Board of Directors Meeting Monday, November 14 th , 2022 4:00 p.m. MST
1. Call to Order
Chairman Stevens
2. Invocation
3. Roll Call
4. Approval of Minutes: Board Meeting April 2022
5. Chairman’s Report 6. Executive Director’s Report a. Legislative Update
i. Congressional Update ii. Tribal Casino Issues for 2022
b. Membership Update
7. Treasurer’s Report
FY2023 Proposed Budget
8. Old Business
Branding Update
9. New Business
a. Consideration of Resolutions ( if any ) b. Proposed IGA Bylaw Updates
10. Announcements 11. Date of Next Board Meeting a. Tradeshow
March 26, 2023
12. Adjourn
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2022
Chairman Ernest L. Stevens Jr. Oneida Nation 224 Second Street Southeast Washington, DC 20003 (920) 857-3727 Fax: (920) 857-3716
Vice-Chairman David Z. Bean
Puyallup Tribe of Indians 3009 East Portland Avenue Tacoma, WA 98404 (253) 370-0166 davidzbean@gmail.com
Treasurer Andy Ebona
Douglas Village P.O. Box 240826 Douglas, AK 99824 (907) 209-2260 aebona@gmail.com
Secretary Paulette Jordan Coeur D’Alene (208) 818-7948 jordancoalition@protonmail.com pjordandistrict5@gmail.com
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2022
Alaska Delegate vacant
Eastern Delegate Michael Conners St. Regis Mohawk Margaret Terrance Memorial Way Akwesasne, NY 13655 (518)651-4142 Michael.Conners@srmt-nsn.gov Alternates: William Canella
Seneca Nation 90 Ohiyo Way Salamanca, NY 14779 (716)803-7959 william.canella@sni.org Robert McGhee Poarch Band of Creek Indians 5811 Jack Springs Road Atmore, AL 36502 (251) 368-9136 rmcghee@pci-nsn.gov
Eastern Oklahoma Delegate Matthew Morgan Chickasaw Nation 2020 Lonnie Abbott Blvd. Ada, OK 74820 (580) 272-7070 matthew.morgan@chickasaw.net Alternates: Jerry Lankford Miami Tribe P.O. Box 1326 Miami, OK 74354 (918)541-1300
jlankford@miamination.com
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2022
Craig Harper Peoria Tribe 1000 Buffalo Run Blvd. Miami, OK 74354 (918)542-7160 chiefharper@peoriatribe.com Billy Friend Wyandotte Nation 8 Turtle Drive Wyandotte, OK 74370 (918) 397-9059 (918) 678-2297 (office) bfriend@wyandotte-nation.org
Great Plains Delegate Collette Brown Spirit Lake Nation
7889 Highway 57 South Saint Michael, ND 58370 (701)230-5723 cbrown@spiritlakenation.com Alternate:
Bernardo Rogriguez Oglala Sioux Tribe Bernardorodriguezjr189@gmail.com
Midwest Delegate Brandon Yellowbird-Stevens Oneida Nation P.O. Box 365 Oneida, WI 54155 (920) 619-3177 bstevens@oneidanation.org Alternates: Alex Wesaw
Pokagon Band of Potawatomi 459 E. Stanton Ave. Columbus, OH 43214 Alex.Wesaw@pokagonband-nsn.gov cagraveratte@sagchip.org
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2022
Melanie Benjamin Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe
43408 Oodena Drive Onamia, MN 56359 (320) 390-2521 Melanie.benjamin@millelacsband.com
Navajo Delegate Seth Damon, Speaker P.O. Box 3390 Window Rock, AZ 86515 (928)871-7160 sdamon@navajo-nsn.gov Alternate:
Myron Lizer, Vice President P.O. Box 7440 Window Rock, AZ 86575 (928)871-7000 Myronlizer@navajo-nsn.gov
Northwest Delegate Denise Harvey The Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde
9615 Grand Ronde Road Grand Ronde, OR 97347 (503)879-2353 Denise.Harvey@grandronde.org
Pacific Delegate Mark Macarro, Chairman Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians P.O. Box 1477 Temecula, CA 92592 (951) 533-7000 mark@pechanga-nsn.gov
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2022
Alternates:
Rosemary Morillo Soboba Band P.O. Box 127 San Jacinto, CA 92581 (951) 634-8201 morillorosemary7@gmail.com Richard Jones Table Mountain Rancheria 6132 N. McCall Avenue Clovis, CA 93619 (559)704-7337 R8rsfandrj@comcast.net Gary Santos Tule River Tribe 289 South Reservation Road Porterville, CA 93257 (559) 361-6814 garygsantos1978@gmail.com
Rocky Mountain Delegate Lee Spoonhunter Northern Arapaho Tribe P.O. Box 396 Fort Washakie, WY 82514 (307) 349-4324 Lee.Spoonhunter@northernarapaho.com Alternates: Francine Dupuis
Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes P.O. Box 812 Pablo, MT 59855 (406)833-2221 fDupuis.90@gmail.com Fdupuis.90@gmail.com Jenni Wildcat Northern Arapaho Tribe P.O. Box 1760 Riverton, WY 80501 (307) 438-6033 jwildcat@windriverhotelcasino.com
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2022
Southern Plains Delegate Michael McLane Delaware Nation 32081 County Street 2720 Anadarko, OK 73005 Michael.J.Mclane@gmail.com
Southwest Delegate Stuart Paisano Pueblo of Sandia 481 Sandia Loop Bernalillo, NM 87004 (505) 238-5519 spaisano@gmail.com Alternate:
Idak Fierro Pueblo of Pojoaque 30 Buffalo Thunder Trail Santa Fe, NM 87506 lfierro@buffalothunder.com
Western Delegate Paul Russell Fort McDowell Yavaipai Nation
(480)789- 7201 P.O. Box 17779 Fountain Hills, AZ 85269 prussell@fmyn.org Alternates: Ned Norris
Tohono O’Odham Nation P.O. Box 22230 Tucson, AZ 85734 (520)342-2901 nnorris@ddcaz.com Jerome Kasey White Mountain Apache Tribe P.O. Box 700 Whiteriver, AZ 85941 Jeromekasey111@wmat.org.us
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2022
At-Large Greg Abrahamson Spokane Tribe PO Box 100 6195 Fond Wellpinit Road Wellpinit, WA 99040 (509) 458-6507 Fax: (509) 458-6553 gregabe@aol.com Rodney Butler Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation P.O. Box 3060 Mashantucket, CT 06338 (860)396-6133 rodneybutler@mptn-nsn.gov Stephen Lewis, Governor Gila River Indian Community
P.O. Box 97 Sacaton, AZ (520) 562-9845 executivemail@gric.nsn.us (Cc: ddesiderio@akingump.com) executivemail@gric.nsn.us Kevin Killer Oglala Sioux Tribe [No contact info provided]
Associate Member Delegates (Non-Voting) Russell Witt Director of Central Determinate Gaming Incredible Technologies rwitt@itsgames.com Chris Georgacas Chairman Goff Public chris@goffpublic.com
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BYLAWS OF THE NATIONAL INDIAN GAMING ASSOCIATION A District of Columbia Nonprofit Corporation As Amended {May 13, 2014}
