Indian Gaming Association Membership Meeting Opens with Tribute to Chairman Ernie Stevens, Jr., State of the Industry Address, and Management Nominations

SAN DIEGO, CA — March 30, 2026 — The Indian Gaming Association (IGA) convened its Annual Membership Meeting this morning on the San Diego Convention Center, bringing collectively tribal leaders from throughout Indian Country to honor the legacy of former Chairman Ernie Stevens, Jr., whereas setting a forward-looking course for the business via a State of the Industry Address and management nominations.

The morning opened in a robust and ceremonial manner, starting with the Posting of Colors by the Native American Women Warriors Color Guard, adopted by a transferring Smoke Dance efficiency by Chairman Stevens’ grandchildren and an invocation that lifted up his household and the broader Indian gaming group.

Tribal leaders joined members of Chairman Stevens’ household in a heartfelt tribute that mirrored on his many years of management, service, and unwavering dedication to tribal sovereignty.

Brandon Yellowbird Stevens, Chairman Stevens’ son, spoke about his father’s tireless dedication and the deeper objective behind his work. “My dad gave his heart and soul,” stated Brandon Stevens. “It wasn’t about gaming. It was about sovereignty. It was about providing. He worked harder than anyone I’ve ever seen, and his message was clear. Keep moving forward.”

IGA Executive Director Jason Giles mirrored on Stevens’ generosity and enduring presence throughout Indian Country. “Ernie was the kind of person who gave everything he had to others,” stated Giles. “His vision lives on not just in this organization, but in the relationships he built and the foundation he created for all of us to carry forward.”

Walter Lamar, longtime good friend and revered chief, delivered a deeply private remembrance, emphasizing Stevens’ position as a cultural and religious information. “He wasn’t just a teacher, he was a reminder,” Lamar stated. “He reminded us who we are, where we come from, and who we carry with us. That ‘Ernie vibe’ we all felt didn’t leave. He passed it on to all of us, and now it is our responsibility to carry it forward.”

Chairman David Z. Bean echoed these sentiments, reinforcing that Stevens’ management continues to information the Association’s work. “There will never be another Ernie Stevens, Jr.,” stated Chairman Bean. “I cannot fill his shoes. I can only walk in his footsteps, just as he walked in the footsteps of our elders and ancestors.”

Following the tribute, Chairman Bean delivered the IGA State of the Industry Address, outlining each the power of tribal authorities gaming and the pressing challenges forward.

“In the face of uncertainty in Washington, D.C. and economic headwinds, the state of Indian gaming remains strong and resilient,” stated Chairman Bean. “Indian gaming continues to grow because it is rooted in our sovereignty and our responsibility to our people.”

Chairman Bean reported that Indian gaming revenues reached roughly $46 billion in 2025, persevering with a gradual upward trajectory for the business. When together with hospitality, leisure, and associated financial exercise, tribal gaming now represents a $52 billion financial engine supporting tribal nations and surrounding communities.

Equally essential, the business continues to ship significant employment throughout the nation, supporting greater than 680,000 jobs for tribal residents and native economies.

“Indian gaming has always been about more than revenue,” Bean stated. “It is about jobs, it is about opportunity, and it is about taking care of our people, our elders, and our future generations.”

Chairman Bean emphasised that the Association’s work continues within the spirit of Chairman Stevens’ management, guided by tribal nations and grounded in unity. “We honor him by continuing the work, always at the direction of our tribal leadership,” Bean stated. 

He added, “Our mission remains clear. Protect tribal sovereignty, protect Indian gaming, and promote economic self-determination for our people.”

He additionally highlighted IGA’s aggressive advocacy efforts over the previous six months, together with coordinated motion to handle the rising risk of unlawful prediction markets and federal overreach.

“Our ancestors faced every challenge with strength and resilience,” Bean stated. “Today is no different. We will meet these challenges together, as one voice, just as they did before us.”

The assembly continued with the official name for nominations for key IGA management positions, together with Vice Chairman and Treasurer, marking an essential second within the group’s governance and future course.

As outlined within the agenda, the membership assembly will proceed with coverage discussions, together with essential conversations round prediction markets and federal regulatory challenges, earlier than reconvening for elections and ultimate proceedings.

Throughout the morning, one message remained clear. While the lack of Chairman Stevens is deeply felt, his legacy continues to unify and encourage Indian Country. “We still have work to do,” Chairman Bean stated. “And together, we will get up and get out there, just as Chairman Stevens always reminded us.”

The 2026 IGA Membership Meeting stands not solely as a mirrored image on a exceptional legacy however as a reaffirmation of the power, unity, and way forward for tribal authorities gaming.