Chairman Cladoosby pointed out that a Tribe may experience many setbacks in their fight for Tribal Sovereignty. Chairman Cladoosby asked how Tribes and Tribal Leaders manage to stay optimistic. Chairman Macarro responded by saying, “I look inward at our Tribe and recognize the influence we have had and how we have engaged the will of the Tribe over the last twenty-five to thirty years. We have many measures to show how we’ve manifested our sovereignty. I see the progress, and I realize we have plenty of work to do, but we have to keep trying because the next progress defines the work, we have ahead of us. We have to stay positive and look at the glass half full; there is always opportunity ahead.” Chairwoman Holsey said, “I look at the young people in my community. When I go home, I visit places with youth and Elders. Looking at them reminds me that we have to develop our people to guide us into the future. Tribal Sovereignty is the foundation for protecting our people.” Chairman Wright shared, “I do lunch and learn. I get out to sites once a month and take
Chairman Wright pointed out that Indian Nations have paid in advance for all that they have. Gaming is a small compensation for the loss of lands, culture, and language. Chairwoman Holsey stressed the importance of involving the next generations in defending sovereignty: “It is not enough to ‘talk about it,’ we have to re-invest with education and mentor our people. We must make it tangible and relatable and give them a seat at the table. They must be enjoined in conversations about culture, language, and governance. We must have them in the trenches beside us, and we have to have discussions about the tough issues like suicide, and we can no longer accept the status quo.” Chairman Macarro added, “We need to look to the next generations and be sure they have cultural identity. We have to know who we are, as a culture and indigenous people. When we are grounded in who we are we can defend Tribal Sovereignty!” The Tribal Leaders concluded the panel by urging all Leaders in the room to practice self- care, trusting yourself and focusing on doing a few things well to advance tribal sovereignty.
“We need to look to the next generations and be sure they have cultural identity. We have to know who we are, as a culture and indigenous people. When
we are grounded in who we are we can defend Tribal Sovereignty!”
--Mark Macarro
feedback in a positive way. I look back at how much we’ve grown and the pride that community members share. I get grounded through interaction in the community.” National Indian Gaming Association Chairman, Ernie Stevens, Jr. asked the panel about the stereotype that Tribes were “given” casinos by the Federal Government. Stevens said, “How do we help better educate all that tribes have been socially and culturally gaming and been through our history. We have also been a people with a strong economic development history, which goes as far back as transactions with the European settlers. It is our right as governments to continue to build our economies and tribal government gaming is doing that.”
That could be keeping your ceremonies sacred or simply listening to your elders. They urged the youth to “Be Indian in all that you do. Be your best self for you, your family, your Tribe, your State, and your Nation.” Keeping the sacred fire burning on these issues will help the next generation learn your culture, language, and traditions, this is what will ultimately protect sovereignty. The National Indian Gaming Association Indian Gaming Tradeshow for 2019 concluded with this important panel and Indian Country now turns its attention to next year’s show during what will be a historic election year for the Country. We hope you can join us on March 23-28, 2020, in San Diego.
10 | INDIAN GAMING UPDATE - SPECIAL 2019 TRADESHOW EDITION
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