The following is the text of a September 30, 2025, press release from the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians.

DOWAGIAC, Michigan – September 30, 2025 – The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians of Michigan and Indiana announced today that it will lower its flag at half-mast at its government and business locations in honor of Ernest (“Ernie”) L. Stevens Jr., a tribal citizen of the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin and longtime Chairman of the Indian Gaming Association (IGA). Chairman Stevens walked on Friday, September 26 at the age of 66.

Commenting on the passing of Chairman Stevens, Matthew Wesaw, Tribal Council Chairman for the Pokagon Band said, “Indian Country has lost a tremendous leader in the untimely passing of Ernie Stevens Jr. From his earliest leadership roles, he displayed incredible vision, commitment, empathy and advocacy, with a very humble approach. His dedication and unwavering passion in service to Indian Country is only surpassed by his passion and commitment to his family. Our hearts go out to his wife Cheryl, children and grandchildren. We can only ask that the Creator hold them close and give them comfort and confidence that Ernie’s journey will be joyful as he is reunited with friends and family that walked on before him. We share our deepest condolences and sympathy. This is a very unfortunate and premature loss. Rest in peace, my friend.”

For more than two decades as Chairman of the IGA, Mr. Stevens was dedicated to his mission of advancing tribal government gaming and strengthening tribal sovereignty. Under his leadership, IGA became one of the most respected and influential voices in Washington, D.C., tirelessly advocating for the rights of tribal nations and safeguarding the integrity of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.

Incorporated in 1985 and located on Capitol Hill, IGA is a leading voice for Indian Country, working diligently to ensure that the special status of tribes is recognized and protected when issues affecting tribal sovereignty arise. IGA advocates on behalf of Indian tribes with Congress, the White House and federal agencies. In order to accomplish its mission, IGA often works with Congress and the administration on all Indian Issues under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act and the Commerce Clause. More information on the Indian Gaming Association can be found at indiangaming.org.

About The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians of Michigan and Indiana
The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi’s sovereignty was reaffirmed under legislation signed into law by President Clinton in September of 1994. The Pokagon Band is dedicated to providing community development initiatives such as housing, education, family services, medical care, and cultural preservation for its more than 6,400 citizens. The Pokagon Band’s ten-county service area includes four counties in Southwestern Michigan and six in Northern Indiana. Its main administrative offices are located in Dowagiac, Mich., with a satellite office in South Bend, Ind. In 2007, it opened Four Winds Casino Resort in New Buffalo, Mich., followed by Four Winds Hartford in 2011, Four Winds Dowagiac in 2013 and Four Winds South Bend in 2018. The Pokagon Band operates a variety of non-gaming businesses through its investment enterprises, Mno-Bmadsen and the Pokagon Development Authority. More information is available at pokagonband-nsn.gov, fourwindscasino.com and mno-bmadsen.com.