Rancho Mirage, CA (December 19, 2022) — At their December membership meeting, the California Nations Indian Gaming Association (CNIGA) re-elected Mike Lopez and Daniel Salgado to the positions of vice-chairperson and secretary on the organization’s executive committee. Michael Vasquez was also elected to the Central District at-large representative position.
“It is an honor to serve CNIGA, the largest regional tribal gaming association in the United States,” said Lopez. “CNIGA fosters communication and cooperation among tribes to protect sovereign gaming rights on our lands. It is my goal to help guide the organization to do just that.”
“I am appreciative that I get to serve another term as secretary to help guide the organization and do my part to help protect tribal government gaming and the tribal sovereignty that makes it possible,” said Salgado.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve on the executive committee,” said Vasquez. “I look forward to using my position to help protect tribal self-sufficiency and to educate policymakers on tribal sovereignty and the vital importance of gaming to our tribal economies.
All three serve on the councils of their respective tribes. Lopez is the vice-chairperson for the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians and Salgado serves as chairman of the Cahuilla Band of Indians and Vasquez is a tribal councilmember for the Pechanga Band of Indians.
In addition to four officers, the executive committee has representatives from tribes in each of the four federal court districts in California, as well as an associate member representative.
Not up for reelection this year and continuing their terms on the executive board are CNIGA Chairman James Siva, Treasurer Isaiah Vivanco and at-large representatives Jack Potter (Eastern District) and Josh Muse (Southern District), as well as Russell Witt, the associate member representative.