1. Name. The name of this corporation is the National Indian Gaming Association (“NIGA”). 2. Offices of the Corporation. The principal office for the transaction of the activities and affairs of the National Indian Gaming Association (“principal office”) is located at 224 Second Street S.E., Washington, D.C. 20003. The Tribal Government Membership (“Tribal Membership”) may change the principal office from one location to another. Any change of location of the principal office shall be noted by the Secretary on the bylaws opposite this Section, or this Section may be amended to state the new location. 3. Purposes. 3.1 NIGA is a nonprofit mutual benefit corporation organized under the District of Columbia Nonprofit Corporation Act (the “Nonprofit Act”). The purpose of NIGA is to engage in any lawful act or activity for which a corporation may be organized under the Nonprofit Act. 3.2 The specific purposes for which NIGA is formed are those authorized under section 501(c)(6) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, including the following: A. To promote, protect and preserve the general welfare and interests of Indian tribes through the development of sound policies and practices with respect to the conduct of gaming activities in Indian country; B. To assist Indian tribes and the federal government by providing technical assistance relating to the Indian gaming industry wherever such assistance may benefit the common interests of NIGA members and the Indian gaming community generally; C. To disseminate information to the Indian gaming community, the federal government and the general public on issues related to the conduct of gaming in Indian country; D. To preserve and protect the integrity of gaming conducted in Indian country; and E. To maintain, protect and advocate Indian tribal sovereignty. 3.3 The purposes of NIGA will be implemented and promoted through conferences, projects and programs for the Indian gaming industry, consultation with and dissemination of information to tribal governments, Indian gaming enterprises, businesses involved in the Indian gaming community, and governments having an interest in Indian gaming, and appearances before public bodies. 4. Policies. The following are policies of NIGA: A. NIGA shall be nonprofit, nonsectarian, and nonpartisan.
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B. The name of NIGA or of any member or member’s representative in their capacity as such, or of any official or representative of NIGA, shall not be used in connection with any commercial concern or for any purpose not appropriately related to the authorized promotion of NIGA purposes. All use of such names, except for identification purposes, must be approved by NIGA prior thereto. C. All members will be encouraged to abide by any Code of Ethics adopted by the NIGA Tribal Membership. Classes, Qualifications and Rights of Membership. 5.1 The Association shall have two classes of members, designated as follows: Member Tribes and Associated Members. Only Member Tribes shall be entitled to vote. 5.2 A voting membership in NIGA as a Member Tribe shall be open to any federally recognized tribe, community, rancheria, colony, pueblo, band, nation, or other federally recognized tribal group or community of Indians (“Tribe” herein). A Tribe desiring to become a member shall present to the Secretary of NIGA, in writing, a resolution or other authority of the Tribe’s governing body committing itself to the purposes and policies of the NIGA Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws and designating a representative of the Tribe to attend meetings of the Tribal Membership. A Member Tribe may designate alternates to represent it, but each Member Tribe shall have only one vote. Members Tribes shall have the right to vote on the election of officers, the disposition of all or substantially all of the Association’s assets, any merger and its principal terms and any amendment of those terms, election to dissolve the Association, any other business duly brought before the Tribal Membership. Member Tribes shall have all rights afforded members under the Nonprofit Act. Upon payment of the dues and approval of the application by the Board of Directors, such applicant shall become a Member Tribe. 5.3 In order to further the purposes and policies of NIGA and in recognition of the valuable technical expertise and knowledge which is available in the gaming industry generally, NIGA shall have a class of membership known as “Associate Members.” NIGA Associate Members may attend meetings of the Tribal Membership on invitation of the Tribal Membership only, but may not vote. The Association may refer to such persons or entities as “members” even though those persons or entities are not voting members of NIGA. 5.4 Any person or business desiring an Associate Membership shall complete an application in the form prescribed by the Board of Directors and shall be recommended and sponsored by no less than one (1) Member Tribe involved in gaming. All persons or entities involved in the Indian gaming industry shall be eligible to apply for membership as Associate Members provided they fulfill the requirements set forth above and meet the following criteria: A. Support gaming by Indian tribes as a means of promoting tribal economic development, self-sufficiency, and strong tribal governments; B. Is not a person or entity whose prior activities, criminal record, if any, or reputation, habits or associations pose a threat to the public interest or to the effective regulation of gaming, or create or enhance the dangers of unsuitable, unfair, or illegal practices and methods in activities in the conduct of gaming or the carrying on of the business or financial arrangements incidental thereto:
5.
