Within minutes of meeting or listening to Ernest Stevens speak, it was clear that he valued family, Indian Country, honesty, and loyalty. He spoke passionately about all of these things, and offered a glimpse of the kind of personal touch and warmth that is waning in an ever-more fragmented society.
Friday, Stevens, the longtime chair of the Indian Gaming Association (IGA), passed away unexpectedly at age 66. A member of the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin, he leaves behind his wife Cheryl, five children, 20 grandchildren, and a devastated community.
“Ernie Stevens, Jr. was more than a chairman; he was a warrior, a statesman, and a champion for all of Indian Country,” Jason Giles, executive director of IGA, said in a press release.“His vision and commitment built bridges across tribal nations, Congress, and federal agencies, ensuring that tribal gaming remained a cornerstone of tribal self-determination and economic growth. His legacy will be unmatched, and his voice will echo for generations to come.”
It is not just Indian Country mourning Stevens’ passing.
“As chairman of the Indian Gaming Association for more than two decades, Ernie was a tireless and passionate advocate for Indian Country and a unifying force in advancing tribal sovereignty through gaming,” Bill Miller, president and CEO of the American Gaming Association, said in a statement Saturday. “His work not only helped elevate tribal government gaming into a powerful driver of economic opportunity but also shaped the broader trajectory of our industry with his unwavering commitment to collaboration, integrity, and inclusion.”
Stevens guided incredible growth
Stevens led IGA for 24 years, and was re-elected as chairman for the 13th time at the association’s annual meeting in San Diego in April. In early September, he was a key presence at the mid-year conference at the Mystic Lake Casino and Resort in Minnesota. At every conference, Stevens could often be seen among chatting up tribal leaders, offering sage advice from the dais, and discussing ways to preserve sovereignty.
Under his watch, tribal gaming revenue quadrupled, from $11 billion in 2000 to $43.9 billion in 2024, per IGA.
Stevens sat on the board for the Center for American Indian Enterprise Development and the Nike7 Foundation and on the executive board of the Center for Native American Youth, and was a member of the Boys and Girls Club of America Native American Advisory Board. Before his run as the head of IGA, Stevens was an elected councilman for the Oneida Nation (1993-99), and was first vice president of the National Congress of American Indians.
“Chairman Stevens’ consistent presence in the industry, across tribal communities, and among lawmakers, as well as his genuine willingness to share about the opportunities tribal nations gaming created for improving the quality of life for Native people and communities, will be missed,” Sequoyah Simermeyer, former National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) chair and FanDuel vice president of strategic partnerships, told InGame. “During my time as NIGC chairman, I valued his dedication as Indian gaming navigated the pandemic’s impact and later grew to an unprecedented size.”
Stevens was inducted into the American Gaming Association’s Gaming Hall of Fame in 2015.
In his youth, Stevens was a decorated amateur boxer — he was a four-time state heavyweight champion (1976-79) and two-time national heavyweight champion (1977-78) — who was inducted into the National Indian Athletic Association Hall of Fame in 2008 and the North American Indigenous Athletics Hall of Fame in 2022.
Outpouring of memories
While the accolades and accomplishments tell the story of a successful leader, the common themes for those remembering Stevens are about family, empowering the next generation, and his continued goal of protecting the independence Indian Country has been able to gain through gaming.
Condolences and statements honoring Stevens came from all corners over the weekend:
Tehassi Tasi Hill, Wisconsin Oneida Nation Chairman:
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.
United National Indian Tribal Youth:
Chairman Stevens was not only a respected national leader and advocate for Tribal sovereignty, he was also a steadfast supporter of Native youth and the future generations of Indian Country. He understood that the strength of our Nations rests in the hands of our young people, and he consistently invested his time, voice, and leadership to ensure opportunities for them to thrive.
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.
Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community:
Ernie was a tireless advocate for Tribal Nations, tribal sovereignty, and the ability of tribes to improve their economies, their governments, and the lives of their people through lawful gaming enterprises. Ernie provided strong and highly effective leadership on a national stage in the halls of Congress and at large gatherings. He also connected with and supported tribal leaders and tribal governments at the most local level.
Chris Stearns, Speaker Pro Tem, Washington State House of Representatives:
I am beyond heartbroken. Ernie Stevens, Jr. was so kind to me, so patient, and so giving — especially when I deserved none of it. He was a lion of a man, an inspiration in recovery, and a role model whose faith in his fellow humans is something that I may never be able to live up to. He was the best kind of person — the kind who was always there when you needed them the most.
