Washington, D.C. (May 29, 2025) – The Indian Gaming Association (IGA) proudly hosted a successful Legislative Summit in collaboration with other Tribal Organizations. The Summit was held at the IGA’s headquarters and the brought together esteemed tribal leaders to strategize about the profound changes taking place in the Federal Government. Tribes are concerned about the effect of these changes on Tribal Sovereignty and the Federal Government’s trust responsibility to Tribes.
Chairman Stevens opened the Summit by stating, “We are meeting in DC today at the urgent request of our Tribal Leadership to address the changing political landscape. Tribal Governments feel like they are not being listened to and it is essential that we unite and make our voices heard. We must present a unified front on Capitol Hill, engaging diplomatically and assertively to advocate for our shared interests. This work is directly related to protecting tribal sovereignty; but it also encompasses the future and well-being of our tribal communities and federal Tribal programs. If major changes are being made to the BIA, IHS, NIGC, and others, Indian Country input is not just necessary but is also required under federal law.”
The Summit also featured remarks and discussions from prominent Tribal leaders and advocates, including President Mark Macarro of the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI). It also included several roundtables with our Tribal Organization partners to discuss the various impacts of the Trump Administrations budget cuts on Tribal programs. There was also an important discussion on future advocacy with the Trump Administration with IGA Executive Director Jason Giles, Larry Wright, Jr., Executive Director of NCAI, and Chris James, President & CEO of the National Center for American Indian Economic Development (NCAIED).
A panel discussion on the Congressional Reconciliation Bill and its impacts on Tribal Education and Health was presented by Moriah O’Brien, Vice President of Congressional & Federal Affairs – American Indian Higher Education Consortium (AIHEC) and Winn Davis, Congressional Relations Director – National Indian Health Board (NIHB). Tribal consultation was at the top of the list for these Organizations and they are working hard to address the proposed cuts to Indian Education and the Indian Health Services.
This messaging was heard by Senators and Representatives who addressed the Summit attendees. Senator Lisa Murkowski, Chair of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, and Representative Tom Cole, Chair of the Appropriations Committee, addressed the tribal leaders and specifically discussed the Federal Indian budget components. Their remarks made it clear that our allies in Congress are committed to enhancing Tribal economic development, healthcare, education, and cultural preservation across Indian Country, ensuring that these priorities remain at the forefront as the new administration implements its policies.
Tribal representatives Josh Jackson, Legislative Director – Native American Contractors Association(NACA), Julia Wakeford, Director of Policy – National Indian Education Association (NIEA), Pete Upton, Executive Director – Native CDFI , and Meredith Raimondi, Vice President of Policy and Communications – National Council of Urban Indian Health (NCUIH) acknowledged that many of our legislative priorities are difficult to pass during reconciliation, but that they are working overtime to reverse some of the DOGE cuts made within the first three months of the Trump Administration. They agreed that there will be several opportunities for Congress to address Tribal tax priorities and strengthen, not abolish, programs at the DOI and the DOJ.
Cory Blankeship, Executive Director – Native American Financial Officers Association (NAFOA), Rudy Soto, Executive Director – National American Indian Housing Council, Kayla Blackwell, Policy Analyst – National Low Income Housing Council, were encouraged that Congressman Cole and the House of Representatives included some tribal tax provisions in the budget reconciliation and hope that the Senate can expand on this work.
While many senior officials have not been confirmed by the Senate yet, Tribal Leaders remain optimistic that the strong work accomplished on behalf of Indian Country will transfer over well to the incoming Trump appointees and his selection of Interior Secretary, Governor Doug Burghum from North Dakota, provides some familiarity for Indian Country in dealing with our federal agency partners.
“We will continue to stay focused on the Indian Country agenda at hand as we move forward, engaging with the Trump administration to address the ongoing challenges and opportunities ahead,” added Stevens, Jr. “I want to thank Indian Country for coming together in D.C. at this Summit. Together, we will continue to forge a path of progress and empowerment for our tribal communities.”
The Indian Gaming Association remains dedicated to advocating for Indian Country and supporting the advancement of legislative measures that enhance sovereignty and economic growth.