C.
Commit themselves or itself to the NIGA Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws; and
D.
Pay the required initiation fee.
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5.5 All applications for Associate Membership shall be submitted to the Board of Directors on the membership application form prescribed by the Board of Directors. The names and addresses of such applicants shall be circulated among all Members Tribes by the Secretary within ten (10) days after receipt thereof, with an invitation that Members Tribes provide the Board of Directors, through the NIGA Secretary, with comments on the application. In connection with any application, the Board of Directors may conduct an examination and investigation of the applicant and request any additional information which it deems necessary. The application shall be acted upon by the Board of Directors within sixty (60) days after notice to the Member Tribes has been completed, as follows: the Board of Directors shall either approve or reject the application, In the event the application is approved, the applicant shall become a member thirty (30) days after such approval unless there is written opposition filed with the Secretary by a Member Tribe within such time period, in which event the Board of Directors shall review its approval in light of such objection. The Board of Directors shall determine the basis of the objection and may seek further information with respect thereto. If the Board of Directors again approves the application, it shall notify all objecting Members Tribes which shall have ten (10) days to request a meeting of the Tribal Membership. Such meetings shall be noticed and held in accordance with Section 8 herein. The Tribal Membership may approve or reject the application, and its decision shall be final. Any rejected applicant may reapply after six (6) months has elapsed from the submission date of any prior application. In the event an applicant is rejected by the Board of Directors, or no action has been taken on the application within said sixty (60) day period, the applicant will be granted an opportunity to be heard by the Tribal Membership on request of the applicant’s sponsoring Tribal Member(s). The disposition of any application for an Associate Membership shall be subject to the sole discretion of NIGA and is not subject to review by any court or other tribunal. 5.6 An initial certificate of membership will be provided to each Member Tribe and Associate Member upon approval of the membership application as set forth above and payment of the annual membership dues. Dues, Fees and Assessments 6.1 Each member must pay, within the time and on the conditions set by the Tribal Membership, the amounts to be fixed from time to time by the Tribal Membership. 6.2 The annual dues for Member Tribes shall be as follows: A. Tribes Not Engaged in Gaming: $800 B. Tribes Engaged in Gaming with gross revenues of less that $10 Million annually: $1500 C. Tribes Engaged in Gaming with gross revenues of $10 Million or more annually and less than $25 Million annually: $3500 D. Tribes Engaged in Gaming with gross revenues of $25 Million or more annually and less than $50 Million annually: $7500 E. Tribes Engaged in Gaming with gross revenues of $50 Million or more annually and less than $100 Million annually: $15,000 F. Tribes Engaged in Gaming with gross revenues of $100 Million or more annually: $25,000 As used herein, the term “gross revenues” shall mean all gaming revenues less prizes and payouts. All dues are payable on January 1 of each year, and shall be delinquent if not paid by February 28 of that
6.
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year. Late dues payments shall be accompanied by a late payment fee of 10% of the amount due. All dues for new members shall be prorated based on the portion of the year remaining when the application for membership is accepted. 6.3 The annual dues for Associate Members shall be set for the subsequent year by the Board of Directors during the Mid-Year meeting or shall remain the same for the following year if not adjusted at the Mid-Year meeting. 6.4 Those members who have paid the required amounts in accordance with these bylaws and who are not suspended shall be deemed to be in good standing. 7. Termination and Suspension of Membership 7.1 A membership shall terminate upon occurrence of any of the following events: A. Resignation of the member; B. Expiration of the period of membership, unless the membership is renewed; C. Failure of the member to pay such amounts as set by the Tribal Membership, within sixty (60) days after they become due and payable; D. Occurrence of any event which renders the member ineligible for membership, including the failure to satisfy membership qualifications; or E. Expulsion of the member under these bylaws based on a good faith determination by the Tribal Membership that the member has failed in a material and serious degree to observe the NIGA articles of incorporation or bylaws, or has engaged in conduct materially and seriously prejudicial to the purposes or policies of NIGA. 7.2 Members shall be given thirty (30) days prior notice of any proposed expulsion or suspension. Notice shall be given by any method reasonably calculated to provide actual notice, but shall include, at a minimum, notice as required for an annual meeting. Such member shall be given an opportunity to be heard, either orally or in writing, at least five (5) days before the due date of the proposed expulsion or suspension. The Tribal Membership shall decide whether or not the member shall be suspended, expelled or sanctioned in some other way. The decision of the Tribal Membership shall be final. Any action challenging an expulsion, suspension or termination of membership, including a claim alleging defective notice, must be commenced within six (6) months after the date of the expulsion, suspension or termination. 8. Meetings of the Tribal Membership 8.1 NIGA shall have at least one meeting approximately every six months and such other meetings as the Tribal Membership or Board of Directors as provided herein shall deem necessary. One Tribal Membership meeting per year shall be held during the Tradeshow and Conference and shall be deemed to be the NIGA annual meeting at which the election of officers shall take place. The Tribal Membership shall be given written notice of not less than thirty (30) days prior to such annual meeting of the date and place of such meeting. 8.2 Meetings of the Tribal Membership other than the annual meeting may be called by the Chairman, the Board of Directors, or one third of the Member Tribes.
