The mission of the National Indian Gaming Association (NIGA) is to advance the lives of Indian people—economically, socially and politically. Under these opuses, NIGA carries out its daily work as a clearinghouse for tribes on educational, legislative, public policy and litigation issues. We are a resource for tribes, policymakers and the general public on Indian gaming issues and tribal community development.
As the chairman of NIGA, I have had the honor of working with and operating under the direction of our tribal leadership. During my tenure, it has been empowering to see the strength of tribal governments as they progress and flourish. They continue to tackle issues ranging from meeting their peoples’ basic needs to turning back the threat of increased federal regulation.
It is amazing that in just 20 years, Indian gaming has grown into a stable, professional and responsible industry that generates essential resources and jobs that were not previously available. This is attributable to the hard work and innovation of our tribal governments and the agreement amongst the tribes to work together in a united front, with one voice, in defense of our sovereignty and the right to determine our own economic future.
It should never be forgotten that when Congress passed IGRA, it was at the urging of the states that wanted to reduce tribal sovereignty. Ironically, despite IGRA, tribal governments succeeded and fostered an industry with more than $26 billion in revenue and more than 700,000 jobs nationwide.
Steadfastness and collaboration have been, and will continue to be, the key to this success. And as tribes continue to establish strong communities, even in this time of economic uncertainty in America, it will be through the hard work and dedication of the leadership in Indian country that Indian gaming will be poised to lead an economic comeback.
You see, Indian country has known for centuries what America is experiencing today. For years, most tribes looked to the slim handouts of the federal government and the lackluster effort to fulfill its treaty obligations.
Today, gaming revenues are an important part of many tribal government operational budgets. These funds provide critical services to many tribal members throughout Indian country, and as a result, tribal leaders are intensely aware of the need to protect their tribal gaming facilities.
As NIGA continues to forge ahead with our duties to protect this industry and to be the legislative watchdogs for tribes, we are also providing opportunities for tribes to continue working on their gaming responsibilities through our certification courses, industry development and commissioner training. We will also bring together tribes and gaming industry professionals to celebrate the successes of our industry at our annual Indian Gaming Tradeshow and Convention in Phoenix this year.
As in the past, Indian Gaming ‘09 will bring $26 billion of purchasing power under one roof. A variety of decision makers, including tribal leaders, economic development board members, casino general managers and other department managers, and Indian gaming regulators, will convene to do business, learn new trends and share and learn from one another’s success stories in Indian country hospitality and entertainment. It is quite simply one of the best training opportunities during the year.
This year’s trade show will take place April 13-16 in Phoenix and will feature a vast schedule of events over four days that include an expo, workshops, certification sessions, recognition of tribes, tribal leaders and the Indian gaming industry. We will also discuss with tribes the legislative issues taking shape this year as a new president and Congress are sworn in.
One of the most powerful events of the Indian Gaming Tradeshow and Convention is the recognition and acknowledgement of individuals who are Indian country’s modern-day warriors, those who selflessly fought important battles to benefit Indian country and were determined to see Indian gaming succeed.
The Wendell Chino Humanitarian Award pays homage to the late Wendell Chino, who served some 40 years as the chairman of the Mescalero Apache Tribe in New Mexico. Chino dedicated himself until the time of his passing into the spirit world to the advocacy of his Mescalero Apache people and also forged a campaign of recognition and advancement for Indian country, diligently and gracefully.
This year’s recipient of the Wendell Chino Humanitarian Award is Dr. Clinton Pattea, president of the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation in Arizona. President Pattea, who has been in tribal leadership for almost five decades, is responsible for stewarding his community into a self-reliant state. Further, Arizona’s success in Indian gaming is attributed to the visionary leadership and dedication of Pattea and the Fort McDowell people.
During the early 1990s, Fort McDowell operated one of several tribal casinos in Arizona, and in accordance with the provisions of IGRA, these tribes were waiting to sign gaming compacts with the Arizona state government. However, Arizona then-governor Fife Symington opposed Indian gaming and used his authority to call upon the U.S. Attorneys office to lend support to stopping the operation of tribal casinos. Symington ordered the unannounced raids by FBI agents on five Arizona Indian casinos and at the first light of day on May 12, 1992, the agents invaded the Fort McDowell casino, seizing the community’s 349 gaming machines and loading them into moving trucks, although they did not get very far.
Without hesitation, Fort McDowell tribal community members witnessing the raid took immediate action by calling upon other community members, tribal leaders and the local news media. Soon using every available car, truck, and heavy locomotive machinery, a blockade of the casino’s only access road was organized. This resulted in a three-week standoff between the Fort McDowell tribe and the state of Arizona, where President Pattea stood firm on behalf of the Fort McDowell people and forced negotiations that ultimately led to the signing of gaming compacts with the tribe, thus paving the way for Indian gaming in Arizona.
Today, President Pattea, 76, continues to devote his life’s work to serving the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation. Born and raised on the Fort McDowell reservation, he has been centrally involved in all of the nation’s defining events over the past half-century.
He is an educator and is designated as a Culture Keeper by his people. He is considered an innovator in his approach to government and a true defender of tribal sovereignty among tribes in Arizona and throughout Indian country.
I can assure you that as we honor this great tribal leader, Pattea will be the first to give credit where credit is due for his accomplishments in leadership, as success is not attained alone but through the unwavering support received from his tribal community.
He is a pillar of strength and determination, and his achievements as a true tribal leader exemplify our progress, success and the difficult work toward self-reliance for all of Indian country. He is truly a living legend.
I congratulate Pattea and thank him for his contributions to Indian gaming, and I am honored to recognize this true Indian warrior at Indian Gaming ’09.
For more information about Indian Gaming ‘09, visit www.indiangaming.org.
Ernie Stevens Jr. is the Chair of the National Indian Gaming Association and a member of the Oneida Tribe of Indians of Wisconsin. He can be reached at (202) 546-7711.
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