PR-104 09-2008
For Immediate Release
Contact: Shawn Pensoneau
(202) 632-7003
NIGC Continues Consultation Dialogue with Tribes in Albuquerque, New Mexico
Washington, DC September 26, 2008 — On Thursday October 2, 2008, National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC or Commission) Chairman Phil Hogen will discuss the government-to-government consultation process with tribal leaders during the National Indian Gaming Association (NIGA) mid-year meeting in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The Commission is eager to continue dialogue with tribal representatives and seek input from tribal leaders on ways to improve the current consultation model.
In March 2004, the NIGC published a government-to-government consultation policy after receiving comments and suggestions from tribes throughout the country. “We intend to evaluate the current policy and enhance this process to ensure that the gaming tribes have appropriate input during policy decisions being considered by the NIGC,” Chairman Hogen said. “It’s vital that tribes have an understanding of our thought processes and we understand theirs.”
In addition to meeting with tribal leaders regarding the consultation process, the NIGC will also be holding consultations with individual tribes and their representatives on various issues while tribes attend NIGA’s mid-year meeting, which will be held October 1-3, 2008
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The NIGC is an independent regulatory agency established within the Department of the Interior pursuant to the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988.
