IGU Post 2022 Tradeshow Edition.pdf

IGU Post 2022 Tradeshow Edition.pdf

INDIAN GAMING UPDATE

Special

Indian Gaming 2022 Tradeshow Edition

IN THIS ISSUE

2

Indian Gaming 2022 Celebrates the Industry “The Largest Gathering of Tribal Leaders and Casino Industry Experts

Member Tribes Convene for Annual Meeting Discuss Legislative issues and impacts on Indian Country

4

Oren Lyons Receives Leadership Honoring Chairman Leadership Luncheon

6

Anthony Pico Honored at Culture Event The Rick Hill-Tim Wapato Sovereign Warrior Award

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INDIAN GAMING 2022 INDIAN GAMING ASSOCIATION HOSTS SUCCESSFUL ANNUAL TRADESHOW AND CONVENTION IN ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA The Indian Gaming Tradeshow and Convention concluded on Friday, April 22 after almost a whole week of events and celebrations focused on the Indian gaming industry, its professionals, industry experts, tribal leadership, and gaming employees at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California. Once again provided a successful four-day forum where attendees took part in access to the perspectives, strategies, and tactics needed to succeed directly from tribes, leadership, and industry experts. This year’s show provided a strong emphasis on preparing for the next iteration of gaming expansion. The event successfully drew more than 6,500 attendees, record-breaking sponsorships and sales, and the announcement of a re-brand of the Indian gaming organization. As the largest gathering of tribal leaders and casino executives in the country, the Indian Gaming Tradeshow and convention was the place where tribal government gaming and commercial gaming leaders came together to conduct business, learn, and network. Attendees were provided access to gaming’s leading manufacturers and service providers and the newest products on the market with some 350 exhibitors on hand. Conference Tracks featured this year included Gaming Floor, Resort Operations (including Hospitality & Marketing), Enterprise Development, Sports Betting, Emerging Gaming, Politics & Policy, Hot Topics, and Sovereignty. Conference highlights included the Chairman’s Welcome Reception, Chairman’s and Vice Chairman’s Golf Tournaments, Chairman’s Leadership Awards Luncheon Featuring Special Honoree, Tribal Membership Annual Meeting, Native American Arts & Crafts Booths Open, Chairman’s and Tribal Leaders Lounge Presentations & Showcase Education Sessions, the Show Floor Reception, Chairman’s Lounge Tradeshow Floor Giveaway, the Membership Meeting and Seminar Institute Gaming Commissioner Certification Trainings.

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INDIAN GAMING 2022 INDIAN GAMING ASSOCIATION BOARD COMES TOGETHER IN ANNUAL MEETING

The Executive Board discussed an array of gaming and legislative issues and updates and organizational re- branding, which included board approval of an official organizational name change. The organization’s new name is now the Indian Gaming Association (IGA). Established in 1985 as a non-profit organization, the board of directors approved the name change last year and worked on all legal matters related to changing the name. The agenda included a vast number of issues and topics including year-end reports by IGA Chairman Ernie Stevens, Jr., the Executive Director of NIGA, Jason Giles and the Treasurer of NIGA, Andy Ebona. The Chairman’s report covered organizational updates including a 2021 year-end report, an overview of the 2022 Tradeshow Schedule of Events and information. IGA Executive Director, Jason Giles reported on regulatory efforts, operations, and legislative updates. NIGA Treasurer Andy Ebona provided an update on the overall financial condition of the organization and its operational budget. As part of the Treasurer’s report board members heard from Wipfli LLP/Joseph Eve & Associates, who presented the 2021 Audit report.

On Monday, April 18, the Indian Gaming Association (IGA) Board of Directors came together on the eve of the kick-off of the 36th Annual Indian Gaming 2022 Tradeshow and Convention held at the Anaheim Convention Center, in Anaheim, California. In his welcoming message to the board, Chairman Ernie Stevens, Jr., said, “Once again we bring tribal leadership and our Indian gaming industry experts and professionals together to celebrate our Indian gaming industry.” Stevens added, “These past years brought the steepest challenges to the Indian Gaming Industry in our history, but the work of tribal leadership and gaming industry representatives has allowed us to come together once again to work towards building upon the success of our industry.”

