Stevens Receives Indian Gaming Award
October 4, 2007
Lakeside, Calif.-Casino Enterprise Management, the gaming industry's premier trade journal, proudly announced that Ernie Stevens Jr., Chairman of the National Indian Gaming Association is its Indian Gaming Advocate of the Year. During the ceremony, Stevens was honored with the first annual Indian Gaming Advocate of the Year Award presented by Casino Enterprise Management. Stevens was selected as Indian Gaming Advocate of the Year for his contributions to the advancement of Tribes and the Indian Gaming industry and Stevens' leadership and commitment during recent battles over Tribal sovereignty.
Chairman Stevens invited special guest Menominee Tribal member and world champion traditional dancer, Dana Warrington, to open the conference and award ceremony. Warrington opened the event by giving the invocation in his native language, along with a short speech addressing the need for Indian Country to continue to make native youth a priority. In addition, Warrington also thanked Tribal leaders and stressed the importance of continuing to help communities revitalize their native languages and strengthen their cultures. The ceremony was the kickoff event at CasinoFest4, a three-day educational training conference at Barona Valley Ranch Resort & Casino in Lakeside, California, Sept. 24-26.
"I cannot accept this award without acknowledging the support we have received from Tribal Leaders and Tribal Governments," said Stevens. "This award is truly a result of their vision and dedication to protecting Tribal Sovereignty. One year ago today - the legislative landscape for Indian country on Capitol Hill was very challenging. However, thanks to the unwavering determination of our Tribal Leaders, Indian country was able to pull together and we defeated each and every challenge we faced," said Stevens.
The National Indian Gaming Association is a non-profit trade association comprised of 184 American Indian Nations and other nonvoting associate members. The mission of NIGA is to advance the lives of Indian people economically, socially and politically. NIGA operates as a clearinghouse and educational, legislative and public policy resource for tribes, policymakers and the public on Indian gaming issues, sovereignty and tribal community development.
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