Ernie Stevens re-elected to third term as NIGA chair

Thursday, April 14, 2005  

Ernie Stevens Jr. was re-elected to a third term as chairman of the National Indian Gaming Association on Wednesday.

Stevens, a member of the Oneida Tribe of Wisconsin, ran unopposed. In a statement, he said he was pleased with the support he received from Indian Country.

"Although challenging and stressful, the past four years have been some of the best of my life; and I look forward to representing our industry -- and all Native peoples -- in the best way I know possible over the course of my next term," he said.

Also re-elected was Lynn "Nay" Valbuena, a member of California's San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, for a fifth term as secretary. "I want all of you to know that what we do at NIGA is the result of great passion in our heart...the passion to fight for what is right," he said.

NIGA held its annual trade show in San Diego, California. The conference concluded yesterday.