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INDIAN GAMING 2022 INDIAN GAMING ASSOCIATION’S ANNUAL MEETING

On Wednesday, 2022, the Indian Gaming Association held its annual Tribal Leaders meeting with the annual elections of the Vice-Chairman and Treasurer positions at the National Indian Gaming Association.

sharing, “While we will continue to be the same prevalent organization working on behalf of our tribal government gaming industry, this change reflects both the evolution of the times and this organization’s vision for the future.” Jason Giles, IGA Executive Director provided the annual legislative updates, and Andy Ebona, IGA Board Treasurer and joined Joseph Eve, of WIPFII to present the 2021 organizational audit. Minnesota Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan and Congresswoman Betty Mc Collum (4th Dist.) to discuss the upcoming 2022 mid-term elections. To provide updates from Washington, D.C. the members heard from Paula Hart, Director, Office of Indian Gaming, Department of Interior Kathryn Isom-Clause, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Indian Affairs for Policy, and Economic Development with the Bureau of Indian Affairs The membership heard two great panel discussions and a tribal leaders panel discussion entitled “Sports Betting Across Indian Country,” moderated by Jason Giles, Executive Director of the Indian Gaming Association, with panelists including Mark Macarro, Chairman of the Pechanga Band of Luiseno Indians, Bernadette Burdette, President of the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation, Stephen Lewis, Governor of the Gila River Indian Community, Brandon Yellowbird Stevens, Vice- Chairman of the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin and Rodney Butler, Chairman of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation.

To kick off the

meeting

agenda,

James Siva, Chairman of the

California Nations Indian Gaming Association welcomed tribes to Anaheim, California. Stevens also welcomed tribes and opened the meeting with his Indian Gaming State of the Industry Address, he said, “Over the past two years, our industry has shown remarkable perseverance and resiliency.” Stevens added “It is great to be together once again because we have much to celebrate and new challenges and opportunities to address as we continue our work to protect Tribal Sovereignty and strengthen Native communities.

Steven also made the official announcement of the organizational name change approved by the IGA board,

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The agenda concluded with the “Women in Leadership: Tribal Government Gaming” panel, moderated by Danielle Her Many Horses, IGA Deputy Director, with panelists including Stephanie Bryan, Chairwoman of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, Bernadine Burnette, President of the Fort McDowell Yavapai, Shannon Holsey, President of the Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohican Indians and Fawn Sharp, Vice President of the Quinault Indian Nation, and President of the National Congress of American Indians. The Indian Gaming Association held its annual elections for the Vice-Chairman and Treasurer positions. Vice-Chairman David Bean and Treasurer Andy Ebona sought re-election to their jobs. Ebona was unopposed and successfully garnered unanimous support from tribal leadership to continue serving in his current position. Tribal leaders re-elected vice-chairman Bean.

Indian Gaming Association Membership Meeting panel L-R: Moderator, Danielle Her Many Horses, IGA Deputy Director; Stephanie Bryan, Chairwoman of Poarch Band of Creek Indians, Bernadine Burnette, President of Fort McDowell, Shannon Holsey, President of the Stockbridge Munsee Band and Fawn Sharp, Vice President of the Quinalt Indian Nation and President of NCAI.

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On April 22, the Indian Gaming Association honored Oren Lyons with the coveted Lifetime Achievement Award at Chairman’s Leadership Lunch as part of the 2022 Indian Gaming Tradeshow and Convention in Anaheim, California. Chairman Ernie Stevens, Jr. said, “We come together today to honor the outstanding commitment, contributions, and the legacy of Oren Lyons. His life and work exemplify the strength and determination of Indian country, and he has been recognized as a world-renowned leader and visionary for peace, justice, and sovereignty.” In June 2016, world religious leaders came to honor and pay tribute to the boxing legend at his memorial. Lyons, along with Tododaho Sidney Hill of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, had the honor of joining them to eulogize Ali. Lyons was presented a pair of boxing gloves from the widow of Muhammad Ali, Lonnie Ali, to acknowledge his Indian Gaming recognition. Lyons said, “I want to thank the Indian Gaming Association for this honor. It is always an honor to be recognized by your people.” He added, “We come from the INDIAN GAMING ASSOCIATION HONORS FAITH KEEPER OREN LYONS WITH THE LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

