NIGA CLOSES ANNUAL TRADESHOW WITH A NATIVE WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP PANEL AT INDIAN GAMING 2017
The power of the Native American Women was the consistent theme of the tribal leadership meeting agenda of the National Indian Gaming Association (NIGA) at Indian Gaming 2017, and the closing keynote panel was no exception. On Thursday, April 13th, NIGA presented the Women in leadership keynote address by some of Indian Country’s most distinguished leaders to the stage. The keynote panel entitled “Women in Leadership - Innovation, opportunity, and performance within government & business are enhanced through gender balance,” brought together four of very influential American Indian women leaders throughout Indian country. The panel moderated by Jackie Pata, Executive Director of the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI,) included Melanie Benjamin, Executive Chief of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, Paulette Jordan, Idaho State Representative and NIGA Secretary and Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation President Bernadine Burnette. NIGA Chairman Ernie Stevens, Jr., opened the discussions, he said, “I have a strong professional relationship with all of these powerful women on this panel. I was raised by a strong woman activist, so it is not an accident that I learned of the power Indigenous women have in our lives. Whenever we go into battle, we go no place without our native women, because they are our leaders.” The featured panelist shared not only their thoughts about being a Native American Woman leader, but shared their thoughts, ideas, strategies and their successes to enhancing
the commitment and dedication of others to do the same within their government, business or communities and how to address issues to become a leader no matter what gender you are. Pata said, “It is important to recognize the role of our Native women in our culture. In Native American society, women have always had a very balancing role and are our backbone.” She continued, “Women leadership is resilient and powerful, and these women are strong in their rights. Each has their unique strength which brings success to their leadership.” Pata introduced the panel and began the conversation asking about Native influences in a contemporary world of leadership. Chief Executive Melanie Benjamin said, “We talk about the good life, and that is what our goal is. We are here to provide a good life and with that comes those values. We are taught over the years that our language will tell us who we are. We think about courage, wisdom, and passion. My people give me all they have so I can be stronger too. My strength comes from my ceremonies, and I always ask for guidance and wisdom to help me along the way.” President Bernadine Burnette said, “It is always an honor to voice from your heart. Culture is important because it is our identity and who we are as the first people of our country. I was taught from my grandparents and elders always to remember your clan, who you are, where you come from and your language and you will continue from there on, and I
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