July 5, 1959 – September 26, 2025
“Ernie was an amazing man. While he is widely known for his work in Indian gaming, our community and many others across Turtle Island know him for his unwavering support of his family, youth programming and the pursuit of sovereignty protection. Trail-blazing leaders such as Ernie pave the way for uncontested legacies and the Nation will be forever grateful for his unselfish contributions.”
– Tehassi Tasi Hill, Chairman, Oneida Nation
“Ernie was more than a leader, he was family to all of us. He carried the weight of Indian Country on his shoulders with grace and humility. His vision for tribal gaming went beyond economics; it was rooted in empowerment, cultural pride, and the belief that our sovereignty is sacred. We are forever grateful for his mentorship, his compassion, and his unwavering commitment to the people he served.”
– Jason Giles, Executive Director, Indian Gaming Association
“The sudden passing of longtime Indian Gaming Association Chairman Ernie Stevens, Jr., is a tremendous loss for me personally, and for all of Indian Country. I offer my deepest condolences and support to his beloved wife Cheryl and their beautiful family. Ernie was one of a kind. He was dedicated and tireless advocate for tribal government gaming, economic development, and sovereignty, at the helm of IGA for more than two decades, during which time he grew it to be one of the most powerful and respected entities in Washington, D.C. His support of OIGA was equally tireless, and we will miss his keen intellect, joyful spirit, and inclusive leadership style. Rest in power Mr. Chairman.”
– Matthew Morgan, Chairman, Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association
The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) mourns the passing of Ernie Stevens, Jr., a towering advocate for tribal sovereignty and a peerless champion of tribal gaming. For more than two decades as Chairman of the Indian Gaming Association (IGA), Chairman Stevens brought together tribal nations, educated policymakers, and protected the rights of tribal governments affirmed in federal law.
A citizen of the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin, Chairman Stevens dedicated his life in service to Indian Country. Before leading IGA, he served his Nation as an elected tribal councilman and helped guide national intertribal advocacy as a former First Vice President of NCAI. He also led the reactivation of the IGA-NCAI Tribal Leaders Task Force in 2023. His leadership at IGA – spanning more than a dozen consecutive terms – coincided with the growth of tribal government gaming into the largest segment of the U.S. gaming industry, strengthening of tribal economies, creating hundreds of thousands of jobs, and generating revenue essential to providing critical services in Native communities.
Under his watch, tribal gaming revenues rose from approximately $11 billion in 2000 to more than $43.9 billion in 2024. He tirelessly educated the media and Congress on the fact that tribal gaming builds nations and is an essential tool in supporting healthcare, housing, education, public safety, and cultural revitalization across Indian Country. His lifetime of work and dedication to Indian Country has been recognized widely, including being inducted into the American Gaming Association’s Gaming Hall of Fame and through numerous national honors.
Chairman Stevens led with honor, humility, humor, and heart. He built coalitions, mentored the next generation, and always showed up – on Capitol Hill, in statehouses, and at tribal community events – whenever Indian Country called. His legacy is measured not only in economic milestones, but in the relentless exercise of tribal sovereignty and the countless leaders he lifted along the way.
“We lost a warrior,” said NCAI President Mark Macarro. “Ernie Stevens’ voice and work carried forth a family legacy of service with great honor. Not only a national leader, but a smoke dancer and cultural practitioner, he represented the best of what we aspire to be as leaders in Indian Country.”
“Ernie had a gift for bringing people together,” said NCAI Executive Director Larry Wright, Jr. “He believed in unity, and he proved that when Indian Country speaks with one voice, we not only win, but we make lasting change.”
NCAI extends our deepest condolences to the Stevens family, the Oneida Nation, and IGA. We honor Chairman Stevens by continuing the work he devoted his life to: defending tribal sovereignty, advancing self-determination, and building a future worthy of the next seven generations.
– National Congress of American Indians
“Ernie was a steadfast champion of tribal sovereignty and a tireless advocate for Indian gaming, ensuring that Native voices were heard at the highest levels of government and industry. His leadership strengthened the foundation upon which tribal nations have built sustainable economies, preserved sovereignty, and advanced self-determination. Here in Arizona, his unwavering commitment helped secure opportunities and protections that continue to benefit tribal communities, enterprises, and future generations. Beyond his many accomplishments, Ernie was a mentor, friend, and trusted partner to so many of us. His wisdom, generosity, and passion for Indian Country will be deeply missed. The loss of Chairman Stevens is immeasurable, but his legacy of sovereignty, strength, and service will live on in the communities he dedicated his life to uplifting.”
– Arizona Indian Gaming Association and Arizonans for Tribal Government Gaming
“Indian Country has lost a tremendous leader in the untimely passing of Ernie Stevens Jr. From his earliest leadership roles, he displayed incredible vision, commitment, empathy and advocacy, with a very humble approach. His dedication and unwavering passion in service to Indian Country is only surpassed by his passion and commitment to his family. Our hearts go out to his wife Cheryl, children and grandchildren. We can only ask that the Creator hold them close and give them comfort and confidence that Ernie’s journey will be joyful as he is reunited with friends and family that walked on before him. We share our deepest condolences and sympathy. This is a very unfortunate and premature loss. Rest in peace, my friend.”
– Matthew Wesaw, Tribal Council Chairman, Pokagon Band
“The Seminole Tribe of Florida is shocked and saddened by the sudden passing of Ernie Stevens Jr., who worked tirelessly for more than two decades as Chairman of the Indian Gaming Association. We mourn the loss of a friend who championed the sovereign rights of all tribes to advance the livelihoods of their members through successful gaming enterprises. We pray for him and for his family, friends, co-workers and for the Oneida Nation. Florida’s Seminoles will be forever in his debt for all that he accomplished on behalf of our tribe and tribes throughout Indian Country.”
