Concerned about the financial strain on Indian Country and gambling, tribal leaders intensify their opposition to federal budget cuts.

Proposed federal budget cuts that jeopardize tribal sovereignty and important revenue streams like gaming are being resisted by tribal leaders, including IGA Chairman Ernie Stevens. They emphasized advocacy, education, and unity in protecting Native communities in a recent webinar.

Native American leaders stated that they will be intensifying their fight in the upcoming weeks and months to block any new measures as Congress considers more budget cutbacks to Indian Country that would increase the strain on tribal revenue streams like gambling.

When Ernie Stevens, the chairman of the Indian Gaming Association (IGA), and other tribal officials participated in the webinar “The New Normal: Standing Guard – Tribal Gaming’s Response to Federal Rollbacks” last week, they made that point very evident.

According to IGA Conference Chair Victor Rocha, the Trump administration’s second term is already changing federal Indian policy in ways that will have long-term effects, ranging from energy to economic development to casino supervision.

ALSO READ: Revenue from online gambling in Michigan hit a near-record $285.2 million in June.

“Tribal governments and institutions are being forced to adapt and push back amid proposals to reinterpret foundational laws, shift agency priorities, and weaken regulatory safeguards,” Rocha added.

According to Stevens, tribes must defend their rights and fight for them without being cruel. IGA intends to inform the Trump Administration and Congress on tribal sovereignty and the consequences of cuts that affect more than just Native Americans, even when targeting tribes.

“In order for them to understand, we must collaborate with this Administration and demonstrate, educate, and promote who we are,” Stevens stated. “I will confront anybody who challenges tribal sovereignty, our education, or our health and welfare, but I won’t treat anyone disrespectfully. I’m going to speak to them like a warrior and a gentleman. I will stand up for Indian Country. That is our current conflict.

Stevens, Rocha and IGA Executive Director Brian Giles discussed how the tribal gaming industry is responding to this volatile political moment, including what’s at risk, what has already changed, and how they say IGA is standing guard to protect tribal rights, programs, and economic progress.

In the proposed budget of the Trump Administration, Giles said the cuts are severe and deep, with tribal education and health care funding among those items at risk.

Courtesy: https://www.covers.com, https://www.casino.org, https://pechanga.net