For Immediate Release
Media Contact: Mark Gaston
(202) 632-7003
NIGC Announces 2018 Tribal Consultation Sessions
Washington, DC, December 22, 2017 – The National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) announced it will hold a series of tribal consultation sessions across Indian Country in January and February 2018. The NIGC holds consultation sessions as part of its commitment to fulfilling its regulatory responsibilities outlined in the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) but to also have a meaningful and open dialogue with tribal nations.
The NIGC continues to advance its core initiatives of staying ahead of the technology curve, protecting against anything that amounts to gamesmanship on the backs of tribes, promoting rural outreach, and creating a strong workforce. The commission believes that consultations held over the last year have played a vital role in the advancement of these core initiatives. Therefore, would like to continue discussions around key topic areas.
The consultations will focus on: (1) Proposed changes to Management Contract process; (2) Audit Submissions; (3) Management and Sole Proprietary Definition.
For the 2018 consultation topics the NIGC would like to consult at the following times and locations:
January 23rd, Tribal Location TBD (Plains location)
January 25th, Doubletree by Hilton, Portland, OR
January 29th, Apache Casino Hotel, Lawton, OK
February 8th, Harrahs Southern California, Valley Center, CA
February 15th, NIGC Headquarters office, Washington, DC (In-person and telephonic)
February 21st, Location TBD, Milwaukee, WI
IGRA provides the statutory framework to promote tribal economic development, self-sufficiency, and strong tribal governments. Consultations establish regular and meaningful collaboration with tribal officials in the development of Federal policies that aim to reach the mission outlined in IGRA.
“Tribal consultations are more than a mandate outlined in IGRA. Consultations allow for us here at the NIGC to continue our daily operations in a matter that ensures Tribes continue to be the primary beneficiaries of their operations,” said Chairman Jonodev Osceola Chaudhuri.
The NIGC is committed to working with the primary regulators of Indian gaming – the over 6,000 tribal regulators in the field – as well as all relevant stakeholders to protect tribal assets and preserve the integrity of tribal gaming. The NIGC will continue its approach based on IGRA’s statutory requirements to ensure that tribes are truly the primary beneficiaries of their gaming enterprises.
Download Dear Tribal Letter here
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The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act created the National Indian Gaming Commission to support tribal self-sufficiency and the integrity of Indian gaming. The NIGC has developed four initiatives to support its mission including (1) To protect against anything that amounts to gamesmanship on the backs of tribes; (2) To stay ahead of the Technology Curve; (3) Rural outreach; and (4) To maintain a strong workforce within NIGC and with its tribal regulatory partners. NIGC oversees the efficient regulation of 499 gaming establishments operated by 244 tribes across 28 states. The Commission’s dedication to compliance with the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act ensures the integrity of the growing $31.2 billion Indian gaming industry. To learn more, visit www.nigc.gov and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
