INDIAN GAMING 2019 Closes out with a powerful Panel: “Sovereignty in the 21st Century: Tribal Leaders on the Front Line”
Panelist included L-R: Brian Cladoosby, Chairman of the Swinomish Nation, Shannon Holsey, President of the Stockbridge Munsee Band, Larry Wright, Jr., Chairman of the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska and Mark Macarro, Chairman of the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians.
Protecting Tribal Sovereignty has always been and continues to be a primary focus of our Tribal Governments. From Federal District Courts to the Supreme Court and Federal Agencies, defending Tribal sovereignty continues to swing in a fashion that disrupts the Tribal Government rights of Self-Governance and Self Determination. An active dialogue amongst Tribal Leaders took place as they discussed the continued importance of fiercely protecting Tribal Sovereignty into the 21st Century. The discussion was moderated by Brian Cladoosby, Chairman of the Swinomish Nation and included panelists Mark Macarro, Chairman, Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians, Shannon Holsey, President, Stockbridge Munsee Band, Mohican Nation, and Larry Wright, Jr., Chairman, Ponca Tribe of Nebraska. Chairman Cladoosby set the stage for the discussion by sharing his own experiences with advancing the importance of Tribal Sovereignty. He said, “There is a lack of understanding because the only curriculum that covers Tribal Governments is in the 9th Grade civics classes. It is hard to talk to State, and Congressional Leaders and have to explain Sovereignty every time you meet with them. My policy is; tell your story, tell your story, tell your story. And every story is not always in the same square box. Tribes have many different experiences; for example restoration for terminated Tribes, some Tribes lack a “reservation.” All of this variation and nuance makes our efforts even harder.” He asked the panelists to share some examples of what Tribal Sovereignty has meant to them. Chairman Wright stated, “We had to fight for restored land for Gaming. It took seven years, and we waited while it was going through appeals. But we finally opened it (casino) up while we were still fighting the next level. Our government decided to do it and ask for forgiveness later because we knew what it meant for our community. We were born Ponca and had that taken away from us with Termination. Then we fought to be restored, and now we continue to fight for our Sovereignty. Then we have our story of removal to Oklahoma. It was because in 1879 Indians were not viewed as “persons,” we were viewed as nonexistent and unimportant. It was our will and determination that is why
we’re still here today, why we continue to fight for our Sovereignty and our Treaties.” “In 1998 we had the California Tribal Campaign to make a change in the State Constitution. Eighty-eight to one hundred Tribes in California banded together and put Indian Gaming out in front of voters,” said Chairman Macarro. “We had a 65% win by bringing our Sovereign Nations together. We set the stage for Indian Gaming.” He went on to say, “Another experience we had was with a Mining Company who asked us for a meeting in May 2005. They were proposing to mine a mountain on the Reservation that had a sacred site on it. They were proposing a seventy-five-year mining project. It was a seven-year-long battle to 2012, and we had to engage in the State Environmental Permitting process. Our government provided testimony, with expert information as to the impacts. We were looked down on in the media for not sharing the “sacred site” designation right away. We went from the local planning commission to a State Process and won again. Our government was able to oppose on “equal footing” with the mining company, and we were very proud of that. Unfortunately, there was a technical issue raised in the certification process, and local supervisors overturned the decision. Our Tribe then decided to buy the land to protect and save the sacred site. The strength of our Tribal Sovereignty was brought to bear in that decision.” Chairwoman Holsey contributed, “Navigating Tribal Sovereignty is challenging, but when done in a strategic and meaningful way it impacts our people. In Wisconsin, we had to make changes for voter identification requirements. All eleven Tribes worked together to enact legislation that allowed for Tribal ID’s to be a recognized form of ID for voting. We also worked on updating Act 31which mandates the teaching of Native American history and curriculum in the mainstream school systems. To help others understand Sovereignty, you have to start on a basic level. Tribes were in existence before States, and we have to help others understand our governance. We have to do more than talk, we have to act, we have to build partnerships, we must broaden our advocacy, and we must build relationships and coalitions. We have to enjoin Tribal Sovereignty in everything that we do.”
9 | INDIAN GAMING UPDATE - SPECIAL 2019 TRADESHOW EDITION
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