Colorado Gov. Owens Made Boo-Boo at WGA

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The Western Governors' Association executive summit on Indian gaming this week was, by many accounts, a positive and historic affair. Tribal representatives took a prominent seat at the table thanks to the leadership of Colorado Gov. Bill Owens (R), the chair of the WGA.

But Owens had to make an apology for remarks he made at the summit on Tuesday, The Denver Rocky Mountain News reports. "It was an inadvertent comment that the governor regrets," said spokesperson Dan Hopkins told the paper for a story published today. "He apologizes to anyone who was offended."

So what happened? Did Owens actually say "The natives are getting restless" when the microphone of a participant on a panel discussion on the growth of Indian gaming didn't appear to be working?

Yes he did say that, although his actual words were, "The natives are restless today." You can download a clip [MP3: 448Kb] of his remarks to hear for yourself.

The recording was made at the front of the conference room so you can't hear some of the "scattered groans and chuckles" of the audience participants. There were definitely some puzzled looks after Owens made his remarks.

Sitting in the front row of room was none other than Richard Milanovich, the chairman of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians from California. Moments before making the "natives" comment, Owens had recognized Milanovich's attendance at the summit.

"I couldn't imagine that the governor of Colorado, or any person of that stature, was making that kind of remark," Milanovich told the paper. He said Owens "went out of his way to call this conference, and then more or less made fun of the people who were there."

But Sheila Morago, a member of the Gila River Indian Community and the executive director of the Arizona Indian Gaming Association, didn't think Owens meant any harm. "I don't think he meant it in any derogatory way at all," she was quoted as saying, adding that people around her laughed.

The "natives" incident wasn't the only time Owens had trouble with his words. While recognizing tribal leaders like Milanovich, he stumbled over quite a few of their names.

"Marc Macarro, chairman of the Pe-Gon-Ga Tribe," Owens announced. "These are hard names for me." [It's Pechanga.]

"George Rivera," he continued, "governor of the Pueblo of Po-Ja-Q." [Pueblo of Pojoaque.]

"Dorome Marquez, chairman of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians." [Deron Marquez]

"Michael Toledo, governor of the Pueblo of Hem-Ezz." [Pueblo of Jemez.]

Another name he had trouble with was Charles Colombe, the president of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe. He's not the only one though -- just a couple of weeks ago, Sen. John McCain (R-Arizona) introduced him as Charles Call-Lumbee. But Owens could blame this slip on South Dakota Gov. Mike Rounds (R).

"How do you pronounce that? I can't read your writing Governor Rounds! You're oughta be a pharmacist." You can download another clip [MP3: 939Kb] to hear Owens mangle the names.

Catch up on the WGA Summit:
Gaming meet ends with pledge among tribes, states (3/31)
Tribes, states seek open dialogue on gaming (3/31)
Governor wants vote on off-reservation casino (3/31)
Professor downplays impact of off-reservation gaming (3/30)
Western Governors summit on Indian gaming opens (3/30)