National Indian Gaming Association

The National Indian Gaming Association (NIGA, pronounced /ˈnɪɡə/) is a nonprofit organization founded in 1985 made up of 184 Indian Nations, with additional nonvoting associate members.[1][2][3] The purpose of the NIGA is "to protect and preserve the general welfare of tribes striving for self-sufficiency through gaming enterprises in Indian country," and to "maintain and protect Indian sovereign governmental authority in Indian Country."[4]

The NIGA seeks to advance the lives of Indian people economically, socially, and politically.[5] To fulfil its mission, the NIGA works with the federal government and members of Congress to develop sound policies and practices and to provide technical assistance and advocacy on gaming issues.[6] The NIGA's office building is located in Washington, D.C.[7] The NIGA headquarters building was purchased by a tribal collective. It is the first structure to be owned by Native Americans in Washington, D.C.[8][3] NIGA is presided by Ernest L. Stevens, Jr. who serves as the chairman and by Andy Ebona acting as the treasurer.[9][10]

The chairman, Ernest L. Stevens, Jr is one of six recipients of the "Path Breaker" award, which is awarded to individuals who have had a positive impact on Indian gaming.[11] The treasurer, Andy Ebona, is also a member of the Douglas Indian Association which represents the T’aaḵu Kwáan .[12] Ebona is also vice president of Native Beverage Group[13], Chairman of the Advisory Board of Spirit of Sovereignty[14], and Owner of Copper Shield Consulting LLC which works with Tribes and villages on economic and community development projects.[15]

Activities

On May 13, 2014 the NIGA held their 29th Annual tradeshow and Convention in the San Diego Convention Center where a premier showcase of Native culture was on display.[16] In March 2018 Ernest L. Stevens, Jr and Andy Ebona attended the tribal business summit in Britain in the House of Lords in the presence of the Baroness of Winterbourne.[17] On April 3, 2019, NIGA honored seven women elected Tribal Leaders in recognition of their commitment and leadership for their Tribal Nations and all of Indian Country.[18]

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References
  1. Mason, W.D. (2000). Indian Gaming: Tribal Sovereignty and American Politics. University of Oklahoma Press. p. 68. ISBN 978-0-8061-3260-0. Retrieved June 28, 2019. The organized effort of gaming tribes was led by the National Indian Gaming Association, founded in 1985. Reflecting the status of tribal governments and the unique role of gaming in tribal affairs, NIGA and its activities do not meet the usual ...
  2. Thompson, W.N. (2001). Gambling in America: An Encyclopedia of History, Issues, and Society. ABC-CLIO E-Books. ABC-CLIO. p. 150. ISBN 978-1-57607-159-5. Retrieved June 28, 2019. The National Indian Gaming Association (NIGA) was established in 1985 as a nonprofit organization.As of 2001, its members include 168 Indian nations and 55 nonvoting associate members representing ...
  3. Darian-Smith, Eve. New Capitalists:Law, Politics, and Identity Surrounding Casino Gaming on Native American Land, Belmont, CA: Wadsworth/Thomson Learning, 2004
  4. Regulatory Activities of the National Indian Gaming Commission: Hearing Before the Committee on Indian Affairs, United States Senate, One Hundred Fourth Congress, Second Session, to Examine the Nigc and How It Has Carried Out Its Obligations Under the Indian Gaming Regulatory ACT, October 2, 1996, Washington, DC. S. hrg. U.S. Government Printing Office. 1997. p. 146. ISBN 978-0-16-055028-7. Retrieved June 28, 2019.
  5. Leahy, T.; Wilson, N. (2016). Historical Dictionary of Native American Movements. Historical Dictionaries of Religions, Philosophies, and Movements Series. Rowman & Littlefield Publishers. p. 184. ISBN 978-1-4422-6809-8. Retrieved June 28, 2019.
  6. "Bulletin NO. 04-2". National Indian Gaming Association (NIGA). Archived from the original on March 16, 2012. Retrieved October 26, 2011.
  7. Congressional Record. Government Printing Office. 1956. p. 4–PA369. Retrieved June 28, 2019.
  8. Darian-Smith, E. (2004). New Capitalists: Law, Politics, and Identity Surrounding Casino Gaming on Native American Land. Case studies on contemporary social issues. Thomson/Wadsworth. p. 1. ISBN 978-0-534-61308-2. Retrieved June 28, 2019. Now owned and run by the National Indian Gaming Association, the building is the headquarters for national issues ... purchased by a tribal collective, is the very first structure of any sort to be owned by Native Americans in Washington, DC.
  9. "Board of Directors". www.indiangaming.org. Retrieved June 13, 2019.
  10. "Indian Country Today". www.newsmaven.io. Retrieved June 26, 2019.
  11. "Global Gaming Business Magazine". Retrieved June 25, 2019.
  12. "KTOO Public Media". August 8, 2017. Retrieved June 26, 2019.
  13. "Our Team | Native Beverage Group". nativebeveragegroup.com. Retrieved December 7, 2019.
  14. "About Us – Spirit Of Sovereignty". Retrieved December 7, 2019.
  15. http://www.indiangaming.com/istore/Oct18_Products.pdf
  16. "Indian Gaming Culture Night Reception Release" (PDF). National Indian Gaming Association (NIGA). Retrieved June 25, 2019.
  17. http://www.indiangaming.com/istore/Mar18_2018%20London.pdf
  18. "European Gaming". April 3, 2019. Retrieved June 26, 2019.
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