow and Convention on April 19-22, 2022, at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California. We have a dynamic event planned to include on Wednesday, April 20th, the Chairman’s Leadership Luncheon, where we will honor Chief Oren Lyons, a faith keeper of the Turtle Clan of the Onondaga Nation in New York, with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Indian Gaming will also present the annual cultural event where we will present the Rick Hill Tim Wapato Sovereign Warrior Award to former Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians Chairman Anthony Pico. I hope we see you there. Finally, my continued prayers go out to those impacted by this pandemic. I pray for the families and communities for those who have walked on, for the continued safety of medical professionals, caregivers, and first responders, and for the health, welfare, and safety of their tribal communities.
INDIAN GAMING - ANNUAL REPORT 2022 7
Made with FlippingBook - Online catalogs