great symbol of our confederacy – a great tool of peace. Peace is our number one mandate of equity, fairness to people, and unity. We are so fortunate to be who we are. Let’s make the best of it.” Oren Lyons is a Faith keeper of the Turtle Clan of the Onondaga Nation in New York and has worked with Indigenous Peoples worldwide and the United Nations to recognize Indigenous rights. He has addressed the UN General Assembly and other gatherings of world leaders, is a member of the advisory committee for the UN Environment Program and continues to share the wisdom of the Haudenosaunee as a speaker, author, publisher, and board member of the Traditional Circle of Indian Elders and Youth as well as the Seventh Generation Fund for Indian Development. Lyons is the author of several books and a much- in-demand global lecturer. He is the subject of many documentaries and films. He is also a prominent member of the UN Global Forum of Spiritual and Parliamentary Leaders and retired Professor Emeritus of American Indian Studies, SUNY Buffalo.

Oren Lyons is met with a standing ovation upon receving his 2022 Indian Gaming Lifetime Achievement award at the Leadership Luncheon.

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Right: Indian Gaming Association Board Member gather with Lyons to present him with the Leadership Award Below: Chairman Stevens prested Lyons a pair of boxing gloves on behalf of Lonnie Ali, the widowof Muhammad Ali to acknowledge his Indian Gaming recognition.

Bottom Right: Ernest Stevens, IV opens up the recognition event with prayer.

Lyons is a celebrated artist and painter, a member of the Lacrosse Hall of Fame, and a tireless activist for American Indian causes and humanity’s responsibilities to the earth and future generations. Along with several other awards, he is a recipient of the Ellis Island Congressional Medal of Honor, the United Nations NGO World Peace Prize, the Smithsonian’s award for Art and Cultural Achievement, and Sweden’s Prestigious Friend of the Children Award, along with a colleague, Nelson Mandela. Lyons joins other past distinguished recipients such as Native American Actor & Producer Wes Studi, Lynn Valbuena, Chairwoman of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, LaDonna Harris, Founder and President of Americans for Indian Opportunity and Steve Ortiz, Chairman of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation and the late Stan Jones, Sr. former Chairman of the Tulalip Tribes, to name a few. Lyons was presented a pair of boxing gloves from the widow of Muhammad Ali, Lonnie Ali, to acknowledge his Indian Gaming recognition.

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INDIAN GAMING 2022 HONORS FORMER CHAIRMAN OF THE VIEJAS BAND OF KUMEYAAY INDIANS ANTHONY PICO

help and advance not only the Viejas community, but his work inspired a path for others to follow throughout Indian country. We are honored to come together in the spirit of Rick and Tim to honor one of the most powerful warriors of all time with the distinguished award.” Former Indian Gaming Association Vice-Chairman Danny Tucker, the former Chairman of the Sycuan Band of Kumeyaay Indians, joined Theresa Wapato in presenting the honoring Pico. Tucker shared, “I am truly honored to be presenting this to Anthony. This guy has done so much in his lifetime. He has researched what he believes are the most important and most profound issues facing Native Americans today and resolves to stand for that belief. Anthony is there for his people.”

The Cultural event highlighted the Tuesday evening of Indian Gaming 2022 with the traditional dances that took to the stage at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California.

Traditional dances from the Bird Singers from San Diego, California, and the Oneida Warrior Dancers from Oneida, Wisconsin, led up to the Rick Hill -Tim Wapato Sovereign Warrior Award to former Chairman of the Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians Anthony Pico. This prominent recognition was established by the National Indian Gaming Association and is presented to an individual who exemplifies the shared passion and commitment to tribal sovereignty that inspired the leadership and legacy of Hill and Wapato on behalf of the advancement of tribal government gaming. Indian Gaming Association Chairman Ernie Steven, Jr., said, “Anthony Pico has spent his whole career working to

“Chairman Anthony Pico was one of those early Tribal Leaders and Warriors who went to battle to fight. California wasn’t an easy state to get compacts for Tribal Gaming but Tribal Leaders got it accomplished, fighting for the Soverign right to Game.”

