Oct
2
2012
Calling the Supreme Court's decision a "job killer," National Indian Gaming Association Chair Ernie Stevens spoke candidly in this Indian Country Today article (by one of our favorite reporters, Gale Courey Toensing) about the impact of Carcieri v. Salazar and the potential for a legislative fix: Archive
October 2nd, 2012
September 25th
Washburn Confirmed as AS-IA
Sep
25
2012
On Friday, the U.S. Senate approved President Barack Obama's nomination of Kevin Washburn as Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs by unanimous consent. (Congrats, Kevin!)
"As we continue to strengthen the integrity of the nation's government-to-government relationship with federally-recognized Indian tribes and empower Native American and Alaska Native communities, Kevin Washburn will be an outstanding addition to our leadership team and a vital asset for President Obama's initiatives in Indian Country," Interior Secretary Ken Salazar said in a statement.
September 18th
Senate Support for Washburn
Sep
18
2012
Our friend and colleague Kevin Washburn is one step closer to filling the position of AS-IA, or Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs in the U.S. Department of the Interior. On September 14, during a nomination hearing before the U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, chaired by Sen. Daniel Akaka, D-Hawaii, Washburn testified, "I will commit to you [that] if I am confirmed, I will be a voice
within the Department for strong argument and advocacy for protection of
the resources that we need to carry out our solemn obligations to the
tribes under treaties and the trust responsibility….” August 31st
Economic Impacts in the News
Aug
31
2012
In Washington state, the Spokane Tribe's proposal for an off-reservation casino is generating debate over predicted economic impacts on the state; similarly, in California, tribes are emphasizing how Indian gaming benefits non-Indian economies.August 28th
Ernie Stevens, Jr. Remembers Stanley Crooks
Aug
28
2012
Ernie Stevens, Jr., Chair of the National Indian Gaming Association, remembers Stanley Crooks in this Indian Country Today article. Here's an excerpt:August 27th
Stanley Crooks, Chairman of Shakopee Mdewakanton, Dies at 70
Aug
27
2012
Sad news from Minnesota: Stanley Crooks, long-time chair of the Shakopee Mdewakanton Dakota Community passed away on Saturday. Crooks was a nationally prominent leader, serving as the chair of the Minnesota
Indian Gaming Association and the tribe’s representative
to both the National Indian Gaming Association and the National
Congress of American Indians.Under the tribe's constitution, tribal vice chairman Charlie Vig will succeed Crooks, and secretary/treasurer Keith B. Anderson will fill the office of vice chairman. A tribal election will be held to fill Anderson’s office.
August 24th
Reaction to LA Times Editorial
Aug
24
2012
And here's an op-ed in response to the Los Angeles Times editorial we covered in our last post . . . . 