Copyright © 2006 NLThomas
All Rights Reserved
News from the Cherokee Nation, OK
Copyright © 2006 CNO
TAHLEQUAH, OKLAHOMA – Cherokee Nation Gaming Commission Director Jamie Hummingbird was recently honored with the Bruce Longhorn Award for Excellence in Regulation from the National Indian Gaming Association (NIGA) at its 15th annual membership meeting and trade show in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
CN Gaming Commission Director Jamie Hummingbird (far right) receives the Bruce Longhorn Award for Excellence in Regulation from the National Indian Gaming Association (NIGA) from Tracy Burris (middle), gaming commissioner for the Chickasaw Nation and treasurer of NIGA (middle) and Ernie Stevens, chairman of NIGA (far left). 
This award commemorates Bruce Longhorn, who championed the NIGA and what its mission, and is given annually to a Native American who is equally dedicated to strong tribal gaming regulations.
“When I first started with the Gaming Commission, Bruce Longhorn was one of the first people I contacted to learn more about gaming regulation. Bruce was always available and willing to answer questions or to discuss issues. I, and other tribal regulators, knew that we could count on Bruce if we needed anything. Not only was Bruce a brilliant regulator, he was also a genuinely nice person. Receiving an award named for him is a tremendous honor,” Hummingbird said.
NIGA Treasurer Tracy Burris, who presented Hummingbird with his award, stated that Longhorn was “the ultimate regulator” and that Hummingbird fulfills that same legacy.
Hummingbird, a 14-year employee of the Cherokee Nation, is responsible for the regulatory oversight of the Cherokee gaming facilities. His duties include the review and approval of electronic games, background investigations of gaming facility employees and vendors, and reviewing and reporting on gaming facility compliance with established tribal and federal statutes as well as for the Tribal-State Compact.
During his time with the Gaming Commission, Hummingbird has served on two national advisory committees established by the National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC), the federal regulatory agency tasked with overseeing all Indian gaming. The first advisory committee was the Minimum Internal Control Standards Committee, for which Hummingbird was the tribal co-chair. The second committee, which is still active, is the Technical Standards and Game Classification Committee. These advisory committees are made up of seven tribal representatives, selected by the NIGC, from across the country.
The NIGA is a nonprofit trade association made up of 184 Native American nations and other nonvoting associate members whose mission is to advance and improve the lives of all Native Americans.
For additional information on the Cherokee Nation Gaming Commission, contact Hummingbird, phone: 918-207-3848.
| Related Cherokee Nation contact information: |
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Mike Miller, Cherokee Nation Director of Communications Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2210) Fax: 918-458-5580 E-mail: Communications@cherokee.org
Larry Daugherty, Advertising Manager |
Steven Swogger, Agriculture Liaison Natural Resources Department Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2546) FAX: 918-458-7673 E-mail: sswogger@cherokee.org
Bradley D. Peak, Cherokee Nation |