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8.3 Thirty percent (30%) of the Tribal Membership, present in person, shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. All business items requiring a vote by Tribal Membership shall be noticed not less than thirty (30) calendar days prior to the first day of the NIGA Tradeshow and Conference Tribal Membership meeting. All noticed business items shall be placed on the first day agenda and voted on after the establishment of a quorum. Once established, a quorum remains in effect until the meeting is adjourned or until a quorum is lost pursuant to a quorum call. 8.4 Roberts Rules of Order shall govern procedures at all meetings of the Association where they are not in conflict with these bylaws. 8.5 Meetings shall be held at such times and places as the Tribal Membership, if it calls the meeting, or the Board of Directors, if called by it, or the Chairman, deems appropriate. 8.6 Except as otherwise set forth herein, notice of any meeting shall be in writing and shall be given at least fifteen (15) business days but no more than ninety (90) days, before the meeting date. As used in these bylaws, a “business day” shall mean any day between Monday and Friday, inclusively, but excluding federal holidays. The notice shall be given either personally or by telecopier with confirmation by registered or certified mail, or by said registered or certified mail, and shall be addressed to each member entitled to vote, at the address of that member appearing on NIGA’s books or at the address given by the member to the corporation for purposes of notice. If no address appears on NIGA’s book and no address has been so given, notice shall be deemed to have been given if either (1) notice is sent to that member by the means set forth above to the member’s principal office as identified by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and (2) notice is published at least once in a newspaper of general circulation in the county in which the principal office of said Member is located. Notice shall be deemed made upon receipt except in the case of publication, in which event service shall be deemed to have commenced upon such publication. 8.7 Voting may be by voice or ballot, except that any election of officers must be by secret ballot. 8.8 Each voting member shall be entitled to cast one vote, through its designated representative, on each matter submitted to a vote of the members. Member Tribes must be present to vote and may not cast their vote through representatives of other Member Tribes, i.e., there shall be no proxy voting. 8.9 If a quorum is present, the affirmative vote of the majority of the voting power represented at the meeting, entitled to vote and voting on any matter, shall be the act of the members, unless the vote of a greater number of voting by classes is required by the Nonprofit Act, the articles of incorporation, or herein. 8.10 Member Tribes may send delegations to Tribal Membership meetings consisting of duly authorized representatives, alternates and anyone else who would be eligible to be an authorized representative. Tribal delegations to meetings of the Tribal Membership shall not exceed five (5) persons unless specifically authorized by the Tribal Membership. The presence of any authorized representative or designated alternate of a Member Tribe at a meeting of the Tribal Membership shall constitute the presence of such member at that meeting. 8.11 A member’s attendance at a meeting constitutes a waiver of notice of and presence at that meeting, unless the member objects at the beginning of the meeting to the transaction of any business because the meeting was not lawfully called. Attendance at a meeting is not a waiver of any right to object to the consideration of matters required to be included in the notice of the meeting but not so included, if that objection is expressly made at the meeting.
9.
Corporate Powers Vested in the Tribal Membership
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9.1 Subject to the provisions and limitations of the Nonprofit Act and any other applicable laws, and subject to any limitations in the articles of incorporation and bylaws regarding actions that require the approval of the members, NIGA’s activities and affairs shall be managed, and all corporate power shall be exercised, by or under the direction of the Tribal Membership. 9.2 Without prejudice to the general powers set forth in the articles of incorporation and herein, but subject to the same limitations, the Tribal Membership shall have the power to do all things necessary to transact the affairs of NIGA, including but not limited to the power, either directly or through officers and agents of NIGA, to: A. Appoint and remove NIGA agents, consultants, representatives, professionals, and employees; prescribe powers and duties for them consistent with the law, the articles of incorporation and these bylaws; fix their compensation; and require from them security for faithful performance of their duties. B. Change the principal office from one location to another; cause NIGA to be qualified to conduct its activities on any reservation or in any state, territory, dependency or country;
C.
Adopt and use a corporate seal; prescribed the forms of membership certificates; alter the forms of the seal and certificates; Borrow money and incur indebtedness on behalf of NIGA; cause to be executed and delivered for its purposes, in the corporate name, promissory notes, bonds, debentures, deeds of trust, mortgages, pledges, hypothecations, and other evidences of debt and securities; and Open bank accounts; protect and invest NIGA assets; and enter into contracts, trusts, agreements and other transactions for and on behalf of NIGA.
D.
E.
10.
