INDIAN GAMING ASSOCIATION HONORS NATIVE AMERICAN RIGHT FUND LEADER JOHN ECHOHAWK WITH THE 2023 RICK HILL - TIM WAPATO SOVEREIGN WARRIOR AWARD
Kingman recalled the early years of the Indian Gaming Association under Hill’s leadership. Gay shared that in 1991, contemporary Indian gaming was in its infancy, and tribes were losing the war. Rick was then the Chairman of the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin, and he stepped up to lead our Indian gaming industry. She said, “Rick was an effective Warrior who accomplished many things for Tribes in his quiet yet determined way. Kingman-Wapato, the wife and family members of the late Tim Wapato, joined IGA Chairman Ernie Stevens, Jr., on stage to present the coveted award to Echohawk. Gay said, “We talk a lot about sovereignty, but we must recognize those who practice it, defend it at all costs, and believe that we must educate others. John has humbly devoted his life to sovereignty. Not only in his career but in his life.” She thanked Echohawk for all of the work he has done for Indian country.” Accepting the award, Echohawk said, “I am honored by this recognition. I knew Tim and Rick very well. They were Sovereign Warriors, and it was always great to work with them. We worked as a team, always ready to stand up and defend tribal sovereignty. As we did then, we must continue to do now, stand together, and defend our rights as tribal nations. John Echohawk, a Pawnee citizen, is the Executive Director of the Native American Rights Fund. John has been with NARF since its inception in 1970, continuously serving as Executive Director since 1977. He was the first graduate of the University of New Mexico’s special program to train Indian lawyers. He was a founding member of the American Indian Law Students Association in law school. He has been recognized as one of America’s 100 most influential lawyers by the National Law Journal. He has received numerous service awards and other recognition for his leadership in the Indian law field. He serves on the Boards of the American Indian Resources Institute, the Association on American Indian Affairs, the Indigenous Language Institute, Natural Resources Defense Council, and the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development. B.A., University of New Mexico (1967); J.D., University of New Mexico (1970); Reginald Heber Smith Fellow (1970-72); Native American Rights Fund (August 1970 to present); admitted to practice law in Colorado
San Diego, California — April 28, 2023 –T he Sovereign Warrior Celebration highlighted the Tuesday evening of Indian Gaming 2023, where a champion for the protection of tribal sovereignty and Indian country was honored. John Echohawk, Executive Director of the Native American Rights Fund (NARF), was presented the Sovereign Warrior Award in memory of Tim Wapato and Rick Hill, two tribal government gaming legends who worked tirelessly in the early days of the IGA. “Rick and Tim were two of the greatest leaders of our time. They dedicated their time to working hard. They both took me under their wings as a young leader. Tonight, in their honor, we recognize one of the most prolific Indian Country leaders, John Echohawk, who is always ready to go to work, prepared to defend Indian Country. John is one of the finest modern-day warriors. He is a family friend and a personal mentor.” Gay King-Wapato, the wife of Tim Wapato, took the stage and gave an early overview of the beginnings of the Indian Gaming Association. The Sovereign Warrior recognition has recognized many tribal leaders instrumental to tribal government gaming in the past years since Wapato passed on in 2009. Gay Kingman said, “The reason we established this Sovereign Warrior Award’ is because Tim used to say, ‘when I’m gone dust to dust, know that someone will try to take away your sovereignty. If I have a legacy, let it be that I spent my life preserving tribal sovereignty. The honor continues today, memorializing Tim Wapato and Rick Hill, who passed away in 2019.
9 | INDIAN GAMING UPDATE - 2023 FIRST HALF EDITION
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