Dr. Kate Spilde, Endowment Chair of the Sycuan Institute on Tribal Gaming at San Diego State University was presented a Chairman’s Leadership Award. In the top left photo: Dr. Spilde and Chairman Stevens are joined by students of the institute. Right bottome photo: Angelique Albert, Executive Director of the American Indian Graduate Center (AIGC), addresses the audience upon being honored with a Chairman’s Leadership Award at the Chairman’s Welcome Reception.
late Charlie Hill. The Charlie Hill Spirit Award, established by NIGA and the relatives of the late Native American Comedian four years ago, recognizes the positive impacts by an individual to Indian communities. This year, Hill’s family chose to recognize NIGA Chairman Ernie Stevens, Jr. as that recipient. Chairman Stevens humbly accepted the award and said, “This is very emotional for me because first and foremost, Charlie was my friend. He was a great man, great at business, a great entertainer, and a great family man. I am honored to accept this award.” NIGA also presented a Chairman’s Leadership Award to Bill Thorpe, son of the late Jim Thorpe, a member of the Sac and Fox Nation, an American athlete and Olympic gold medalist. Thorpe became the first Native American to win a gold medal for his home country. Representatives of the production and casting team of the feature film “Bright Path:
The Jim Thorpe Story, in the late stages of development at Pictureworks Entertainment gave a surprise announcement of the selection
of Native American actor Martin Sensmeier, being cast to play the legendary Jim Thorpe. Actor Sensmeier joined the team for the announcement. Native American Public Speaker, Actor, Youth Trainer Chance Lee Rush served as the Master of Ceremonies for the Chairman’s Welcome Reception. Sponsors included JCM Global, Navajo Nation Gaming Enterprises, Poarch Band of Creek Indians, Rymax and Wells Fargo.
Chairman’s Welcome Reception officially kicked off the 2017 Indian Gaming Trade show and Convention, hosted at the Hard Rock San Diego Hotel. There was an array of attendees and guests taking part in the evening of activities and recognition. In the photos: Left photo: Former Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell is joined by his wife Linda and Ranny McWatters, Council representative of the Quapaw Tribe. Middle photo - NIGA Treasure Andy Ebona and Chairman Ernie Stevens, Jr., join Native American actor Martin Sensmeier and Master of Ceremonies Chance Rush. Right Photo: The Japanese Contigency representing the Hokkodido Indigenous People join NIGA Treasurer Andy Ebona and Chairman Stevens for a photo opportunity after being recognized at the reception.
13 | INDIAN GAMING UPDATE - TRADESHOW 2017
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