Board of Directors 10.1
The Board of Directors shall consist of the officers identified in Section 11.1 and elected in accordance with Section 11.2 (“Officers”), and such other Member Tribes, elected as regional representatives in accordance with Section 10.4. 10.2 Subject to any limitations imposed by these bylaws or by a vote of at least 75% of the Member Tribes voting in person at any meeting of the Tribal Membership, in the intervals between Tribal Membership meetings, the Board of Directors shall have the powers and authority to act as if it was the full Tribal Membership in order to transact any and all business and implement any of the purposes of the corporation. 10.3 Notices, meeting and voting of the Board of Directors shall be governed similarly to those rules applicable to the Tribal Membership meeting, except that (a) the notice period may be reduced by approval of a majority of the Board of Directors; (b) such meetings may be by telephone conference call; and (c) sixty percent (60%) of the Board of Directors, present in person (or if by telephone, on line) shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. 10.4 The Member Tribes from each NIGA region, as defined in Appendix A, with at least one (1) or more Member Tribes in good standing, shall select a regional representative from each region, regardless of whether one or more Officers is from such region, so that at all times the Board of Directors, other than the Officers, shall have among its members at least one representative from each such region (“Regional Representatives”). The Regional Representatives shall be selected by a majority vote of Member Tribes from such region, according to rules of notice and election which are similar to those set forth in paragraph 11.8 hereof. The Member Tribes from the region
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may also elect additional alternates to serve in the absence of the elected regional representative or first alternate. Each region shall be entitled to cast one vote on each matter submitted to a vote of the Board of Directors. Until such time as ratified; the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Regions will remain in effect. 10.5 In addition to those Board of Director members selected in accordance with the foregoing, the Officers may appoint up to four (4) additional members of the Tribal Membership to serve as at- large members on the Board of Directors if such Officers, voting as a group, determine such appointments to be in the best interest of NIGA. 10.6 No person shall be eligible to serve on the Board of Directors unless such person meets the qualifications set forth in section 11.4 of these bylaws. 10.7 NIGA shall be officially notified of such selection by receipt of a resolution of the Member Tribes of the region certifying that such election had been held in accordance with these bylaws and qualifying the representative and alternates, if any, as meeting the qualifications necessary to serve on the Board of Directors. The Officers of NIGA shall consist of a Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, Secretary and Treasurer, no two of which offices may be held by the same person. The four elected Officers shall comprise the Executive Committee, which shall exercise such authority as may be granted by the Board of Directors. 11.2 Officers shall be elected at the NIGA annual meeting by a majority vote of the Member Tribes eligible to vote. 11.3 Officers shall assume their official duties before the close of the meeting at which they were elected and shall serve for a term of twenty-four (24) months or until the election and qualification of their successors, except that the first term of the Vice- Chairman and the Treasurer elected under the effect of this bylaw as amended to increase the term from twelve (12) months to twenty- four (24) months, shall be one (1) year. 11.4 No person shall be eligible to be an Officer or member of the Board of Directors (including any alternate to a regional representative) unless such person is the designated representative of a Member Tribe to the Tribal Membership and is an enrolled member of a Tribe. 11.5 A vacancy in the office of the Chairperson shall be automatically filled by the Vice-Chairperson for the unexpired term of the Chairperson’s office. Vacancies occurring in other Offices shall be filled for the unexpired term by a person elected by the Tribal Membership, notice of such election having been given in accordance with paragraph 11.8. Any successor, whether permanent or temporary, elected to fill a vacancy, must have the same eligibility qualifications of regional diversity among the officers, as set forth in paragraph 10.1, above. 11.6 Officers may be removed for cause by the Tribal Membership by a majority vote. 11.7 Officers may resign by submitting a written resignation subject to acceptance by the Tribal Membership. 11.8 Officers and Their Election 11.1 The Board of Directors shall nominate qualified candidates for election as Officers at least 120 days before the date of any election meeting. At least 90 days before the date of the election, the Secretary shall forward to each Member, with the notice of meeting, a list of all candidates nominated under this Section. Any three (3) Member Tribes may also submit nominations for
11.
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Officers to the NIGA Secretary in the same manner as the Board of Directors, and the Secretary shall give notice of such nominations in like manner. In addition, nomination by any Member Tribe may be made from the floor at any meeting at which an election for such Officer’s position is being held, upon motion duly made and seconded. 11.9 The election of Officers shall be held as the first order of business after the lunch break on the second day of the annual meeting. In the event the annual meeting is scheduled to be a one-day event, the election shall be held after lunch on the first day. An Executive Director may be appointed and removed by the Tribal Membership upon the recommendation of the Board of Directors and shall serve in such position as an Officer and be entitled to participate in all NIGA functions, but shall not be entitled to vote in those matters, requiring a vote of the Tribal Membership, the Board of Directors, or the Officers. 12.2 Executive Director 12.1 The Executive Director shall be responsible for the day-to-day administration of NIGA and shall execute the policies and programs established by the Tribal Membership and the Board of Directors in accordance with the directives received there from and shall perform such other duties and assume such other responsibilities as may be directed by the Board of Directors and the Tribal Membership. The Chairperson shall preside at all NIGA meetings, shall sign all contracts and official documents duly authorized by NIGA, and shall perform such other duties as usually pertain to the office of the Chairperson, including but not limited to duties as may be delegated to him by the Tribal Membership and Board of Directors. 13.2 The Vice-Chairperson shall perform the duties of the Chairperson in the absence or disability of that officer to act, and shall perform such other duties as the Tribal Membership or the Chairperson shall direct. 13.3 The Secretary shall attend, and keep the minutes of, the meetings of the Tribal Membership and Board of Directors and shall perform such other duties as usually pertain to the Office of Secretary. Such minutes will be executed within thirty (30) days or before the next meeting of the Tribal Membership and Board of Directors, whichever first occurs. 13.4 The Treasurer shall have the ultimate custody and control of, and responsibility for, all NIGA funds and securities and shall deposit same in such bank or depository as the Tribal Membership shall, by resolution, so direct; shall keep a full and accurate account of all monies received and paid on account of the Association; and shall have such other duties as usually pertain to the office of Treasurer or such other duties as may be assigned by the Tribal Membership. Thirty (30) days before any semi-annual meeting of the Tribal Membership as set forth in paragraph 8.1 above, the Treasurer shall cause a financial report to be distributed to each Member Tribe. Duties of Officers 13.1
12.
