IGA HOSTS SUMMER LEGISLATIVE SUMMIT Discuss 2023 Legislative & Policy issues and impacts on Indian Country
Jackson Brossy, joins IGA leadership after meeting with tribal leadership at the 2023 Summer Legislative Summit. In photo (L-R) Ernie Stevens, Jr., IGA Chairman, Stephanie Bryant, Tribal Chair and CEO for the Poarch Creek Indians Andy Ebona, IGA Treasurer, Brossy, Seth Damon, Councilmember, the Navajo Nation, Denise Harvey, IGA Boardmember and David Z. Bean, Vice Chairman of IGA.
task force to respond to these repeated attacks on our sovereignty. Stevens said, “We immediately acted and are working together along with tribal leaders standing firm defending tribal sovereignty.” The task force is also included on the SLS agenda. Jason Giles, Executive IGA Executive Director, provided tribal leaders with an IGA 2023 legislative update, discussing many issues, including the recent debt ceiling fight, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), and the potential of a government shut-down in September. Giles said, “It is hard to see how they will avoid a shutdown due to the political climate.” Giles added, “Tribal governments need to be ready to provide critical emergency services because the possibility of a shutdown could impact tribes during the onset of colder weather, which is troubling.” Giles also provided updates on other issues, including the SLOT ACT, sports betting, and the Maverick Case. Representative Maggie Harrington (WY At-Large) joined the summit, providing Senate updates and continued commitment to Indian Country in her work as the interim chairperson of the subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs and Congress. Rep. Harrington impressed upon the importance of focusing on finding solutions to finding uses for land and economic development. She shared that HR56, currently in Congress,
Washington, D.C – July 18, 2023 – The Indian Gaming Association kicked off the 2023 Summer Legislative Summit today at the Stanley Crooks Tribal Leaders Conference Center in Washington, D.C., with the two-day legislative summit— the second onsite summit post-COVID-19 pandemic. The forum is designed for tribal leaders nationwide to discuss issues central to tribal communities and governments. Indian Gaming Association Chairman Stevens welcomed the leadership: “The Summer Legislative Summit is one of our most instrumental gatherings of tribal leadership at the Indian Gaming Association. It allows us to dialogue with the leadership at the Nation’s Capital, and more importantly, it is another opportunity to continue to educate this administration and Congress about the critical need of our tribal communities.” Stevens added, “With the political climate that Indian Country currently faces, we continue to stand ready to deal with our issues head-on, and that means educating, talking, meeting, and holding our ground with dignity and respect in protecting tribal sovereignty. We win the battle by standing together no matter what comes before us.” He also shared that because of these impressing issues facing the Indian country, tribal leaders called upon the National Congress of American Indians and the Indian Gaming Association were called upon to reactivate the NCAI/IGA
18 | INDIAN GAMING UPDATE - 2023 YEAR IN REVIEW
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