Indian Gaming > Sharing the Wealth: Q&A with Ernie Stevens of NIGA

December 18, 2006

Sharing the Wealth: Q&A with Ernie Stevens of NIGA

Dorreen Yellow Bird of The Grand Forks Herald interviews Ernie Stevens Jr., the chairman of the National Indian Gaming Association.

"Q: Have the tribes been able to generate economic development in areas other than casinos?Let's start with some of the wealthier tribes such as the Mashantucket Pequots.

A: I don't know the specifics about their profits, but I do know they've made it priority to reach out -- to do other forms of economic development. They've shared with other communities and have been a major lobbying force in Washington.

They house The National Indian Gaming Association. They have a big office overlooking the nation's Capitol. They have a good lobbying team and help NIGA. They spread their resources to help Indian country.

Q: Have they developed sources of jobs and stable income on reservations?

A: I believe so, but I don't have those examples. A lot of the tribes have different types of factories and enterprises.

Q: Which tribes have used their casino profits as seed for other income?

The wealthier tribes have the resources. The Chickasaw Nation in Oklahoma has done a great job in economic development.

Q: What have they done?

A: Again, I don't have examples of their companies, but I know they have just redone their casino. They have business development centers for tribal members, smoke shops and Native-product shops, gas stations and restaurants and so on."

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PRAIRIE VOICES: Sharing the wealth (The Grand Forks Herald 12/10)
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