(September 30, 2025) — Statement from the Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi (Gun Lake Tribe) on the passing of Ernie Stevens Jr., Chairman of the Indian Gaming Association. On behalf of the Tribe, attribute the statement to Chairman Emeritus, D.K. Sprague:
“It’s with a heavy heart that we mourn the loss of Ernie Stevens, Jr. Indian Country has lost a great relative, friend and warrior. If I may, with affection, I refer to him simply as ‘Big Ern’ as we hold him and his family in our thoughts and prayers as he takes his journey.
“Throughout the years, Ernie was an advocate, advisor, and most importantly, a friend to our people here at Gun Lake. His guidance through our initial struggles helped pave the way to the success of the Gun Lake Casino Resort.
“As we faced many roadblocks, trials and tribulations as we pursued federal recognition in the 1990s, and then in our pursuit of economic development, we needed friends and allies. We thank the Creator we found a true friend who played a big role in our eventual accomplishments.
“As Chairman of the Indian Gaming Association, Ernie was a big part of the Gun Lake Tribe achieving federal re-affirmation, and our legal and legislative victories on our path to self-sufficiency.
“For this, and all he did over many decades to improve the lives of Indian People, we give thanks to his family and the entire Oneida Nation in Wisconsin that Ernie was there for all of us.
“Chi Migwetch Ernie, travel well. You will always be loved and missed by all those who’s lives you touch in such a meaningful way.”