Las Vegas, Nevada (October 16, 2023) – The Indian Gaming Industry converged upon the Global Gaming Expo (G2E) 2023 last week in Las Vegas with a dynamic array of tribal government industry-led standing-room-only workshops and sessions and gaming recognitions.
Indian Gaming Association Chairman Ernie Stevens, Jr. said, “It is always great to see our tribal government gaming representatives join this global event. Indian Gaming plays a vital and significant role in the overall gaming industry’s success, and our representation continues to be a prominent force. These outstanding sessions bring further insight into the significant advancements and successes of our Indian gaming industry.”
During the four days of G2E, they also hosted gaming panels and educational workshops, including a track focusing on Indian gaming-related topics and issues showcasing the success of tribal government gaming. That included an extensive and vast tribal gaming track that explored various topics, from politics, the legislative landscape, policies, and opportunities to regulation, human trafficking, and economic diversification through tribal gaming.
To celebrate Indigenous People’s Day and recognize the decisive role of Indian Country Women leaders, the mainstage keynote track at G2E hosted the final day’s keynote address entitled “Shattering Ceilings: Women Leaders in Tribal Gaming.” Indian Gaming Association Chairman Ernie Stevens, Jr moderated it. The panelists included Holly Cook Macarro, Principal at the Angle, Chief Executive of the Mille Lacs Band of Mission Indians Melanie Benjamin, and Chairwoman of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians Stephanie Bryant.
Stevens shared a message about the importance of acknowledging Indigenous People’s Day. He said, “At its core, Indigenous People’s Day is an opportunity to tell the story not only of our perseverance but our essential contributions to this nation.” Stevens noted, “It should be a well-known fact that our ancestors inspired the infrastructure of America’s early democracy.”
“Countless advances in American medicine, agriculture, and engineering, without the influence of native healers, farmers, and thinkers, would not have been possible. It should be a well-known fact that our ancestors inspired the infrastructure of America’s early democracy. Of course, even before being recognized as United States citizens, Native men and women warriors have stepped up to protect and serve our nation. And this democracy is five times the national average per capita served in our Nation’s military.” Stevens shared.
He shared the importance of the session, recognizing the important role Native women play in Indian Country. He said, “Women are equal in our life and culture from day one. Even today, Women play a dominant and amazing role in our world in helping our country be where it is today.”
Holly Cook-Macarro shared her path working on behalf of Indian country and the importance of becoming the authentic voice for Indian Country. She said, “It is important that we convey to our agents and tell our stories. She added, “I think that was probably my earliest experience of, you know what, I’m here to do a job, even though I’m in a room full of non-Indians, non-women, and it’s been a good ride, being part of shattering that glass ceiling knowing that people finally understand that there is no better person to learn from than those of us who know our story.
Chairwoman Bryan also shared, I have served for many years in tribal leadership with eight men sitting around the table with me, and of course, they will say that she is a woman, and she will roar, so watch out. Adding, “But it’s those challenges that we go through, and just people who helped shape my life is why I’m on this global stage today to tell the story, shattering glass ceilings.
Chief Executive Melanie Benjamin also shared her thoughts, adding, “I’ve had the honor and the privilege of being elected every four years. And when I think about where I come from. We have a wealth of talent there on our reservation. We have ceremonial people, we have medicine people, we have teachers, we have artists, we have singers, all those people that give me their strength. So, when I walk into a room, I have shattered those ceilings because of those people.
On Tuesday, IGA hosted its annual Tribal Leaders reception at the Global Gaming Expo (G2E) on the tradeshow floor and honored special guest film and television star Actor Danny Trejo with the Chairman’s Leadership Award. Trejo has developed a prolific career in the entertainment industry with a hard-earned and atypical road to success. Trejo’s name, face, and achievements are well recognized in Hollywood and beyond, from years of imprisonment to helping troubled youth battle drug addictions, from acting to producing, and now on to restaurant ventures.
Trejo is no stranger to the screens – be it film or television and has starred in dozens of films, including Desperado, Heat, the From Dusk till Dawn Series, Con Man, and television shows such as From Dusk Till Dawn: The Series. He also had recurring roles on Sons of Anarchy, King of the Hill, and Breaking Bad, to name a few.
Trejo accepted the recognition and shared that through research, he discovered he was half-Yaqui Indian. He also spoke about his life that led him to his successful acting career. He said he grew up in a life of crime, which, throughout the 1960s, put him in and out of jail and prison. He said he changed his life in 1969 after being released from jail and started helping his neighbors with daily tasks. He said, “And from 1969 to now, that’s all I’ve done is help other people pay it forward. That’s all, and my life has turned into an absolute miracle from almost going to the gas chamber to being one of the most recognizable Latinos on the planet.”
“I just want to thank everybody. I want to especially thank you for having invited me today. It means so much.” Trejo concluded.
Besides his life dedicated to paying it forward, the actor has also seen success with his recently expanded Trejo’s Tacos empire, including eight Los Angeles locations. He also owns and operates Trejo’s Coffee & Donuts, which has proven to be just as successful.
Also on Tuesday, the American Gaming Association (AGA) honored Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby on Tuesday, October 10, at the invite-only Chairman’s Reception as one of the Class of 2023 Gaming Hall of Fame recipients for his significant contributions to the industry. Anoatubby joined four others, including Robert Miodunski, Former CEO of American Gaming Systems; Former President & CEO of Alliance Gaming and President of Bally Gaming; Jim Murren, Former Chairman and CEO of MGM Resorts International; and Ellen Whittemore, Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary, Wynn Resorts.
Since 1989, the Gaming Hall of Fame has recognized gaming legends, pioneers, and business leaders for their lasting impacts on the industry.
Indian Gaming Association Chairman Ernie Stevens, who was inducted in the 2015 class, praised the recognition by the AGA. “I applaud the AGA for their recognition of Governor Anoatubby. He has been one of the most significant examples of leadership in Indian Country, working to advance the lives of the Chickasaw Nation through tribal government gaming. He is one of the most respected leaders in Indian Country.”
On Wednesday, the Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers (AGEM) presented the 2023 Peter Mead Memorial Award to IGA Conference Chairman Victor Rocha. The award recognizes excellence in gaming media and communications professionalism.
Chairman Stevens shared, “Victor has dedicated his life to the success of our Indian Gaming industry. He is a significant conduit, instrumental in his commitment to advancing the successes of our industry through his work and communications outreach. His work in media and communication makes him the ideal candidate for this significant honoring.” Stevens added, “It is such a great honoring, remembering Peter Meade, who was not only a great friend of mine but dedicated to promoting and educating the world about our Indian Gaming Industry and our successes in the industry.”