TULSA, OK – The Indian Gaming Association (IGA) joined tribal leaders, Native women, and advocates from across Indian Country at the Women Empowering Women for Indian Nations (WEWIN) Conference at River Spirit Hotel and Casino in Tulsa, OK, where WEWIN presented its Legacy of Leadership Award honoring the late Chairman Ernie Stevens, Jr. and Cheryl Stevens for their unwavering commitment to Native women, tribal nations, and the continued advancement of Indigenous leadership.
Representing the Indian Gaming Association were Chairman David Z. Bean and Secretary Christie Modlin. During the Warrior Women Circle Recognition Luncheon, Chairman Bean accepted the recognition alongside Secretary Modlin, who formally accepted the award on behalf of Cheryl Stevens, who was unable to attend because of a family bereavement. Chairman Bean shared Cheryl’s appreciation with those gathered and asked attendees to keep the Stevens family in their prayers.
For more than two decades, the Indian Gaming Association and WEWIN have shared a common commitment to strengthening tribal nations through leadership, service, and the empowerment of Native women. Under Chairman Ernie Stevens, Jr.’s leadership, the Association was a steadfast supporter of WEWIN, recognizing that investing in Native women is an investment in the future of Indian Country.
“Chairman Ernie Stevens, Jr. believed that organizations like WEWIN do more than recognize leaders. They help build tomorrow’s leaders today,” said Chairman Bean. “No matter how busy he was, he always made time for WEWIN because he understood that investing in Native women was investing in the future of Indian Country. To all of you Warrior Women, you are the backbone of your families. You are the backbone of your communities. You are the backbone of your respective Nations. You are the promise of tomorrow. That commitment remains as strong today as ever. Under my leadership, the Indian Gaming Association will continue to proudly support WEWIN and Native women across Indian Country because when Native women succeed, our tribal nations succeed.”
Chairman Bean also reflected on Cheryl Stevens’ enduring role beside Chairman Stevens throughout his decades of leadership and advocacy.
“Today’s recognition celebrates not only Chairman Stevens’ extraordinary legacy, but also Cheryl’s unwavering strength, grace, and commitment,” said Bean. “She stood beside Ernie throughout decades of service to Indian Country, supporting his vision for tribal sovereignty and stronger tribal nations. She has carried that legacy forward with humility, compassion, and dignity, and we are honored to celebrate her today.”
Secretary Christie Modlin accepted the Legacy of Leadership Award on behalf of Cheryl Stevens and the Stevens family.
“On behalf of Cheryl Stevens, the Stevens family, and the Indian Gaming Association, we sincerely thank WEWIN for this incredible honor,” said Modlin. “This award means a great deal to our Association and to Cheryl. It recognizes Chairman Stevens’ lifelong dedication to tribal sovereignty and Native people, while also recognizing Cheryl’s years of quiet leadership, steadfast support, and lasting impact. Cheryl has inspired generations through her grace and commitment to serving others, and we are deeply grateful that WEWIN has chosen to recognize both her and Chairman Stevens’ enduring legacy.”
Modlin also congratulated the 2026 Warrior Women honorees and reaffirmed the Association’s commitment to Native women.
“Congratulations to this year’s Warrior Women honorees and to every Native woman whose leadership strengthens our tribal nations,” said Modlin. “Thank you, WEWIN, for everything you do to empower Native women. The Indian Gaming Association looks forward to continuing this partnership for many years to come.”
The Legacy of Leadership Award honors Cheryl Stevens for preserving and carrying forward Chairman Stevens’ extraordinary legacy of leadership, compassion, service, and unwavering commitment to Native people. It also recognizes the partnership they shared in supporting tribal nations, Native families, Native women, and future generations of Indigenous leaders.
Chairman Bean concluded the recognition with a traditional honor song, inviting those in attendance to pray in their own way as they celebrated the Warrior Women honorees and remembered those who could not be present. The moment reflected the values that have long united the Indian Gaming Association and WEWIN – honoring those who came before while inspiring and empowering the next generation of Indigenous leaders.