Gay Kingman-Wapato, the wife of the late Tim Wapato, was under the weather and unable to join the honoring sent a written message Chairman Stevens read to Pico and the crowd. She said,” Chairman Anthony Pico was one of those early Tribal Leaders and warriors who went into battle to fight. I applaud Chairman Pico for his part in the battles. Anthony deserves to receive the Rick Hill - Tim Wapato Sovereign Warrior Award.” She concluded, “Wish I was there to help present the Award to Chairman Pico.” Gay Kingman said, “Chairman Anthony Pico was one of those early Tribal Leaders and warriors who went into battle to fight. California wasn’t an easy state to get compacts or Tribal Gaming, but the Tribal Leaders got it accomplished, fighting for

--Gay Kingman

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the Sovereign right to Game.” She added, “This is why the Rick Hill -Timothy Wapato Sovereignty Warrior Award was created, to acknowledge all the Tribal Leaders, whose shoulders we stand upon today. Accepting the award, Pico said, “I am privileged and honored to be here, and I’m not just saying that because I know you leaders had come from thousand years of leaders before you who sacrificed so much, and you represent hundred and thousands of your own citizens. I am in awe of you all.” Pico added, “As a leader, I always thought about what our ancestors had to endure. I knew to do anything but the best I could to help exercise our sovereignty would be an insult to their sacrifices.” The Yaaw Tei Yi Dancers from Alaska closed out the evening by honoring Anthony Pico with their traditional songs and dance.

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NATIONAL INDIAN GAMING ASSOCIATION OPENED 2022 INDIAN GAMING TRADESHOW WITH POPULAR RIBBON CUTTING EVENT

National Indian Gaming Association Board, Tribal Leadership, staff and special guests after the Trade Show Ribbon cutting event at Indian Gaming 2022 in Anaheim, California

One of the annual Indian Gaming Tradeshow and Convention highlights the ribbon-cutting ceremonies officially opening the Exhibitor’s floor, offering opportunities for business exchange, viewing new products and services, and networking. The trade show and convention purpose are to create a vibrant hub for the Indian gaming industry professionals fostering a dialog to help, reinvent, and reposition their facilities and properties to serve their customers better and stay competitive at a higher level, ultimately to provide additional revenues for Governmental programs and services in Indian Communities. On Thursday, the ever-popular tradeshow ribbon-cutting event was kicked off with an informal public discussion between two prominent gaming leaders - IGA Chairman Ernie Stevens, Jr., and American Gaming Association (AGA) President and CEO Bill Miller, to discuss their ongoing mutual pledge to continue to work together as the two prominent worldwide gaming organizations. Tribal leaders and guests joined in cutting the ribbon officially, which

ushered attendees onto the tradeshow floor and exhibit presentations. Following the ribbon-cutting, tribal leadership, Indian gaming professionals, special guests, and attendees gathered to explore the hundreds of gaming vendors, tribes, and tribal enterprises who showcased the businesses and services they offer. The two days of exhibits also included the Chairman’s Lounge Presentations & Showcase Education Sessions and Tradeshow Floor Giveaways. Stevens thanked all of the attendees, participants, facilitators, and sponsors who helped bring the success of the Indian Gaming Tradeshow and Convention. Following the ribbon-cutting, tribal leadership, Indian gaming professionals, special guests, and attendees gathered to explore the hundreds of gaming vendors, tribes, and tribal enterprises who showcased the businesses and services they offer.

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INDIAN GAMING 2022 HONORS Cast & Crew of TV

Comedy Series

Rutherford Falls on

Peacock

Indian Gaming Association joined IllumiNative honoring case and crew of Peacock’s “Rutherford Falls” comedy series at Indian Gaming 2022. In the photo (L-R) Crystal Echohawk, Illuminative Executive Director, Sierra Teller Ornelas, Series screenwriter and co-creator, Ed Helms, “Nathan” and co-creator, Tai LeClair, actor and series editor, and IGA Chairman Ernie Stevens, Jr.

At the Chairman’s lounge, IGA joined the IllumiNative to honor the cast and crew of Peacock’s “Rutherford Falls” comedy series. Joining the honoring were cast and crew Ed Helms, with acting credits such as “The Office” and the Hangover movie franchise, Sierra Teller Ornelas, Screenwriter and actor Tai LeClair. The series was created by Helms, Michael Schur, and Ornelas and met with tremendous success. In July 2021, the series was renewed for a second season, set to be released on June 16, 2022. Indian Gaming Association Chairman Ernie Steven, Jr. presented the crew with the Chairman’s Leadership Award and said, “This honoring means the world to us. Honoring Rutherford Falls and their work to represent Native America on television represents a great step forward. Advocates like Ed Helms and this crew believe in entertainment that brings a better understanding of Native America.” It is a comedy about two lifelong friends whose relationship is tested when a crisis hits their small town. After the mayor decides to move a statue of Nathan’s ancestor because car drivers keep crashing into it, Nathan begins a quest to save the statue in its place, causing Reagan to juggle loyalty to her friend and her people, the Minishonka Nation. The comedy series also stars prominent Native American actors Michael Greyeyes as Terry Thomas, the CEO of the

