NIGA to honor Charles 'Chief' Boyd at NIGA 2018

(PRESS RELEASE) -- The National Indian Gaming Association announced today that it will present a Chairman’s Leadership award to Charles “Chief” Boyd for his long-serving commitment and leadership as an Associate Member of NIGA during the Indian Gaming 2018 Tradeshow and Convention in Las Vegas, Nevada, this week.

NIGA Chairman Ernie Stevens, Jr., will present Boyd with the prestigious leadership award on Thursday, 19 April 2018, at the NIGA Associate Members reception at the Las Vegas Convention Center - Meeting Room N253, beginning at 5 p.m.

Chairman Stevens commented, “An important component toward the success of the industry is those committed to partnering with tribal gaming enterprises toward the development and advancement of this business called Indian gaming. Our associate membership represents many of those who stand with us toward our commitment to tribal self-reliance.”

Stevens added, “Chief Boyd is one of the greatest examples of someone who had committed his life to working with Indian country to advance economic opportunities of many tribal communities. He is a great Indian country Warrior, and we look forward to recognizing his contributions.”

The Associate Membership consists of non-voting members of NIGA who represent businesses and industries engaged in gaming enterprises throughout Indian Country.

Charles “Chief” Boyd is majority owner, principal and CEO of Thalden Boyd Architects LLC (TBE Architects), a Native American firm. “Chief,” is one of the most well-known Native American architects in the U.S., having worked with nearly 114 of the best tribal projects across the country and in Canada on casinos, hotels and tribal facilities.

Capabilities include master planning, architecture theming and interior design. The firm has designed over 200 casino projects and over 400 hotel projects, and worked with 101 Native nations.

Chief’s broad experience in casino, cultural, and recreation facilities and hotels throughout the United States and Canada led to his being honored as “Native American Professional Businessman of the Year in 2000” in the state of Oklahoma and the Contemporary Achievement Award from the Cherokee National Historic Society in 2012.

The Indian Gaming Tradeshow and Convention will be held at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, 17–20 April 2018. It is the largest gathering of tribal leaders and casino executives in the country, the Indian Gaming Tradeshow & Convention is both the meeting place where the community gathers to learn, network and exchange industry-specific ideas and a cultural celebration of success, strength and self-reliance.