MILWAUKEE, WI – Ernie Stevens, Jr., Chairman of the Indian Gaming Association (IGA), recently participated in important discussions at the Republican National Convention. The convention brought together Indian Country leaders to address critical priorities for the Republican Party.
Stevens attended the roundtable hosted by Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) entitled “Indian Country’s Priorities for the Republican Party.” The event featured speakers including Osage Principal Chief Geoffrey Standing Bear; Marshall Pierite, Chairman for the Tunica Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana; Jarrod Lower, Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina member and North Carolina House of Representatives member from the 47th district; Myron Lizer, businessman and former Vice President of the Navajo Nation; and Loyola University Chicago School of Law Professor Adam Crepelle of the United Houma Nation. Senator Mullin, a Cherokee Nation citizen, spearheaded the discussion.
During the discussions, various topics were explored, including missing and murdered Indigenous women (MMIW), self-governance, tribal sovereignty, tribal recognitions, and economic development. Tribal officials and Native congressional leaders also delved into domestic issues such as economic development, land management, energy, and the challenges surrounding missing and murdered Indigenous people.
According to the Osage news, Principal Chief Geoffrey Standing Bear spoke on behalf of the Osage Nation about the Nation’s self-governance efforts, the continuing lack of partnership from the Department of Interior, and the hope of working together. Standing Bear emphasized, “Self-governance and self-sufficiency for tribes are vital.” Reflecting on challenges faced during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, he mentioned how the Osage community encountered shortages of crucial supplies like meat for elder and youth meal services and fresh vegetables. In response, the Nation proactively developed Butcher House Meats and Harvest Land.
“If we are going to have a partnership, let’s make it vital,” said Standing Bear. He highlighted the significance of their land ownership, stating, “We bought our reservation, 1.47 million acres, with our own money. The federal government comes in and says we’re going to do it, we’re going to take care of it, but you’re going to lose all your property.” Standing Bear added, “The Nation has spent millions in self-governance initiatives and provided for our people with our own money.”
Other congressional delegates, such as Senator Tom Tillis (R-NC) and Representative Harriet Hageman (R-WY), joined the roundtable.
Stevens emphasized the critical importance of Indian Country’s representation and active participation in such dialogues. “As a non-partisan organization, IGA remains committed to engaging with government leaders to advocate for tribal sovereignty rights, educate decision-makers on critical tribal issues, and champion Indian Country’s interests,” said Stevens.
Chairman Ernie Stevens, Jr. applauded all participants for their dedication to advancing the interests and concerns of Indian Country at the Republican National Convention. Stevens shared that the Indian Gaming Association will also join the upcoming Democratic National Convention on August 19–22, 2024, in Chicago, IL.