13.
14. Membership Records The Secretary shall keep or cause to be kept, at the corporation’s principal office or at a place determined by resolution, a record of the corporation’s members, showing each member’s name, address, and class of membership. Similar information shall be maintained with respect to each official tribal representative and alternate as certified in paragraph 5.2 above. 15. Books of Account
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As Amended May 13, 2014
The Treasurer shall keep and main or cause to be kept and maintained, at the principal office of NIGA, adequate and correct books and accounts of its properties and transactions. The Treasurer shall send or cause to be given to the Member Tribes and directors such financial statements and reports as are required by law, by these bylaws, or by the Tribal Membership, Board of Directors, or Executive Committee to be given. The books of account shall be open to inspection by any Member Tribe at all reasonable times. 16. Right of Indemnity 16.1 For the purpose of this section, “agent” means any person who is or was a director, officer, employee or other agent of NIGA or its predecessor unincorporated association; “proceeding” means any threatened, pending or completed action or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative; “expenses” includes without limitation attorneys’’ fees and any expenses of establishing a right to indemnification under this section; and “person” includes any entity. 16.2 NIGA shall indemnify any officer, director, employee or Member Tribe of NIGA who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to an proceeding (other than an action by or in the right of NIGA to procure a judgment in its favor, any action for self-dealing, or an action for any breach of duty relating to NIGA assets) by reason of the fact that such person is or was an agent of NIGA, against expenses, judgments, fines, settlements and other amounts actually and reasonably incurred in connection with such proceeding if such person acted in good faith and in a manner such person reasonably believed to be in the best interests of NIGA and, in the case of a criminal proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe the conduct of such person was unlawful. The termination of any proceeding, whether by judgment, settlement, plea or otherwise, shall not create any presumptions with respect to the aforesaid issues relating to good faith, reasonable belief, best interests of NIGA or reasonable cause regarding unlawful conduct. 16.3 With respect to proceedings brought by or in the right of NIGA, such persons shall be indemnified for expenses, but not otherwise, which are actually and reasonably incurred in connection with the defenses or settlement of such proceeding if such person acted in good faith, in a manner such person believed to be in the best interests of NIGA and with such care, including reasonable inquiry, as an ordinary prudent person in a like position would use under similar circumstances, provided that if such person is found liable, the tribunal before which such proceeding is pending makes a determination upon all the circumstances of the case that such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for the expenses which such tribunal shall determine.
17.
Fiscal Year The fiscal year of the Association shall be January 1 through December 31.
18.
Amendments 18.1
The NIGA articles of incorporation and these bylaws may be amended or revised at any regular meeting of the Tribal Membership by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Member Tribes present and voting, provided that thirty (30) days prior written notice of the meeting together with a copy of the proposed amendment shall have been given to all members. 18.2 A committee may be appointed to prepare and submit any amendments or revisions to the articles of incorporation or bylaws upon a majority vote of Member Tribes present and voting. 19. Sovereign Immunity of Members
Bylaws of the National Indian Gaming Association
Page 9
As Amended May 13, 2014
Nothing in the articles of incorporation or bylaws of NIGA or any other documents thereof, or by virtue of membership in NIGA, shall act or is intended or may be interpreted as a waiver of the sovereign rights or immunities of NIGA or any of its members, or of its or their officers, directors, members, agents or representatives, of any rights or privileges secured thereto by any treaty, executive order or any other laws of the United States of America, any state, or any law of nation. 20. Effective Date This document shall become effective upon its ratification and approval by the majority vote of the members of the Tribal Membership present and voting, which vote of ratification and approval and the adoption of these bylaws is indicated by the execution herein below by the NIGA Chairman and Secretary. Bylaws adopted as amended by a quorum of the Tribal Membership at a duly held membership meeting in San Diego, California, this 13 th day of May, 2014.
s/
s/
Ernest L. Stevens, Jr., Chairman
Bernadine Burnette, Secretary
Bylaws of the National Indian Gaming Association
Page 10
As Amended May 13, 2014
Board of Directors Meeting Monday, April 18, 2022
1. Call to Order Meeting was called to Order at 5:48PM Seneca nation update- President Pagels. Asking for assistance in how to create a better path for those who don’t have a good
relationship with the State in which the tribe is located. We need help to amend IGRA or have a policy of intervening when negotiations go sour. Bad faith negotiating is wheat I will be facing for the next 16 months. I need to have a reasonable, rational discussion with the state. Chairman - We are willing to help and support the sovereign tribal governments in NY. Mark Macarro-I have been watching your efforts, is the solution you are looking at going to open IGRA. My tribe opposes opening IGRA. We will oppose any effort. Most of the Tribes in CA are in agreement. I think we can align interest in mobile gaming. We wish you the best of luck. I don’t want us to get in a situation where we are split. Pagels -They are continuing to chip away at exclusivity in my area and we appreciate your well wishes. Presentation by Sponsors AARP- Marshall Sourjohn 405-757-8600 Urban tribal programs food security, community gardens, Get out the vote.
