
- Details
- By Native News Online Staff
LAS VEGAS — National Indian Gaming Association Chairman Ernest L. Stevens, Jr. (Oneida) received the first ICE Landmark Award for the enormous contribution he has made in highlighting the positive impacts of Indian gaming, as well as his support for the development of the ICE brand, including the launch of ICE North America, which takes place May 13-14 in New Orleans.
“Ernest L. Stevens, Jr. has worked with great commitment, dedication and professionalism to raise awareness of Indian gaming. During his period of office, Indian gaming revenues have risen over $39.1 billion, making Tribal government gaming the largest segment of the industry in the United States. On a more personal note, he has been a source of great inspiration to myself and the team responsible for developing the ICE brand. The insight, kindness and support he has shown over the last decade have been greatly,” Kate Chambers, managing director of ICE North America’s organizers, Clarion Gaming said.
Last April, the NIGA and Clarion Gaming signed a strategic agreement of support between the two organizations to grow the gaming industry.
“Tribal government gaming has been vital to achieving so much for tribal communities and beyond. As an industry, we are proud of the fact our professionals in the gaming properties are now the experts on gaming worldwide. They will be the force that will lead the next generation of the gaming industry for our next seven generations,” Stevens said.
More Stories Like This
Native News Weekly (August 25, 2024): D.C. BriefsUS Presidents in Their Own Words Concerning American Indians
Native News Weekly (August 4, 2024): D.C. Briefs
Seattle Seahawks Tackle Preservation Projects at Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center for Annual Day of Service
Native News Weekly (June 15, 2025): D.C. Briefs
Help us tell the stories that could save Native languages and food traditions
At a critical moment for Indian Country, Native News Online is embarking on our most ambitious reporting project yet: "Cultivating Culture," a three-year investigation into two forces shaping Native community survival—food sovereignty and language revitalization.
The devastating impact of COVID-19 accelerated the loss of Native elders and with them, irreplaceable cultural knowledge. Yet across tribal communities, innovative leaders are fighting back, reclaiming traditional food systems and breathing new life into Native languages. These aren't just cultural preservation efforts—they're powerful pathways to community health, healing, and resilience.
Our dedicated reporting team will spend three years documenting these stories through on-the-ground reporting in 18 tribal communities, producing over 200 in-depth stories, 18 podcast episodes, and multimedia content that amplifies Indigenous voices. We'll show policymakers, funders, and allies how cultural restoration directly impacts physical and mental wellness while celebrating successful models of sovereignty and self-determination.
This isn't corporate media parachuting into Indian Country for a quick story. This is sustained, relationship-based journalism by Native reporters who understand these communities. It's "Warrior Journalism"—fearless reporting that serves the 5.5 million readers who depend on us for news that mainstream media often ignores.
We need your help right now. While we've secured partial funding, we're still $450,000 short of our three-year budget. Our immediate goal is $25,000 this month to keep this critical work moving forward—funding reporter salaries, travel to remote communities, photography, and the deep reporting these stories deserve.
Every dollar directly supports Indigenous journalists telling Indigenous stories. Whether it's $5 or $50, your contribution ensures these vital narratives of resilience, innovation, and hope don't disappear into silence.
The stakes couldn't be higher. Native languages are being lost at an alarming rate. Food insecurity plagues many tribal communities. But solutions are emerging, and these stories need to be told.
Support independent Native journalism. Fund the stories that matter.
Levi Rickert (Potawatomi), Editor & Publisher