NIGA HOSTS MEETING AT SANDIA PUEBLO IN ALBUQUERQUE ON TRIBAL SOVEREIGNTY IN THE 21ST CENTURY
National Indian Gaming Association Chairman Ernie Stevens, Jr., joins moderates a panel about the economic potentials in broadcasting Indian stories to wider audiences. In the photo L-R - Chairman Stevens, Dr. Joley Proudfit, Elizabeth Bell, Attorney- at-law and Native American film and T.V. Director, Chris Eyre.
Albuquerque, NM – August 16, 2018 – The National Indian Gaming Association (NIGA) held a historic meeting at the Sandia Pueblo located near Albuquerque, N.M., to discuss Tribal Sovereignty in the 21st Century. With a critical November election rapidly approaching, Tribal Leaders saw a need to come together and discuss how Tribal Sovereignty is evolving in this era of political turbulence. The naming of a new Supreme Court Justice is also in the mix and will greatly impact Indian Country. The Sandia Pueblo graciously offered to host this important meeting at their Resort and Casino. Sandia Pueblo Councilman and NIGA Board Member, Stuart Paisano, welcomed tribal leaders to the Sandia Reservation and thanked them for discussing this important subject at Sandia. Councilman Paisano stressed the impact of where Tribes were 40 years ago and how far they have come economically and politically without sacrificing those sacred Treaties signed with the United States. He held Sandia Pueblo up as just one of many examples in Indian Country where adherence to the principle of sovereignty has led to long lasting positive change for its Tribal citizens. The meeting began with an address from one of Indian Country’s emerging political leaders, Debra Haaland, candidate for the New Mexico’s 1st Congressional District. A citizen of Laguna Pueblo, Ms. Haaland stressed the importance of remembering our forefathers that fought for, defended, and preserved, our way of life. She recounted her own father that fought for this country in Vietnam and took a job off the reservation but worked tirelessly to instill his Laguna Pueblo culture in his children. This family scenario has been part of Indian Country’s story since the first treaties were signed: Native American citizens trying to survive and
figure out where their cultures and families can peacefully exist in an era of change. Ms. Haaland’s inspiring words come at a time when Native American women are poised to make incredible political inroads this November. Paulette Jordan, Coeur D’Alene Tribal member, NIGA Secretary, and candidate for Idaho Governor, would be the first Native American governor in U.S. history. In Kansas, Ho-Chunk Tribal citizen Sharice Davids, is a candidate for the 3rd Congressional District and hopes to join Ms. Haaland in Congress in November. Finally, Peggy Flanagan, a White Earth Band of Ojibwe citizen, won the Democratic party’s nomination for Lieutenant Governor in Minnesota and her opponent, Donna Bergstrom, a member of the Red Lake Band of Ojibwe, won the Republican nomination. No matter the result, history will be made when, for the first time, a Native American Woman will be the Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota. Thanks to these outstanding Native American women candidates, this election cycle could be a truly transformative year for Indian Country and protecting tribal sovereignty. Tribal Sovereignty and Current Economic Challenges Facing Tribes One of the longest and enduring challenges to Tribal Sovereignty is the power to tax activity on Indian Reservations. Carrie Frias, Chief General Counsel of the Pueblo of Pojoaque, provided a very thorough presentation on the interplay between the IRS and fair treatment of Tribes under this country’s tax code. Equally as important, is the fair treatment of Tribes under this nation’s labor laws. Tribal leaders received a briefing from Mr. Dave Devendorf,
4 | INDIAN GAMING UPDATE - SPRING EDITION 2018
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