2. Invocation 3. Roll Call
Ernie Stevens Dave Bean Andy Ebona
Paulette Jordan Robbie McGhee Matthew Morgan Bernardo Rodriguez Jr. Brandon Stevens
Denise Harvey Mark Macarro
Page 1 of 5
Gary Santos Jenni Wildcat Paul Russell Greg Abrahamson
Kevin Killer Russell Witt Chris Gregorcas Stuart Paisano Lee Spoonhunter 4. Approval of Minutes: Board Meeting November 2021 A motion was made to approve the Minutes by David Bean, seconded by Andy Ebona. Motion passed unanimously.
5. Chairman’s Report
a. State of the Tribal Gaming Industry In The Biden Administration b. 2022 Anaheim Tradeshow Highlights and Events
6. Executive Director’s Report a. Legislative Update
i. Congressional Update ii. Tribal Casino Issues for 2022
b. Membership Update A motion was made to approve the Chairman’s Report and Executive director’s Report by Andy Ebona, seconded by Kevin Killer. Motion passed unanimously. 7. Treasurer’s Report FY2021 Audit Grant Eve - Indian Gaming Association was issued a clean unmodified audit opinion. In 2020 Indian Gaming had a modified opinion, that has been corrected. Joe Eve - No findings or recommendations on spending. Please review the Statement of financial position. Working capital made a 2.5 million comeback. Indian Gaming Association is a very good position going into 2022. A motion was made to approve the Treasurer’s Report and Audit Report by Greg Abrahamson, seconded by Kevin Killer. Motion passed unanimously. 8. Old Business Association Name Change Update
Page 2 of 5
Jason Giles-Please see the memo by general counsel. ESJ - I want to Thank Vice Chairman Yellow Bird-Stevens for holding us accountable. Mark Macarro to move forward with name change to Indian Gaming Association, seconded by Kevin Killer. Motion passed without opposition. 9. New Business a. Sovereign Gaming Nations Award Andy Ebona - From the first announcement of the COVID-19 National Public Health Emergency, the National Indian Gaming Association team sprang into action. Congress was considering what to do in March 2020, and our Team requested: • Tribal Government inclusion in State-Local-Tribal Government Grant Relief, • Grants for Impacted Businesses; and • Low or No Interest Loans for Impacted Businesses. Indian Gaming Association approached the Senate, House and Administration on a Bi-Partisan Basis. Together with our sister organizations, we also promoted Federal Emergency Funding for BIA, IHS, FEMA and Transportation programs. In the Senate, Republicans promoted the Paycheck Protection Program—Small Business Relief through SBA and Indian Gaming Association promoted inclusion for Tribal Businesses. Congress included an Expanded Eligibility Rule for “Any Tribal Business” with up to 500 employees. Hotels were treated as separate businesses if they had separate management, yet, upon implementation, SBA declared that it would limit PPP to businesses that earned no more than 33% of their revenue from legal gambling. Our National Indian Gaming Team protested because the expanded rule of eligibility that Congress enacted to deal with National Public Health Emergency said: “Any Tribal Business.” Ultimately, our Team rallied Indian country Governors, Senators, and Congressman and the Treasury Department worked with the SBA to drop the limitation regarding legalized gambling in the Paycheck Protection Program. As a result, our Member Nations and Tribes were able to access the PPP funds for small Indian gaming facilities. With the public health closures caused by COVID-19, the PPP funds were important to maintain employees and facilities until they could re-open. In the House, our National Indian Gaming Team coordinated with NCAI to promote the $20 Billion Tribal Government Set-Aside from the State-Local-Tribal COVID-19 Relief Fund. Speaker Pelosi put forward a proposal for SLT Relief that included $10 Billion for COVID-19 funding. Led by Chairman Stevens, Executive Director Giles, and Deputy Director Danielle Her Many Horses, our National Indian Gaming Association Team sprang into action to promote retaining the full $10 Billion for our Tribal Governments in the CARES Act. Over the course of the coming days, working together with our Member Tribes and our sister organizations, the National Indian Gaming Team was successful in securing $8 Billion in funding for Tribal Governments in the CARES Act. In a surprise maneuver, without consultation, the Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs promoted treatment of Alaska Native Corporations as Indian Tribes and Tribal Governments. Our Team objected
Page 3 of 5
