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A warrior. A friend. A mentor. A family man. Indian Country is remembering the late Ernie Stevens, Jr., who passed on at the age of 66.
“Ernie was larger than life both literally and figuratively,” the Native American Caucus said.
“Indian Country has lost a tremendous leader in the untimely passing of Ernie Stevens Jr.,” said Pokagon Band Chairman Matthew Wesaw.
“Ernie was more than a leader – he was a friend, mentor, and inspiration to so many of us in Indian Country,” said NIHB Chief Executive Officer AC Locklear.
For more than three decades, Tina Kuckkahn has centered her work on supporting Native culture and the arts. Join her for the Native in the Spotlight.
With great sadness, NAFSA reflects on the life of Indian Gaming Association Chairman Ernie Stevens, Jr., who history will remember as a relentless giant and a tireless champion for all of Indian Country.
“We lost a warrior today,” said NCAI President Mark Macarro.
“We will forever be grateful for Chairman Stevens’ leadership, support, and involvement, and for the way he set a true example of stewardship for our Native youth,” UNITY said.
“Indian Country has lost a great relative, friend and warrior,” Chairman Emeritus D.K. Sprague said on behalf of the Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi.
“Indian Country, and his many friends and loved ones, are better for Ernie having lived and dedicated his life in service to Indian Country,” said Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr..
“Ernie was a tireless advocate for Tribal Nations, tribal sovereignty, and the ability of Tribes to improve their economies, their governments, and the lives of their people through lawful gaming enterprises,” the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community said.
“Ernie was a warrior, a leader and a friend,” said Seneca Nation President J. Conrad Seneca.
“Ernie was more than a colleague. He was a true friend to NAFOA and to me personally,” said NAFOA Board President Rodney Butler.
“Ernie Stevens, Jr. was more than a chairman; he was a warrior, a statesman, and a champion for all of Indian Country,” said IGA Executive Director Jason Giles.
The House Committee on Education and Workforce holds a markup on H.R.1723, the Tribal Labor Sovereignty Act.
The House Committee on Education and Workforce holds a markup on H.R.1723, the Tribal Labor Sovereignty Act.
The tribal gaming industry took in $43.9 billion in 2024 but potential setbacks are on the horizon.
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Tribes are raising concerns about online betting apps that appear to affect their Class III gaming rights.
The House Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs holds a hearing on legislation affecting tribal lands and tribal health.
The House Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs is taking testimony on tribal lands and health legislation.
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Nearly four decades into the era of Indian gaming, some tribes are still facing roadblocks at the state level.
Make your vote count at NAFOA’s upcoming conference.
“Our membership has been listening carefully to the conversations around sports betting legislation in Oklahoma,” said Matthew L. Morgan, chairman of the Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association.
Regulatory activity has ground to a halt at the Bureau of Indian Affairs but one pro-tribal action has made it over the finish line in the era of Donald Trump.
The Department of Government Efficiency, also known as DOGE, is taking aim at the BIA, the IHS and even the NIGC.
The state of Alaska has filed suit against the Department of the Interior in hopes of shutting down a tribal gaming facility.
Sen. Thom Tillis (R-North Carolina) lashes out against the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians at a hearing on sports betting on December 17, 2024.
Sen. Thom Tillis (R-North Carolina) lashes out against the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians at a hearing on sports betting on December 17, 2024.
Members of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs advance the nomination of Patrice Kunesh to lead the National Indian Gaming Commission on November 20, 2024.
The Senate Committee on Indian Affairs convenes for a business meeting on November 20, 2024.
The Senate Committee on Indian Affairs convenes for a business meeting on November 20, 2024.
Donald Trump’s election as president and the Republican takeover of Congress are already having impacts on Indian Country’s agenda.
The Senate Committee on Indian Affairs is getting back to work as the 118th Congress comes to a close.
The Tohono O’odham Nation is getting ready to welcome visitors to its fifth gaming facility in Arizona.
President Joe Biden is highlighting his administration’s Indian Country achievements as he prepares to visit a tribe in Arizona.
A federal appeals court has revived a long-simmering dispute between two tribal nations but both parties remain far apart on what the decision means for sacred Creek land
The Miccosukee Tribe and the Seminole Tribe are dealing with the effects of Hurricane Milton after the catastrophic storm hit their homelands in Florida.
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