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You'd expect to see lots of slots at a trade show for the casino industry, but a toilet bowl full of candy? A urine-cup salesman? Sister show girls? A Native American model with a French accent?

Dance groups perform at the closing 'Spirit of Sovereignty' cultural event at the National Indian Gaming Association Convention and Trade Show in Phoenix.

Country singer Crystal Shawanda talks with reznet before her concert at the National Indian Gaming Association Convention and Trade Show in Phoenix.

Culture on Display at Indian Gaming Trade Show
Culture on Display at Indian Gaming Trade Show

On an artfully lighted ballroom stage, the singers and drummers and dancers of differing tribes reminded everyone of what brought them together at National Indian Gaming Association trade show.

 (4/17/2009)

Sights and sounds of vendors setting up for the National Indian Gaming Association trade show in Phoenix.

Indian Gaming Feels ‘Good Vibrations’ in Economy
Indian Gaming Feels ‘Good Vibrations’ in Economy

Turnout at trade show is down, but NIGA chairman sees 'a brighter future ahead' for tribes struggling in recession.

 (4/16/2009)
Republicans Come a-Courtin' Casino Tribes
Republicans Come a-Courtin' Casino Tribes

At NIGA's Indian Gaming '09 trade show, a Republican congressman seeks $1,000-a-plate contributions to his PAC, telling tribal leaders their future rests as much with the GOP as with Obama.

 (4/15/2009)

President of National Congress of American Indians was at the microphone at start of Indian Gaming trade show—but with a guitar in hand.

Natives Won't Be 'Left Out of the Tent,' Obama Designate Says
Natives Won't Be 'Left Out of the Tent,' Obama Designate Says

Interior Secretary-designate Ken Salazar promises tribal leaders, gathered in Washington for the Obama inauguration, that he and the new president would pay close attention to Indian Country and would listen to tribal leaders — unlike the outgoing Bush administration.

 (1/19/2009)
The Native Race Driver
The Native Race Driver

Meet A.J. Russell, a Native American race driver. Russell attended the Indian Gaming '08 trade show, where he showws off his race car — and told his story.

 (6/5/2008)

  • Tell us what you think about the 'Navajobama' T-shirt, and we'll send your comments to the manufacturer—and to the Obama for President campaign. (No profanities, please.)

  • Omission disappoints Native Americans attending the presidential candidate's speech in Wisconsin. Others express concern over Obama's stance on Indian gaming.

  • The Native actor’s role on 'Law and Order: SVU' is coming to an end, but he plans to stay busy with an Internet TV show, a book and a new baby.

  • A Tennessee high school, whose mascot is the Indians, takes the Native American motif one step further: It calls school grounds "The Reservation."

  • Native reaction to Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, McCain's vice presidential choice, is 'pretty mixed,' says one critic. A supporter says Palin 'has been open to and concerned about Alaska Native issues.'

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