ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico – (PRESS RELEASE) -- With the glitter of a $20 billion industry shining through
the opening doors behind them, National Indian Gaming Association (NIGA) leaders and a host of
dignitaries cut the ribbon today and launched the 2006 NIGA Trade Show at the Albuquerque
Convention Center.
NIGA Chairman Ernie Stevens, Jr. was flanked by Olympic gold medalist Billy Mills, former
Colorado Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell and New Mexico All Indian Pueblo Council Chairman
Amadeo Shije. Together, they underscored the success of the industry, its responsible growth and the
vast impacts it has had toward improving the lives of millions of Americans, Indian and nonIndian.
They all made the same point: Yes, it's great wealth, but even greater is the sharing of it.
"We're not just about Indian Country – this comes from our hearts," said Stevens. "We're about
rebuilding and improving our communities, building schools and hospitals, creating jobs and
opportunity, and sharing our wealth in ways that will help all people."
In the Trade Show, some 400 vendors awaited their share of the Indian Gaming economic pie. Over
5,000 people are expected at the threeday
Conference and Trade Show. The show continues through
tomorrow.
"We've come a long way," said Nighthorse Campbell. "Who would have thought in 1988 that our
bingo games in tin shacks or tents would have developed into a $20 billion industry? Tribes have
done it all and yet remained true to their beliefs, helping not only the tribes, but their local
communities, their regions and even their states."
The Trade Show is dominated by the flashing lights of gaming technology, but it also shows a
lengthy list of bankers, financial consultants, investment counselors and all the trappings of an
industry that is not only successful, but still in rapid growth. Also present in great numbers were
Indian Country regulators.
About two thirds of America's 562 federally recognized Indian tribes are involved in gaming on
some level, 184 of them members of NIGA.
"This show is one indication of what happens when tribes get together and work together," said
Shije, who represents 19 Pueblo nations in New Mexico. "Everywhere, our communities are
benefiting. Everyone wins. Everyone shares."
Mills, his face beaming, his eyes reflecting pride in Indian Country's emergence as an economic
force, spoke of traditional values that remain constant in a time of great development and wealth.
"Our cultures and traditions are the spirit behind the wealth and success," he said. "That is our
strength. More and more of our young people are challenged to take these virtues and values and
create a career. Very few industries include traditions and the cultural values. That is the spirit of
Indian gaming."
The National Indian Gaming Association is a nonprofit
trade association comprised of 184
American Indian Nations and other nonvoting
associate members. The mission of NIGA is to
advance the lives of Indian people –
economically, socially and politically. NIGA operates as a
clearinghouse and educational, legislative and public policy resource for tribes, policymakers and the
public on Indian gaming issues and tribal community development.