- Details
- By Native News Online Staff
-
Indian Gaming Association Chairman Ernie Stevens, Jr., who was reelected to his thirteenth time period on the group’s annual conference in San Diego in April 2025, handed away all of a sudden on Friday, September 26, 2025. We are publishing a number of of the tributes which have been shared in his honor.
Deb Haaland (Laguna Pueblo), former U.S. Secretary of the Interior and present New Mexico gubernatorial candidate.
I can’t keep in mind a time when Ernie Stevens wasn’t there for us. He was at all times sort and supportive; welcoming and able to assist. He was tremendously optimistic in regards to the skills of Indigenous folks and displayed sharp, decisive management. When I acquired the information of his passing, I noticed the problem in imagining this world with out him. He will probably be missed. Offering deep condolences to his household.
National Congress of American Indians (NCAI)
The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) mourns the passing of Ernie Stevens, Jr., a towering advocate for Tribal sovereignty and a peerless champion of Tribal gaming. For greater than 20 years as Chairman of the Indian Gaming Association (IGA), Chairman Stevens introduced collectively Tribal Nations, educated policymakers, and guarded the rights of Tribal governments affirmed in federal legislation.
A citizen of the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin, Chairman Stevens devoted his life in service to Indian Country. Before main IGA, he served his Nation as an elected Tribal councilman and helped information nationwide intertribal advocacy as a former First Vice President of NCAI. He additionally led the reactivation of the IGA-NCAI Tribal Leaders Task Force in 2023. His management at IGA — spanning greater than a dozen consecutive phrases — coincided with the expansion of Tribal authorities gaming into the most important phase of the U.S. gaming trade, strengthening of Tribal economies, creating a whole lot of hundreds of jobs, and producing income important to offering vital providers in Native communities.
Under his watch, Tribal gaming revenues rose from roughly $11 billion in 2000 to greater than $43.9 billion in 2024. He tirelessly educated the media and Congress on the truth that tribal gaming builds nations and is a vital device in supporting healthcare, housing, schooling, public security, and cultural revitalization throughout Indian Country. His lifetime of labor and dedication to Indian Country has been acknowledged broadly, together with being inducted into the American Gaming Association’s Gaming Hall of Fame and thru quite a few nationwide honors.
Chairman Stevens led with honor, humility, humor, and coronary heart. He constructed coalitions, mentored the following technology, and at all times confirmed up—on Capitol Hill, in statehouses, and at Tribal neighborhood occasions—each time Indian Country known as. His legacy is measured not solely in financial milestones, however within the relentless train of Tribal sovereignty and the numerous leaders he lifted alongside the best way.
“We lost a warrior today,” stated NCAI President Mark Macarro. “Ernie Stevens’ voice and work carried forth a family legacy of service with great honor. Not only a national leader, but a smoke dancer and cultural practitioner, he represented the best of what we aspire to be as leaders in Indian Country.”
“Ernie had a gift for bringing people together,” stated NCAI Executive Director Larry Wright, Jr. “He believed in unity, and he proved that when Indian Country speaks with one voice, we not only win, but we make lasting change.”
NCAI extends our deepest condolences to the Stevens household, the Oneida Nation, and IGA. We honor Chairman Stevens by persevering with the work he devoted his life to: defending Tribal sovereignty, advancing self-determination, and constructing a future worthy of the following seven generations.
Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin, Jr.
I’m saddened by the lack of Ernie Stevens, Jr, a buddy and a terrific chief in Indian nation. Through 20 years on the helm on the National Indian Gaming Association, he helped forge a path for tribes and trade that has delivered jobs, income and hope to tribal nations, tribal communities and tribal residents.
Along the best way, Ernie at all times maintained focus that the gaming and leisure trade was a strong method to assert tribal sovereignty, a proper price asserting and defending.
He was a person with a great humorousness and at all times keen to increase a hand of friendship. That was on show throughout my current go to with him, becoming a member of him to advertise the pursuits of tribal nations in Washington, DC, the place his presence was at all times impactful,
Indian nation and his many buddies and family members are higher for Ernie, having lived and devoted his life in service to Indian Country.
We lengthen our ideas and prayers to his spouse, Cheryl, his Children and his total household throughout this troublesome time.
Bryan Newland (Bay Mills Indian Community), former Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Indian Affairs
Ernie Stevens, Jr. was an enormous: as a person, as a pacesetter, as a father, and as a buddy. He at all times stood tall and robust for others. But, the superb half is that he did it with such kindness and youthful enthusiasm. His passing leaves all of Indian nation with a painful void.
