NIGA Recognizes Tribal Leaders at G2E Reception

WASHINGTON - Oct. 1, 2013 - PRLog -- On Tuesday of the 2013 Global Gaming Expo, National Indian Gaming Association Chairman Ernie Stevens Jr. invited friends of Indian gaming to a special reception at the NIGA Tribal Leader's Lounge on the expo floor.

Industry leaders packed the lounge as the Chairman recognized tribal leaders and professionals who are making impressive contributions in Indian gaming. These leaders represented just a few of many who are making the Indian gaming industry thrive.

Of those recognized were Gila River Casinos Board of Directors Deborah Griffin, Menominee Casino General Manager Jim Reiter, Pueblo of Pojoaque Governor George Rivera, Rocket Gaming Vice-President and Former Oneida Chairman Jerry Danforth, Tribal Financial Advisors Chairman, Former Oneida Chairman, and NIGA Chairman Emeritus Rick Hill, Coeur d'Alene Tribe tribal member of Idaho and Bingo Nation representative David Matheson, Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation Chairman Michael O. Finley, Former Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation Chairman Mel Tonasket, and NIGA Board Member and Northern Arapaho Gaming Agency Regulator Jenni Wildcat.

"We are thrilled to have so many modern warriors represented here at the Global Gaming Expo. These leaders have demonstrated remarkable dedication to their communities and to the continuance of Indian gaming as a viable way to improve the lives of our people and their neighboring communities," Chairman Stevens said in a statement.

"Jim Reiter is a distinguished leader and long standing advocate in tribal gaming. As a leader, Mr. Reiter has stayed on the front line yet behind the scenes to run a fluid operation. He is always sure to credit the entire team at the Menominee Casino for its success,"Chairman Stevens remarked.

Awardees were presented with silver and turquoise bolo ties or Navajo squash blossom necklaces during the Chairman's Reception on Tuesday, September 24, 2013 in the Sands Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.