As we approach the critical 2024 National Elections, the Indian Gaming Association (IGA) is launching its voter registration campaign for Native Americans once again. We are partnering with various sister organizations to ensure that every Native American embraces their civic duty and exercises the sacred right to vote, a privilege our ancestors fought for.
As a nonpartisan organization, the IGA recognizes the immediate need for Indian Country’s voices to be represented within political conversations, particularly in light of recent Republican and Democratic National Conventions. It is essential that tribal leaders articulate Indian Country’s unique interests and perspectives, ensuring they resonate in the halls of power.
The IGA is dedicated to maintaining an ongoing dialogue with government leaders to advocate for tribal sovereignty, educate decision-makers on pressing issues facing our communities, and tenaciously champion the needs of Indian Country. This engagement is not merely important—it is fundamental for safeguarding our communities and preserving our rights.
For over four decades, Indian gaming revenues have transformed the lives of tribal citizens and their neighbors. By law, tribal governments must reinvest gaming revenues into their economies, funding vital programs and services in education, healthcare, public safety, and infrastructure programs and services. This revenue also empowers tribes to exercise their sovereignty and uphold their treaty rights in a way that amplifies our voices.
Every citizen of a federally recognized tribe carries the responsibility to vote and to educate their Members of Congress about the federal government’s legal and moral obligations to tribal nations and their citizens. Recently, the National Indian Gaming Commission reported a record fiscal year 2023 Gross Gaming Revenue of $41.9 billion—an affirmation of our collective strength and economic significance. Indian Gaming stands as one of the largest private employers in the country, creating hundreds of thousands of jobs for American families, further reinforcing the mandate for the federal government to address the pressing needs of Indian Country.
As Chairman of the Indian Gaming Association, I collaborated with organizations like NCAI and regional gaming associations to prioritize voter registration for Indian Country. We have witnessed incredible economic growth and opportunities for tribal members that were unimaginable just decades ago. Yet, much work remains to meet the critical needs that persist across our communities.
To move forward, we must elect federal policymakers who genuinely understand and respect Indian Country’s status as sovereign governments under the United States Constitution. These leaders must acknowledge and commit to honoring the federal government’s treaty and trust obligations to Indian Tribes.
With the general election approaching on November 5th, Native citizens have a unique opportunity to influence the selection of the next President and critical Senate and House members. This election is poised to have far-reaching impacts on our collective efforts to elevate Native communities nationwide.
The struggles fought by our ancestors for our inherent rights to self-determination included the powerful right to choose the leaders who represent us. Voting is not just a privilege; it is our fundamental duty as American citizens and the foundation of our democracy. It is our solemn responsibility to exercise our voices—our votes—in shaping the future of our country.
In Indian Country, engaging our voting rights serves both to advance our policy goals and to honor those who sacrificed to protect our tribal sovereignty and way of life for future generations.
Before gaining U.S. Citizenship in 1924, Native Americans lacked a voice in decisions that directly shaped their lives, resulting in policies of Assimilation, government-run boarding schools, and Termination. These policies were enacted without our input, reinforcing the importance of our voice and vote in the democratic process.
Thanks to the tireless advocacy of our ancestors, federal Indian policy now respects and encourages our self-determination. Native voting power is palpable; our participation can be pivotal in swing states, shaping the outcomes of elections in ways that truly matter.
This election season, IGA is committed to highlighting the importance of your vote. Regardless of your political affiliation—Republican, Democrat, or Independent—we encourage you to engage, develop policy proposals with our communities, and elect candidates who prioritize the best interests of Indian Country and tribal sovereignty.
Our power at the polls will dictate whose voices echo in Congress, the White House, and within local and state governments. This election year, let’s commit to ensuring that every vote counts. Together, we can register as many tribal citizens as possible. All of Indian Country CAN and WILL make a difference!
