NIGA meets in Albuquerque for annual conference

Monday, April 3, 2006  

The National Indian Gaming Association is meeting in Albuquerque, New Mexico, this week for its annual trade show and conference.

The three-day event at the Albuquerque Convention Center kicks off today with a series of roundtables and workshops on gaming issues, along with NIGA's annual membership meeting. Attendees will head to Isleta Casino & Resort this evening for the "Jam on the Rez" featuring Jana, Arigon Starr and comedians Williams & Ree, otherwise known as the Indian and the White Guy.

The conference continues on Tuesday with more workshops and the opening of the trade show floor. About 350 exhibitors, including Indian-owned businesses and artisans, will be showing their products and services. The theme is "Traditions of the Elders. Strength for the Future."

The event closes on Wednesday with a final round of workshops prior to the Bureau of Indian Affairs consultation session on the Section 20 draft regulations for the taking of land into trust for gaming purposes. The session takes place from 2-5pm in the San Miguel Room of the convention center.