Ernest L. “Ernie” Stevens Jr., a pivotal determine in tribal gaming and sovereignty advocacy, died unexpectedly on Friday, September 26, on the age of 66. A citizen of the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin, Stevens served greater than 20 years as chairman of the Indian Gaming Affiliation (IGA), shaping the trade into a strong financial and political power.
Ernie Stevens Jr.’s Passing Marks the Finish of an Period
His household confirmed the information in a press release, writing: “It’s with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our Dad and Papa, Ernie Stevens Jr. We ask for privateness right now as our household navigates this profound loss.” The Indian Gaming Affiliation echoed the sentiment, describing Stevens as “a warrior, a statesman, and a champion for all of Indian Nation.”
Jason Giles, the IGA’s govt director, famous that the board and workers had been “shocked and saddened” by the loss. “Ernie Stevens, Jr. was greater than a md; he was a warrior, a statesman, and a champion for all of Indian Nation,” Giles mentioned. “His imaginative and prescient and dedication constructed bridges throughout tribal nations, Congress, and federal companies, making certain that tribal gaming remained a cornerstone of tribal self-determination and financial progress.”
Stevens assumed the position of IGA chairman in 2000 and was reelected for his thirteenth time period in April 2025. Throughout his management, tribal authorities gaming income rose dramatically, growing from $11 billion in 2000 to $43.9 billion in 2024. This progress made tribal gaming the most important section of the U.S. gaming trade.
The IGA emphasised that his work safeguarded the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, strengthened tribal sovereignty, and ensured gaming revenues funded important companies comparable to training, healthcare, infrastructure, and housing throughout Indian Nation. The Nationwide Congress of American Indians (NCAI) praised him for unifying tribal nations and “proving that when Indian Nation speaks with one voice, we not solely win, however we make lasting change.”
The Seneca Nation added that Stevens’ “management, imaginative and prescient, and advocacy on behalf of the trade and nations from throughout america” helped rework tribal economies.
Past Gaming: Youth, Athletics, and Group
Stevens’ dedication prolonged far past coverage and income. He was actively concerned in youth improvement initiatives and sat on boards together with the Nike N7 Basis, the Heart for Native American Youth, and the Boys & Ladies Membership of America’s Native American Advisory Board. United Nationwide Indian Tribal Youth described him as somebody who “understood that the power of our Nations rests within the fingers of our younger folks.”
His early years had been marked by achievements in athletics. In 1975, he co-founded the Hovering Eagle Boxing Membership in Oneida with Louie Askinette, later turning into a four-time state heavyweight champion and twice successful the Nationwide Heavyweight Championship. His accomplishments in sports activities earned him induction into the Nationwide Indian Athletic Affiliation Corridor of Fame in 2008 and the Boys & Ladies Membership Alumni Corridor of Fame in 2012. In 2015, he was honored with induction into the American Gaming Affiliation’s Gaming Corridor of Fame.
Schooling additionally remained central to his journey. Stevens earned an affiliate diploma from Haskell Indian Junior Faculty, a bachelor’s in legal justice from Mount Senario Faculty, and a grasp’s in administration from the College of Phoenix. Haskell continues to have fun his identify with the annual Ernie Stevens, Jr. Traditional basketball event.
Colleagues and leaders throughout Indian Nation described Stevens as a power of unity, resilience, and inspiration. Washington State Home Speaker Professional Tem Chris Stearns remembered him as “a lion of a person” whose religion in folks was exceptional. Oneida Nation Chairman Tehassi tasi Hill mentioned Stevens’ contributions to sovereignty and youth applications made him “an incredible man” whose legacy will endure.
As reported by Tribal Enterprise Information, Mark Powless, chairman of the Oneida Gaming Fee, captured Stevens’ journey by noting: “From the boxing ring to the boardroom, in his profession, he has demonstrated power, imaginative and prescient, and resilience that uplift tribal communities nationwide.”
Stevens is survived by his spouse of greater than 45 years, Cheryl, their kids Brandon, Ernest III, Margaret, Maria, and Louis, and 20 grandchildren. To many, his biggest legacy lies not solely in reshaping the gaming panorama but in addition in the household and neighborhood he cherished.
