THE CHAIRMAN’S WELCOME RECEPTION USHERS IN THE ANNUAL INDIAN GAMING 2017 TRADESHOW AND CONVENTION IN SAN DIEGO
Photo Left: NIGA honored Native American leadership currently serving as State legislators. Idaho State Representative Paulette Jordan and South Dakota State Senator Kevin Killer were presented Pendleton blankets thanking them for their incredible leadership and representation at the State level at the Chairman’s Welcome Reception. Photo Right: Chairman Stevens welcomes Bill Thorpe, the son of football legend Jim Thorpe who promote the upcoming release of the motion picture, “The Jim Thorpe Story.”
Indian Gaming Professionals and Tribal Leadership converged on to the City of San Diego this week to showcase the successful Indian Gaming 2017 Tradeshow and Convention, hosted by the National Indian Gaming Association (NIGA.) With that, the event officially began with the annual Chairman’s Welcome Reception held at the San Diego Hard Rock Hotel. “It is always powerful to be here with the leadership and gaming professionals, as we take over the city during our Indian Gaming Tradeshow event. We are here tonight to come together, celebrating the strength of our industry and showcase the success of the hard work you all do for your tribal communities. Over the next few days, the energy will be felt, and each of you has a role in contributing to our success.” NIGA Chairman Ernie Stevens, Jr. said. The event hosted several recognitions and honors in the education field which were presented by NIGA, including a Chairman’s Leadership Award to Dr. Kate Spilde, Associate Professor in the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management at San Diego State University, where she also serves as Endowed Chair of the Sycuan Institute on Tribal
Gaming. NIGA also recognized the students of the Sycuan Institute on Tribal Gaming. Angelique Albert, Executive Director of the American Indian Graduate Center (AIGC), was also presented with a Chairman’s leadership award on behalf of AIGC. AIGC has a nearly 50-year legacy of providing scholarships and support services to American Indian students pursuing college degrees in all fields of study. Other acknowledgments included recognition of Native American leadership currently serving as State legislators. Idaho State Representative Paulette Jordan and South Dakota State Senator Kevin Killer were presented Pendleton blankets thanking them for their incredible leadership and representation at the State level. NIGA Treasure Andy Ebona took the stage to pay recognition to visitors from a Japanese Contingency representing the Hokkaido Indigenous Peoples, Ainu who are looking to partner with Tribal Governments as they venture into the gaming industry. The highlight of the evening was the recognition of the Charlie Hill Spirit Award, presented by the family of the
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