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- By Levi Rickert
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Breaking News. Ernie Stevens, Jr., a tribal citizen of the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin and the longtime chairman of the Indian Gaming Association, walked on on Friday. Stevens was 66.
An official announcement has not but been launched by the Indian Gaming Association. However, Jason Giles, govt director of the group, launched a brief assertion to Native News Online on Friday night:
“Our Indian Gaming Association board and staff are stunned and saddened by Chairman Stevens’ passing. Out of respect for his wife Cheryl, his lovely family, and the Oneida Nation, we will issue a full tribute at the appropriate time. Please send your prayers to the Stevens family.”
Stevens’s son, Brandon Yellowbird-Stevens, posted the next on his Facebook web page on Friday night:
“It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our Dad and Papa, Ernie Stevens Jr.
We ask for privacy at this time as our family navigates this profound loss.
More information and announcements will be shared in the coming days.
Thank you for your prayers and support.”
Updated at 11 pm – ET
Late Friday, the Indian Gaming Association launched an announcement asserting Stevens sudden loss of life on Friday:
Chairman Stevens devoted his life in service to Indian Country. For greater than 20 years as Chairman of IGA, he remained steadfast in his mission to advance tribal authorities gaming and strengthen tribal sovereignty. Under his management, IGA grew to become probably the most revered and influential voices in Washington, D.C., tirelessly advocating for the rights of tribal nations and safeguarding the integrity of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.
Jason Giles, Executive Director of IGA, mentioned, “Our IGA Board and staff are stunned and saddened by Chairman Stevens passing. Out of respect for his wife Cheryl, his lovely family and the Oneida Nation, we will issue a full tribute at the appropriate time. Please send your prayers to the Stevens family.”
“Ernie Stevens, Jr. was more than a chairman; he was a warrior, a statesman, and a champion for all of Indian Country,” mentioned Giles. “His vision and commitment built bridges across tribal nations, Congress, and federal agencies, ensuring that tribal gaming remained a cornerstone of tribal self-determination and economic growth. His legacy will be unmatched, and his voice will echo for generations to come.”
During his tenure, Indian gaming revenues grew from $11 billion in 2000 to a record-breaking $43.9 billion in 2024, making Tribal Government Gaming the biggest phase of the U.S. gaming trade. This extraordinary progress is a direct reflection of Chairman Stevens’ strategic imaginative and prescient and tireless advocacy, working hand-in-hand with tribal leaders throughout the nation to strengthen the Indian gaming trade. His efforts ensured that gaming revenues continued to help schooling, healthcare, infrastructure, and financial growth all through Indian Country.
Chairman Stevens leaves behind not solely a legacy of coverage achievements and financial milestones but in addition a strong instance of unity, dignity, and unwavering dedication to the subsequent technology of tribal leaders. He believed deeply within the sovereignty of tribal governments and their capability to construct a affluent future for his or her communities.
The Indian Gaming Association honors Chairman Stevens’ reminiscence by persevering with the work to which he devoted his life: defending tribal sovereignty, empowering tribal governments, and celebrating the energy of Native nations. Above all, Chairman Stevens all the time believed that his best accomplishment and legacy was his household.
We lengthen our deepest condolences to his spouse Cheryl, his youngsters Brandon, Ernest III, Margaret, Maria, and Lois, and his 20 grandchildren throughout this time of profound loss. We will carry ahead his mission with the identical energy and dedication that outlined his life’s work.
National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) Executive Director Larry Wright (Ponca) mirrored on his 20 yr friendship with Stevens. They had been collectively in Washington, D.C. final week throughout NCAI’s Unity Impact Days on Thursday at a press convention on the Embassy of Tribal Nations, NCAI headquarters.
“He was an icon who will be missed and never replaced. A mentor and friend for 20 years,” Wright mentioned to Native News Online. “How great he was shown during the press conference at the Embassy. We will continue to fight in his honor.”
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