– Marcellus Osceola Jr., Chairman, Seminole Tribe of Florida
“Beyond his advocacy, Ernie was a bridge-builder, committed to forging trust among tribes, regulators, and Congress alike. He was a visionary who advocated for Indian gaming on an international stage, and also understood how strong oversight, integrity, and partnerships were essential for tribes to extend the blessings of tribal gaming for another seven generations.”
– Sharon Avery, Acting Chairwoman, National Indian Gaming Commission
“When I presented Chairman Stevens with the Eagle Visionary Award in July 2012, he accepted it with a fist pump and then promptly walked over and gave it to Nancy Green, on behalf of her husband Jess Green, Chickasaw attorney and judge who dedicated his life to advocating for Native American people. I later sent Ernie a new Eagle Visionary Award and he told me many times over that he always rubbed the eagle’s head whenever he went into his office. The tributes on these pages, just a sampling from across Indian Country, have a similar theme – that we have all learned to be better people from Ernie’s example of leadership and putting the needs of others first. He is incredibly missed.”
– Steve Burke, Publisher, Indian Gaming Magazine
“We mourn the loss of a leader who devoted his life protecting both the sovereignty and the continued promise tribal gaming represents to many nations. His work will help ensure the strength of tribal gaming and the futures he helped shape.”
– Jeannie Hovland, Vice Chair, National Indian Gaming Commission
“Anyone who spent even a few moments with Chairman Stevens knows what it means to be in the presence of a true force of nature. He was a man of the people, a leader whose voice commanded respect yet whose heart embraced everyone around him. As Chairman of the Indian Gaming Association, he championed tribal nations with strength and conviction – but it was his humanity, humility, and love for our communities that made him unforgettable. Few are lucky enough to cross paths in their lifetime with someone who so powerfully shapes hearts, communities, and history. Chairman Stevens was that rare and extraordinary individual. His spirit will echo in every gathering, every cause he championed, and every heart he touched.”
– David Vialpando, Executive Director, Pala Gaming Commission
“It is with a heavy heart that Redding Rancheria mourns the loss of Chairman Ernie Stevens Jr. He was a dear friend, a warrior, a protector, and a true promoter of sovereignty. He has made his journey to the land of the ancestors. He will be deeply missed. I burn root for his wife, his children, his grandchildren, his beloved Oneida Nation, and for all of Indian Country. We mourn the loss of one of the greatest modern day warriors, a devoted defender of our sovereignty, our rights, and our future. As I honor this journey, I will not say his name for one year. I will cry in one year. For now I allow my brother to travel on. He has earned this sacred journey and I know his father waits with open arms to welcome him to the happy hunting grounds. May you journey well my brother.”
– Jack Potter Jr., Chairman, Redding Rancheria
“I can’t remember a time when Ernie Stevens wasn’t there for us. He was always kind and supportive; welcoming and ready to help. He was tremendously optimistic about the abilities of Indigenous people and displayed sharp, decisive leadership. When I got the news of his passing, I realized the difficulty in imagining this world without him. He will be missed. Offering deep condolences to his family.”
– Deb Haaland, Former U.S. Secretary of the Interior
“I am sharing a picture Ernie and my mom, Helen Bryan Johnson (Bryan vs. Itasca County, 1976). Ernie honored my mom in Connecticut in September 2019. He gave her a pin and a necklace. When Ernie honored my mom, many individuals had never heard of the case, but afterward, a lot of folks came and shook our hands. She adored the necklace and loved the pin. In this picture she is wearing the necklace. My mom passed away April 5, 2022. Next year will be the 50th anniversary of Bryan vs. Itasca County.”
– Linda Bryan, Giftshop Manager, Northern Lights Casino
“Ernie Stevens Jr. was a friend to the Gila River Indian Community, deeply admired for his leadership and unwavering advocacy to protect tribal sovereignty. Stevens was the face of tribal gaming and one of our strongest supporters. He led with heart, integrity, and devotion, and he will be remembered as a wise and faithful servant of his people. We extend our deepest sympathies to his family, the Indian Gaming Association, and all those who mourn his loss.”
– Stephen Roe Lewis, Governor, Gila River Indian Community
“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 whose lives you touched in such a meaningful way.”
– D.K. Sprague, Chairman Emeritus, Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi (Gun Lake Tribe)
“The Pueblo of Acoma Gaming Commission sends its regards to the family of our late Gaming Champion and friend. Ernie visited our pueblo often while in New Mexico for gaming issues. He said he always felt peace and knew the ‘city in the sky’ had powerful energy. We grieve, we will miss his friendly nature, his strong stance, but must go on and fulfill the goals that he was supporting for all of Indian gaming.”
– Carleen Chino, Executive Director, Pueblos of Acoma Gaming Commission
“Chairman Stevens was a great friend to the UNITY family, including numerous youth leaders, who looked up to him, and for decades he demonstrated unwavering encouragement and support of UNITY’s mission. His presence at our events and his words of guidance have left an indelible mark on our organization and the thousands of Native youth leaders we serve. We will forever be grateful for Chairman Stevens’ leadership, support, and involvement, and for the way he set a true example of stewardship for our Native youth. His legacy will live on through the many young leaders he inspired. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his wife, Cheryl, his children, family, and friends. His passing is a tremendous loss, but his vision and commitment will continue to guide us forward.”
– United National Indian Tribal Youth, Inc. (UNITY)