So many individuals know of his skilled accomplishments, and I did not know as a lot about his private accomplishments as I’d have preferred. To me, he was a buddy, a mentor, and an instance.
In the time I knew him, I am unable to recall an occasion of him talking ailing of anybody and even being indignant. He was simply sort and humorous. Early in my profession, he would at all times name or textual content with phrases encouraging me to maintain going – reassuring me that I used to be on a great path. He taught me invaluable classes via his infinite provide of tales. And he cherished to rib me in regards to the Green Bay Packers. One time, I invited him to a category I used to be instructing. I deliberate to prank him by placing my Detroit Lions hat on his head. He walked within the door sporting his Packers hat and a giant grin – turning the tables on me from the beginning.
My favourite factor about him was the best way he gave his time and respect to others with out regard to their title or station in life. He was only a very sort man.
I additionally knew Ernie via his household, who’re all great folks.
Miigwetch for a lifetime of kindness, love, and repair, Ernie. We all pray for your loved ones right here, and for a great journey house.
Rudy Soto, Executive Director of the National Indian Housing Council
Like so many, Rose and I are deeply saddened by the passing of Indian Gaming Association Chairman Ernie Stevens, Jr. I had the privilege of working for him and can at all times admire his knowledge, devotion to household, and unwavering dedication to serving as a optimistic position mannequin and champion for youthful generations.
Chairman Stevens possessed a uncommon charisma and a present for utilizing laughter as medication, lifting the spirits of everybody round him. I’ll always remember touring with him to my Tribe’s reservation and witnessing the humility and coronary heart with which he at all times carried himself.
Under his management, the Indian Gaming Association guided the tribal on line casino trade via a interval of file breaking progress that has supported housing, schooling, and neighborhood improvement all through Indian Country.
He leaves behind an honorable life and lasting legacy. Our prayers are together with his household and family members throughout this troublesome time.
Fawn Sharp, former President of the National Congress of American Indians
When devastating information arrives—so sudden, surprising, and unthinkably painful—our thoughts, coronary heart, and spirit resist accepting it. We wake to a brand new day, solely to really feel the jolt of realizing it’s the first day with out them right here with us, and our hearts shatter once more.
Some imagine that demise extinguishes the sunshine of a cherished one as they journey into the spirit world. But not even demise can diminish
Ernie’s sensible flame—the sunshine of his presence that radiated heat, energy, and love all through Indian Country. His passing doesn’t dim that gentle; it causes it to shine all of the extra brightly. Our reminiscences of him develop sharper, his teachings extra profound, and his spirit extra current.
Ernie’s life was a present, a flame that would by no means be contained. With each phrase, each chortle, each fist bump, and each act of generosity, he sparked one thing inside every of us—hope, braveness, pleasure, and love. He was a pacesetter, but additionally a buddy; a trainer, but at all times a scholar of life. A person whose presence carried each energy and gentleness, energy and humility.
In each circle he entered, Ernie lifted spirits and constructed connections. He carried our tales, our songs, and our struggles with dignity, by no means wavering in his devotion to his folks. His footsteps carried the load of generations, and his voice carried the knowledge of our ancestors.
Ernie’s work and life mission reached far past himself. He was a bridge between worlds—between previous and future, custom and alter, neighborhood and nation. His legacy will stay on within the actions he helped construct, within the households he strengthened, and within the numerous lives he touched throughout Indian Country.
We keep in mind him not just for what he did, however for who he was: a flame that kindled others into motion, a coronary heart that beat in rhythm together with his folks, a spirit that may by no means fade.
Though our hearts are shattered and we grieve deeply, we additionally give thanks. We give thanks for the reward of his life, for the numerous methods he blessed us, and for the enduring gentle he leaves behind.
We take consolation in understanding that an everlasting flame now burns on the opposite facet—guiding us, watching over us, defending us, and strolling with us within the moments after we will want him most. Ernie has walked on, however his gentle stays with us—everlasting, sovereign, unbroken, and eternal.
To Cheryl—the love of his life—and to their stunning household, we provide our deepest condolences, our heartfelt prayers, and our unwavering love and help. May you discover energy in understanding that Ernie’s spirit will at all times stroll beside you, and will the legacy you now carry proceed to shine as brightly because the flame he lit on this world.
