Copyright © 2004 NLThomas
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Washington, D.C. - Today at the National Press Club, NIGA Chairman Ernest L. Stevens, Jr., joined National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) President Tex G. Hall and other distinguished tribal leaders, for NCAI's annual "State of American Indian Nations " address.

The address -- NCAI's second --, was intended to capture the attention of the Administration, Congress and the American public and to raise awareness of the critical issues facing Indian Nations and people.

This year's speech focused heavily on tribal sovereignty and the many funding needs that are still rampant throughout Indian Country in virtually every category ranging from education, housing, homeland security and police protection and education. In fact, the lack of funding for essential programs and the desperate situation that most American Indian and Alaska Native peoples still find themselves in the twenty-first century prompted a 2003 Civil Rights Commission report titled "A Quiet Crisis: Federal Funding and Unmet Needs in Indian Country."

Following the approximately 20-minute address, Hall introduced Stevens, who delivered a brief message on behalf of NIGA and its 184 member tribes. Tribal sovereignty is the cornerstone of Indian tribes' right to engage in government gaming; and Stevens echoed NCAI's message regarding the need to keep pushing the message of tribal self-determination.

"There are many issues that we confront in our representation of gaming tribes - the answers to the questions raised by those issues are all related to the key message of tribal sovereignty in NCAI's address," noted Stevens. "Questions about our participation in the political process and the rights of tribes to conduct government gaming is rooted in President Hall's speech today."

Stevens paid homage to the other tribal leaders who had gathered to hear the address - all of whom command the greatest respect, because of their status as leaders of their nations. Because tribes are sovereign nations and, therefore, are on an equal standing with the federal government and the states, Stevens made his point by stressing that President George Bush and President Tex Hall are equals.

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The National Indian Gaming Association is a non-profit trade association comprised of 184 American Indian Nations and other non-voting associate members. The common commitment and purpose of NIGA is to advance the lives of Indian people - economically, socially and politically. NIGA operates as a clearinghouse and educational, legislative and public policy resource for tribes, policymakers and the public on Indian gaming issues and tribal community development.