and coordinated with NCAI and NARF on the filing of amicus curiae briefs, prevailing in the Court of Appeals prior to a twisted and tortured Supreme Court decision that allowed for such treatment. At the same time, our National Indian Gaming Team once again promoted $20 Billion for Tribal Gov’t Relief in the American Rescue Plan. In the famous 12-hour delay during the deliberation on the American Rescue Plan, the Senate included the following criteria for Tribal Government Relief: a) To respond to the public health emergency or its negative economic impacts, including assistance to households, small businesses, and nonprofits, or aid to impacted industries such as tourism, travel, and hospitality; b) To respond to workers performing essential work during the COVID-19 public health emergency by providing premium pay to eligible workers; c) For the provision of government services to the extent of the reduction in revenue due to the COVID–19 public health emergency relative to revenues collected in the most recent full fiscal year prior to the emergency; and d) To make necessary investments in water, sewer, or broadband infrastructure. Treasury’s final rule provided further detail on eligible uses of funds and provided state, local, and Tribal governments substantial flexibility to determine how best to use payments from the SLFRF program to meet the needs of their communities. With clear and consistent messaging, the National Indian Gaming Team and our Member Tribes advocated for maximum Indian Self-Determination in the allocation of funds, sought authority to use funds to replace lost revenues, and aid for impacted industries, such as hospitality. Congress responded to the urgency of Indian country’s needs, and fully funded our request for $20 Billion in Tribal Government Rescue Plan Funding. Together with our Member Tribes, our National Indian Gaming Team sought and secured clarification that the American Rescue Plan applied to Indian Tribes on the Federally Recognized Indian Tribe List Act. We were successful. Given the many successes of our National Indian Gaming Association Team, including our leadership, staff, consultants and most importantly, our Member Tribes. We felt that it was important to memorialize these achievements through a new Sovereign Gaming Nations Award. The famed sculptor George Rivera has sculpted “Lightning Boy,” in memory of his son Valentino Rivera, who journeyed to the Spirit World in 2016. Valentino was an outstanding Hoop Dancer, seen here in the Eagle Formation, and the Hoop represents the Sacred Circle of Life, which we seek to promote now and unto the 7 th Generation. This Sovereign Gaming Nations Award, representing our Tribal Cultural Renewal and our Nation and Community efforts to safeguard our People now and in the future, will find its home at the National Indian Gaming Headquarters Tribal Leaders Center. We thank all of our Member Tribes for strongly advocating, clearly messaging, and consistently promoting Indian nations as inherent sovereign Tribal Governments. Together, we will prevail.
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Special thanks to Chairman Stevens, Director Giles and Deputy Director Her Many Horses and the NIGA Staff. Now we have a few gifts to commemorate our victories.
A motion was made by Bernardo Rodriguez Jr. and seconded by Andy Ebona to award the Sovereign Gaming Nations Award to Indian Gaming Association staff. Motion passed unanimously. Andy Ebona- I would assume this is now a new award category. Jason Giles- I am humbled on behalf of our staff. Thank you. b. Consideration of Resolutions i. ICEE Resolution-submitted by Lummi Jason Giles-Presented the resolution to bring Administration to lead on this A motion was made by Collette Brown to approve the ICEE resolution, seconded by Greg Abrahamson, Motion passed unanimously. 10. Announcements Mark Macarro- There is a reception for Ginger Sykes Torres in room 205A of the Convention Center from 3-5 and at 5-6 for Betty McCollum Palisades Room of the Hilton. The Haudenosaunee Lacrosse Team was not invited to the World Lacrosse Games in Alabama. Ireland gave up their spot in the tournament to the Haudenosaunee. They need to raise 600,000 by July for the tournament in Birmingham AL. 11. Date of Next Board Meeting a. April 22, 2022 12. Adjourn A motion to recess was made by Andy Ebona, seconded by David Bean. Motion passed unanimously
Page 5 of 5
BUDGET
BUDGET
Budget
2023
2022
Difference
REVENUE Trade Show/Annual Conference
4,700,539
$4,700,539
-
200,000
200,000
Semi-Annual Meeting Membership Dues:Tribes
1,642,000
$1,642,000
- - - -
245,000
$245,000
Membership Dues:Associate Members
0
$0
Contributions
270,000 88,800
$270,000 $60,000
Educational Seminars
28,800
Other Income
-
Interest
TOTAL REVENUE
7,146,339
6,917,539
228,800 -
BUDGET
BUDGET
Budget
2023
2022
Difference
EXPENDITURE PERSONNEL&OPERATING EXPENDITURES 1. Salaries
645,912 305,506 101,483 170,100 62,750
645,912 324,911 99,575 159,910
-
2. Fringe Benefits 3. Employement Taxes
(19,404)
1,908
4. Contractual 5. Staff Travel 6. Fixed Assets
10,190 62,750
0
0
-
7. Facility
384,957 130,874
328,241 129,353
56,716
8. Operating Expenditures
1,521
TOTAL PERSONNEL & OPERATIONS
1,801,583
1,687,903
113,680 -
GOVERNANCE: NIGA ORGANIZATION & MEMBERSHIP
-
1. Salaries
312,375 51,600 83,000 54,020 171,442 78,561 19,325 770,323 73,500 34,860 450,000 84,550 642,910
312,375 68,400 70,779
-
4. Consultants
(16,800)
10. Chairman's Office Travel
12,222 54,020 34,240
11. Board Travel
12. Membership Development/Fundraising
137,202 78,561
13. Program Expenditure
-
14. Donations
0
19,325 103,007 -
TOTAL GOVERNANCE
667,317
-
LEGISLATIVE AND POLICY ADVOCACY
1. Salaries 15. Travel
73,500
-
34,860
4. Contractual/Consultants 17. Program Expenditure
450,000 98,533 622,033
-
(13,984)
TOTAL LEGISLATIVE & POLICY ADVOCACY
20,876 -
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