SAN DIEGO, CA – The Indian Gaming Association (IGA) convened its Annual Membership Meeting yesterday morning at the San Diego Convention Center, bringing together tribal leaders from across Indian Country to honor the legacy of former Chairman Ernie Stevens, Jr., while setting a forward-looking course for the industry through a State of the Industry Address and leadership nominations.
The morning opened in a powerful and ceremonial way, beginning with the Posting of Colors by the Native American Women Warriors Color Guard, followed by a moving Smoke Dance performance by Chairman Stevens’ grandchildren and an invocation that lifted up his family and the broader Indian gaming community.
Tribal leaders joined members of Chairman Stevens’ family in a heartfelt tribute that reflected on his decades of leadership, service, and unwavering commitment to tribal sovereignty.
Brandon Yellowbird Stevens, Chairman Stevens’ son, spoke about his father’s tireless dedication and the deeper purpose behind his work. “My dad gave his heart and soul,” said Brandon Stevens. “It wasn’t about gaming. It was about sovereignty. It was about providing. He worked harder than anyone I’ve ever seen, and his message was clear. Keep moving forward.”
IGA Executive Director Jason Giles reflected on Stevens’ generosity and enduring presence across Indian Country. “Ernie was the kind of person who gave everything he had to others,” said Giles. “His vision lives on not just in this organization, but in the relationships he built and the foundation he created for all of us to carry forward.”
Walter Lamar, longtime friend and respected leader, delivered a deeply personal remembrance, emphasizing Stevens’ role as a cultural and spiritual guide. “He wasn’t just a teacher, he was a reminder,” said Lamar. “He reminded us who we are, where we come from, and who we carry with us. That ‘Ernie vibe’ we all felt didn’t leave. He passed it on to all of us, and now it is our responsibility to carry it forward.”
Chairman David Z. Bean echoed those sentiments, reinforcing that Stevens’ leadership continues to guide the Association’s work. “There will never be another Ernie Stevens, Jr.,” said Chairman Bean. “I cannot fill his shoes. I can only walk in his footsteps, just as he walked in the footsteps of our elders and ancestors.”
Following the tribute, Chairman Bean delivered the IGA State of the Industry Address, outlining both the strength of tribal government gaming and the urgent challenges ahead.
“In the face of uncertainty in Washington, D.C., and economic headwinds, the state of Indian gaming remains strong and resilient,” said Chairman Bean. “Indian gaming continues to grow because it is rooted in our sovereignty and our responsibility to our people.”
Chairman Bean reported that Indian gaming revenues reached approximately $46 billion in 2025, continuing a steady upward trajectory for the industry. When including hospitality, entertainment, and related economic activity, tribal gaming now represents a $52 billion economic engine supporting tribal nations and surrounding communities.
Equally important, the industry continues to deliver meaningful employment across the country, supporting more than 680,000 jobs for tribal citizens and local economies.
“Indian gaming has always been about more than revenue,” said Bean. “It is about jobs, it is about opportunity, and it is about taking care of our people, our elders, and our future generations.”
Chairman Bean emphasized that the Association’s work continues in the spirit of Chairman Stevens’ leadership, guided by tribal nations and grounded in unity. “We honor him by continuing the work, always at the direction of our tribal leadership,” said Bean.
He added, “Our mission remains clear. Protect tribal sovereignty, protect Indian gaming, and promote economic self-determination for our people.”
He also highlighted IGA’s aggressive advocacy efforts over the past six months, including coordinated action to address the growing threat of illegal prediction markets and federal overreach.
“Our ancestors faced every challenge with strength and resilience,” said Bean. “Today is no different. We will meet these challenges together, as one voice, just as they did before us.”
The meeting continued with the official call for nominations for key IGA leadership positions, including Vice Chairman and Treasurer, marking an important moment in the organization’s governance and future direction.
As outlined in the agenda, the membership meeting will continue with policy discussions, including critical conversations around prediction markets and federal regulatory challenges, before reconvening for elections and final proceedings.
Throughout the morning, one message remained clear. While the loss of Chairman Stevens is deeply felt, his legacy continues to unify and inspire Indian Country. “We still have work to do,” said Chairman Bean. “And together, we will get up and get out there, just as Chairman Stevens always reminded us.”
The 2026 IGA Membership Meeting stands not only as a reflection on a remarkable legacy, but as a reaffirmation of the strength, unity, and future of tribal government gaming.