To his household on the Indian Gaming Association, please know that a whole lot of countries are upholding you in love and prayer. Though Ernie’s sneakers can by no means be stuffed by one other, he ready you for this second. His spirit will stay a supply of energy and encouragement, and the stable basis upon which you’ll proceed to barter our collective future—from a spot of sovereignty, unity, and energy.
Ernie, I really like you. Thank you for the reward of a unprecedented life, for the sunshine you introduced into each room, and for the legacy you permit that may proceed to encourage and information us for generations to come back.
Aaron Payment, Sault Tribe, Tribal Councilor, former 1st Vice President of NCAI
Baama Pii to our good buddy Ernie Stevens (Oneida Nation)
Ernie will probably be eternally identified for carrying on the legacy of his father and namesake Ernie Stevens Sr. He was a terrific son to his father caring for him in his Elderhood.
Ernie is greatest identified for his work as Chair of the National Indian Gaming Association (NIGA now IGA). While there are others who contributed to it is creation, Ernie has been a mainstay to claim our tribal sovereignty and our self-determined proper to offer for our personal via our personal efforts. Fighting to guard this proper was and is a full-time job. Everyone who advantages from our Tribal Nation evolutions ought to take a second and acknowledge and respect Ernie’s contributions. I pledge to hold his help of different Tribal leaders and Nations with me.
Above all of that, Ernie was my buddy and buddy to so many others in Indian Country boosting our motivation and standing with us as we lead our respective Tribal Nations. He at all times requested the way you have been doing and what he may do to assist. When I used to be put via the ringer with politics at house, he would at all times encourage me to recollect the plight and battle of our ancestors who had it a lot worst. Supporting you whereas placing it in perspective was his reward.
Part of Ernie left us when his good buddy Rick Hill (Onieda) left. He was so profoundly unhappy and sometimes shared remembrances. I’m certain one of many first negee manidou to greet him on his journey is Rick Hill, strolling him alongside the trail to our ancestors.
My prayers to his household and the Oneida Nation as they mourn the loss to this Onieda Warrior.
Indian Country will really feel this one.
We love you Ernie and say Chi MeGwitch for all you’ve got accomplished for our folks and future generations.
Center for Native American Youth (CNAY) – Aspen Institute
It ia with heavy hearts that we, the CNAY household, mourn the passing of Ernest L. “Ernie” Stevens, Jr., a proud member of the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin. His dedication to uplifting younger folks and advocating for his or her wellbeing was determined.
“Ernie always worked fiercely to create space for the next generation of leaders. His contributions to CNAY made us stronger and more determined,” stated Executive Director Tracy Canard Goodluck. “In addition to our youth, Ernie was a mentor to me – always sharing kind, uplifting words of support from one Oneida to another. I will miss him.”
We provide our prayers for his journey to be with the ancestors, and for his household that survives him – his spouse Cheryl, and their kids and grandchildren. Yaw^ko, Ernie – for every thing you probably did on this life and for the pathways you permit behind.
Native Forward
His visionary management strengthened Native Forward and empowered generations of Native college students, advancing alternatives for schooling, financial mobility, and Tribal sovereignty.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of our Emeritus Board Chair, Ernie Stevens Jr. His unwavering leadership and advocacy shaped the growth of Native Forward and strengthened opportunities for generations of Native students,” stated Angelique Albert (Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes), CEO of Native Forward Scholars Fund. “We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and honor his enduring legacy in Indian Country.”
Lillian Sparks Robinson, Board Chair of Native Forward Scholars Fund and a member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe, added, “Native Forward mourns the loss of our Emeritus Board Chair, Ernie Stevens Jr., whose vision and dedication have left an indelible mark on our organization and Native higher education. Chairman Stevens, Ernie, was a tireless advocate for our Indigenous youth. We hold his family in our thoughts and prayers as we carry forward his legacy of service, strength, and advocacy for our communities.”
Ernie Stevens Jr.’s legacy is one in all unwavering dedication to tribal management, schooling, and neighborhood empowerment. Native Forward will honor his reminiscence by persevering with its mission to help and uplift Native college students throughout the nation.
United National Indian Tribal Youth, Inc. (UNITY)
United National Indian Tribal Youth, Inc. (UNITY) is deeply saddened to be taught of the passing of Ernie Stevens, Jr., Chairman of the Indian Gaming Association.
Chairman Stevens was not solely a revered nationwide chief and advocate for Tribal sovereignty, he was additionally a steadfast supporter of Native youth and the long run generations of Indian Country. He understood that the energy of our Nations rests within the fingers of our younger folks, and he constantly invested his time, voice, and management to make sure alternatives for them to thrive.
