The Indian Gaming Association is a nonprofit organization founded in 1986 made up of 184 Native American tribal nations in the United States, along with additional non-voting associate members.[1][2][3] The purpose of the IGA 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 IGA seeks to advance the lives of Indian people economically, socially, and politically.[5] To fulfill its mission, the IGA 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 IGA's office building is located in Washington, D.C.[7] The IGA headquarters building was purchased by a tribal collective.[8][3] IGA 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 P. 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]

Formerly known as the National Indian Gaming Organization, the "National" portion of the name was removed from its name in April 2022, as the organization's acronym could be inadvertently pronounced as a racial slur towards Black Americans if pronounced as a word (though the organization's own pronouncement of the acronym did not resemble said slur).[16]

Activities

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On May 13, 2012 the organization held their 28th Annual tradeshow and Convention in the San Diego Convention Center where a premier showcase of Native culture was on display.[17] In March 2019 Ernest P. 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.[18] On April 3, 2019, they honored seven women elected Tribal Leaders in recognition of their commitment and leadership for their Tribal Nations and all of Indian Country.[19]

Website

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References

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  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. ^ a b 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. ISBN 9780160118449. 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. February 19, 2019. 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. ^ "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on June 26, 2019. Retrieved June 26, 2019.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  16. ^ Rickert, Levi (April 21, 2022). "National Indian Gaming Association Drops the "N" from Acronym by Changing its Name". Native News Online. Retrieved September 3, 2024.
  17. ^ "Indian Gaming Culture Night Reception Release" (PDF). National Indian Gaming Association (NIGA). Retrieved June 25, 2019.
  18. ^ http://www.indiangaming.com/istore/Mar18_2018%20London.pdf [dead link]
  19. ^ "European Gaming". April 3, 2019. Retrieved June 26, 2019.