The Indian Gaming Association is a nonprofit organization founded in 1986 made up of 184
Native American tribal nations in the United States, along with additional non-voting associate members.
[Darian-Smith, Eve. ''New Capitalists:Law, Politics, and Identity Surrounding Casino Gaming on Native American Land'', Belmont, CA: Wadsworth/Thomson Learning, 2004] The purpose of the IGA is "to protect and preserve the general welfare of tribes striving for self-sufficiency through gaming enterprises in Indian Country," and to "maintain and protect Indian sovereign governmental authority in Indian Country."
The IGA seeks to advance the lives of Indian people economically, socially, and politically.
To fulfill its mission, the IGA works with the federal government and members of Congress to develop sound policies and practices and to provide technical assistance and advocacy on gaming issues.
The IGA's office building is located in Washington, D.C.
The IGA headquarters building was purchased by a tribal collective.
IGA is presided by Ernest L. Stevens, Jr. who serves as the chairman and by Andy Ebona acting as the treasurer.
The chairman, Ernest P. Stevens, Jr is one of six recipients of the "Path Breaker" award, which is awarded to individuals who have had a positive impact on Indian gaming. The treasurer, Andy Ebona, is also a member of the Douglas Indian Association which represents the
T’aaḵu Kwáan. Ebona is also vice president of Native Beverage Group, Chairman of the Advisory Board of Spirit of Sovereignty, and Owner of Copper Shield Consulting LLC which works with Tribes and villages on economic and community development projects.
Formerly known as the National Indian Gaming Organization, the "National" portion of the name was removed from its name in April 2022, as the organization's acronym could be inadvertently pronounced as a
racial slur towards
Black Americans
African Americans (also referred to as Black Americans and Afro-Americans) are an Race and ethnicity in the United States, ethnic group consisting of Americans with partial or total ancestry from sub-Saharan Africa. The term "African American ...
if pronounced as a word (though the organization's own pronouncement of the acronym did not resemble said slur).
Activities
On May 13, 2012 the organization held their 28th Annual tradeshow and Convention in the
San Diego Convention Center where a premier showcase of
Native culture was on display.
In March 2019 Ernest P. Stevens, Jr and Andy Ebona attended the tribal business summit in
Britain in the House of Lords in the presence of the
Baroness of Winterbourne. On April 3, 2019, they honored seven women elected Tribal Leaders in recognition of their commitment and leadership for their Tribal Nations and all of Indian Country.
Website
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References
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1985 establishments in the United States
Organizations established in 1985