Ernie was a terrific buddy to the UNITY household, together with quite a few youth leaders, who seemed as much as him, and for many years he demonstrated unwavering encouragement and help of UNITY’s mission. His presence at our occasions and his phrases of steerage have left an indelible mark on our group and the hundreds of Native youth leaders we serve.
United Women of Tribal Gaming
Chairman Ernie Stevens might have handed away, however he has left a profound legacy within the tribal world.
He has been a tireless advocate for the popularity and development of ladies within the tribal gaming trade. Chairman Stevens was a terrific buddy of our group, United Women in Tribal Gaming, as he acknowledged the significance of ladies on this area and made it a precedence to honor their management, knowledge, and resilience.
“Chairman Stevens was the United Women of Tribal Gaming’s most staunch supporter since its inception. His presence in Indian Gaming and in Indian Country will be irreplaceable,” stated Margo Gray, Chairwoman and Co-Founder, and Pam Shaw, Co-Founder of UWTG.
We will miss our pricey buddy and warrior Chairman Ernie Stevens Jr. and lengthen our deepest condolences to his spouse, Cheryl, kids, and grandchildren.
Sarah EagleHeartwork (Lakota), Emmy profitable producer
Yesterday our Native Nations misplaced an enormous. Ernie Stevens Jr. was an unimaginable, devoted chief of Indian gaming whose imaginative and prescient and coronary heart formed alternatives for thus many people.
Ernie first got here into my life once I began courting Kevin Killer—he unknowingly chaperoned our very first non-date. From that day ahead, he was at all times a loving and heat presence, by no means lacking an opportunity to tease Kevin (his hunka/adopted son) about that basketball sport they performed greater than 20 years in the past, the one he proudly gained.
What I’ll keep in mind most is how Ernie made everybody really feel seen. No matter how busy a convention was, he at all times discovered time to cease by, share fun, and provide encouragement. He even nominated me for the National Center for American Indian Enterprise and Development’s “40 Under 40,” a gesture that also means a lot to me.
Ernie constantly modeled what it means to be a Native chief: honoring elders, respecting custom, praying, giving again, and uplifting others with each interplay. I’m deeply grateful for the methods he influenced my life—and the lives of numerous others.
More Stories Like This
Native News Weekly (August 25, 2024): D.C. Briefs
US Presidents in Their Own Words Concerning American Indians
Oral History Project Announces 14th Stop in Portland, Oregon: NABS Continues to Gather Crucial Stories Across Indian Country
Indian Gaming Association Chairman Ernie Stevens, Jr. Walks On at 66
Help us inform the tales that would save Native languages and meals traditions
At a vital second for Indian Country, Native News Online is embarking on our most bold reporting challenge but: “Cultivating Culture,” a three-year investigation into two forces shaping Native neighborhood survival—meals sovereignty and language revitalization.
The devastating influence of COVID-19 accelerated the lack of Native elders and with them, irreplaceable cultural data. Yet throughout tribal communities, revolutionary leaders are combating again, reclaiming conventional meals techniques and respiration new life into Native languages. These aren’t simply cultural preservation efforts—they’re highly effective pathways to neighborhood well being, therapeutic, and resilience.
Our devoted reporting crew will spend three years documenting these tales via on-the-ground reporting in 18 tribal communities, producing over 200 in-depth tales, 18 podcast episodes, and multimedia content material that amplifies Indigenous voices. We’ll present policymakers, funders, and allies how cultural restoration straight impacts bodily and psychological wellness whereas celebrating profitable fashions of sovereignty and self-determination.
This is not company media parachuting into Indian Country for a fast story. This is sustained, relationship-based journalism by Native reporters who perceive these communities. It’s “Warrior Journalism”—fearless reporting that serves the 5.5 million readers who rely upon us for information that mainstream media usually ignores.
We want your assist proper now. While we have secured partial funding, we’re nonetheless $450,000 wanting our three-year funds. Our instant purpose is $25,000 this month to maintain this vital work shifting ahead—funding reporter salaries, journey to distant communities, images, and the deep reporting these tales deserve.
Every greenback straight helps Indigenous journalists telling Indigenous tales. Whether it is $5 or $50, your contribution ensures these important narratives of resilience, innovation, and hope do not disappear into silence.
Support impartial Native journalism. Fund the tales that matter.
Levi Rickert (Potawatomi), Editor & Publisher