ANAHEIM, CA – The Indian Gaming Association (IGA) held its Annual Board of Directors Meeting on Sunday. The board met this year to address critical tribal matters affecting Indian gaming and tribal issues nationwide.
Indian Gaming Association Chairman Ernie Stevens, Jr., opened the meeting by welcoming the board. “Once again, we bring tribal leadership and our Indian gaming industry experts and professionals together to celebrate our Indian gaming industry,” said Stevens. “It is great to bring this board together to discuss issues critical to Indian Country and Indian gaming.”
Chairman Stevens provided updates on this week’s tradeshow activities, pertinent legislative issues, and the upcoming national elections. “As we enter this critical election cycle, IGA is committed to partnering again with our member tribes and affiliated groups to ensure that everyone in Indian Country is educated, empowered, and encouraged to register and make a thorough plan to vote.”
Jason Giles, Executive Director of IGA, provided a detailed legislative update encompassing Congressional affairs and tribal casino issues. He highlighted sovereignty challenges, notably, discussions concerning the Supreme Court and challenges related to state interference in sports betting and a discussion regarding the vacant National Indian Gaming Commission leadership role.
The board also heard from Kevin Leecy, Director of Memberships, who provided updates on the organization’s successful growth and partnerships with the Indian Gaming Association.
The board considered and passed several organizational resolutions to advance tribal interests, such as promoting tax equity and fairness, advocating for implementing critical legislation affirming Native sovereignty, and supporting the Wounded Knee Massacre Memorial and Sacred Site Act.
The board approved multiple resolutions aimed at enhancing organizational governance. These resolutions involve urging Congress to ensure tax equity and fairness for Indian tribes, akin to state and local governments. They also request the National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) to limit audits to those authorized under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA), specifically targeting net-gaming revenues and tribal welfare programs not explicitly specified.
Additionally, the board called for a comprehensive emergency initiative by Congress and the President to help tribal governments combat crime in Indian Country. Another significant appeal is towards the legislative acknowledgment of a tribe’s right to reclaim stolen and lost Indian lands in their own title. This includes stipulations against the transfer of such lands, recognition of tribal authority over civil and criminal matters, exemption from state and local taxation and regulatory impositions, and ensuring the applicability of federal laws and treaties that safeguard Native nations and Indian territories. Lastly, the board supports the passage of H.R. 3371 and S. 2088, bills dedicated to establishing the Wounded Knee Massacre Memorial and Sacred Site Act.
The concerns addressed at the meeting exemplify IGA’s commitment to advocating for tribal rights and fostering collaboration to address pressing concerns facing Indian Country.
The next IGA board meeting will be held on Thursday at the 2024 Indian Gaming Tradeshow. The next IGA scheduled event will be the Mid-Year Conference, held September 10 – 12, 2024, at the Tulalip Resort Casino in Tulalip, WA.