Minishonka’s casino, who envisions big things for both Reagan and the success of their Nation, and Jana Schmieding (Cheyenne River Sioux) as Reagan Wells, Nathan’s best friend and a member of the Minishonka Nation, who has dreams of championing the history of her people. Sierra Ornelas, a citizen of the Navajo Nation, shared that Rutherford Falls is inspiring the next generation of Native actors, writers, and producers. Her credits include “Brooklyn Nine-Nine and “Superstore.” She said she welcomed the opportunity to be part of changing perceptions while giving Native actors opportunities. She shared, “We are the original storytellers. The act of storytelling is in our blood, and this is an opportunity in just us doing it on a more extreme level.” About the IGA honoring Ornelas said, ““It was an immense honor to have Rutherford Falls recognized at this year’s IGA conference. We all were absolutely blown away by the entire experience and the warm welcome we were shown. I was also personally so proud to witness the abundance of Native excellence on display at the conference by many Native Nations and their Leaders, entrepreneurs, artists, and changemakers.” Helms says he loved how “Rutherford Falls” ties into universal themes, but in a different, unique manner through the cast and writers. He said, “We were originally excited about exploring these themes of how we relate to the stories of our families,” Adding “our personal histories and our cultural histories, and the way we sometimes cling to things

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and learn new things. And we sometimes have positive and sometimes negative reactions to what we find out about ourselves and our histories.” The presentation included a series segment, “The Truth Behind Tribal Capitalism,” where a reporter questioned Greyeyes’s character Terry on selling out his Indigenous culture-specific to tribal gaming. Terry engages in a powerful perspective that leaves the reporter speechless. The second season of Rutherford Falls promises to bring more to the television screen, which teases big changes in the small town. The series premieres all eight of its episodes on June 16 on Peacock. Ornelas said, “Ornelas said in a statement, “We had an absolute blast making a show that’s heartfelt, laugh-out-loud funny, and depicts Native Americans in ways you never see on television.”

rutherford F alls S eason 2 june 16 on P eacock

Use QR to see Rutherford Falls Season 2 Trailer

Use QR to see “The Truth Behind Tribal Capitalism” Segment - Season 1

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At the Chairman’s lounge, the IGA honored Dominic Ortiz, CEO of the Potawatomi Hotel Casino, Twila True, Native American Entrepreneur, Chef Paul Wahlberg, Wahlburgers, and the United American Indian Involvement, a Los Angeles based urban native organization. The IGA also honored Native American producer Bird Runningwater of the Amazon Studios. The Day concluded with the American Indian Graduate Center (AIGC) and BMM LabTests presenting scholarship checks to their respective student recipients. On Friday, Indian gaming concluded the event at the Tribal Leaders lounge with closing remarks by Chairman Stevens and Indian Gaming Conference Chairman Victor Rocha and recognition of Native artist Charles Decker. He painted a rendition of a portrait of Chairman Stevens and the late Chairman Emeritus Rick Hill. Chairman Stevens said, “The success of this year’s event is because of our industry’s remarkable perseverance and resiliency. Over the past two years, we have shown our determination to come back strong.” Stevens added, “It was phenomenal to be together again because we have much to celebrate. This week, we rolled up our sleeves addressing new challenges and opportunities, continuing our work to protect Tribal Sovereignty and strengthen Native communities.” Honoring and Discussions at the Chairman’s Lounge & Tribal Leaders Lounge on Tradeshow Floor

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NATIONAL INDIAN GAMING ASSOCIATION 2022 TRADESHOW AND CONVENTION

MID-YEAR CONFERENCE & EXPO

SAVE THE DATE NOVEMBER 14-16, 2022 WE-KO-PA CASINO RESORT, FORT MCDOWELL, AZ

MIDYEAR-NATIONALINDANGAMINGSHOW.COM