CHAIRMAN’S WELCOME RECEPTION Charlie Hill Family Presents the Charlie Hill Award to NIGA Chairman Ernie Stevens, Jr.
National Indian Gaming Association Chairman and First Lady Cheryl Stevens join the family of the late Charlie Hill after at the Chairman’s Welcome Reception held at the San Diego Hard Rock Hotel
National Indian Gaming Association (NIGA) Chairman Ernie Stevens, Jr. was presented the Charlie Hill Spirit Award at the official kick-off event of the Indian Gaming 2017 Tradeshow and Convention at the annual Chairman’s Welcome Reception at the San Diego Hard Rock, California Monday night. The Charlie Hill Spirit Award, established in 2013 by NIGA and the family members of the late Native American Comedian recognizes the positive impacts by an individual to Indian communities. The memorial award termed a “spirit” award is given to an individual who has demonstrated outstanding commitment and has worked to further the quality of life of Indian people- Hill’s great passions. Hill, a member of the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin, moved on to the Spirit World on December 30, 2013, after a long battle with lymphoma. He was an internationally renowned stand-up comedian, actor, and writer with a distinguished entertainment career. As a stand-up comedian Mr. Hill’s quick wit, humor, and Native wisdom touched all of our spirits and reminded us that we could change the world one laugh at a time. Since the creation of the Charlie Hill Spirit Award, NIGA, and the family has recognized other notable leaders such as the late Floyd Westerman through his son Richard Tall Bear Westerman, Keith Secola and Buffy Saint Marie. NIGA Chairman Emeritus, Rick Hill, the brother of Charlie Hill, joined other family members, including the late comedian’s wife Lenora and three of their children to present Stevens with the memorial award. The Chairman Emeritus said, “Many of you knew Charlie Hill, he always believed in living your dream. He was always reading books and researching. We used to accuse him of being an intellectual, growing up. He would say, ‘No, I’m just curious.’ He had a great insight on life in the Indian world, and many remember him because of the feeling you left with because of him.” With his family by his side, NIGA Chairman Ernie Stevens,
Jr. was honored to accept the award and said, “It’s tough for me because it’s very emotional. Charlie was not only a comedian. He was a serious man, and he did amazing things because he meant business. Stevens thanked the Hill family for the recognition. “I was humbled and honored to the point of emotion because Charlie was a true friend, never hesitating to advise and tell me like it was.” Stevens concluded by urging attendees, “If you have the opportunity in your business and need an entertainer, hire our native performers, bring them to your community. Let’s keep empowering our Indian artists and entertainers because they are for real.” As Chairman of NIGA, Stevens has for sixteen years served as the national spokesman for the Indian gaming industry. In this role, he has worked to educate Congress, the media, and the public about the positive impacts of Indian gaming on tribal and nearby communities. Stevens is also responsible for shaping policy initiatives that have the potential to impact the industry. He has testified before Congress on some topics from Internet gaming to proposed amendments to the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA). In addition to his role as spokesman, Stevens has worked to build consensus among NIGA’s diverse 184 Member Tribes, and is often quoted as saying, “Our membership is our strength, and we are strongest when our voice is unified.” He has also succeeded in building strong coalitions with other Indian and non-Indian organizations to help strengthen the industry. In the face of constant challenges, while Stevens has served as Chairman, NIGA has been a fierce defender of the Principles of Tribal Sovereignty in Washington, DC. Stevens has led the Association and worked to protect tribal sovereignty and strengthen the Indian gaming industry. Charlie’s career included movies such as the “Reel Injun,” and “The Big Show.” He also made his TV debut on The Richard Pryor Show in the 1970s and was a guest on Late Night with David Letterman and The Tonight Show.
15 | INDIAN GAMING UPDATE -TRADESHOW EDITION 2017
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