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- By Levi Rickert
Breaking News. Ernie Stevens, Jr., a tribal citizen of the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin and the longtime chairman of the Indian Gaming Association, walked on on Friday. Stevens was 66.
An official announcement has not yet been released by the Indian Gaming Association. However, Jason Giles, executive director of the organization, released a short statement to Native News Online on Friday evening:
“Our Indian Gaming Association board and staff are stunned and saddened by Chairman Stevens' passing. Out of respect for his wife Cheryl, his lovely family, and the Oneida Nation, we will issue a full tribute at the appropriate time. Please send your prayers to the Stevens family.”
Stevens’s son, Brandon Yellowbird-Stevens, posted the following on his Facebook page on Friday evening:
“It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our Dad and Papa, Ernie Stevens Jr.
We ask for privacy at this time as our family navigates this profound loss.
More information and announcements will be shared in the coming days.
Thank you for your prayers and support.”
Updated at 11 pm - ET
Late Friday, the Indian Gaming Association released a statement announcing Stevens sudden death on Friday:
Chairman Stevens dedicated his life in service to Indian Country. For more than two decades as Chairman of IGA, he remained steadfast in his mission to advance tribal government gaming and strengthen tribal sovereignty. Under his leadership, IGA became one of the most respected and influential voices in Washington, D.C., tirelessly advocating for the rights of tribal nations and safeguarding the integrity of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.
Jason Giles, Executive Director of IGA, said, “Our IGA Board and staff are stunned and saddened by Chairman Stevens passing. Out of respect for his wife Cheryl, his lovely family and the Oneida Nation, we will issue a full tribute at the appropriate time. Please send your prayers to the Stevens family.”
“Ernie Stevens, Jr. was more than a chairman; he was a warrior, a statesman, and a champion for all of Indian Country,” said Giles. “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.”
During his tenure, Indian gaming revenues grew from $11 billion in 2000 to a record-breaking $43.9 billion in 2024, making Tribal Government Gaming the largest segment of the U.S. gaming industry. This extraordinary growth is a direct reflection of Chairman Stevens’ strategic vision and tireless advocacy, working hand-in-hand with tribal leaders across the country to strengthen the Indian gaming industry. His efforts ensured that gaming revenues continued to support education, healthcare, infrastructure, and economic development throughout Indian Country.
Chairman Stevens leaves behind not only a legacy of policy achievements and economic milestones but also a powerful example of unity, dignity, and unwavering commitment to the next generation of tribal leaders. He believed deeply in the sovereignty of tribal governments and their ability to build a prosperous future for their communities.
The Indian Gaming Association honors Chairman Stevens’ memory by continuing the work to which he devoted his life: defending tribal sovereignty, empowering tribal governments, and celebrating the strength of Native nations. Above all, Chairman Stevens always believed that his greatest accomplishment and legacy was his family.
We extend our deepest condolences to his wife Cheryl, his children Brandon, Ernest III, Margaret, Maria, and Lois, and his 20 grandchildren during this time of profound loss. We will carry forward his mission with the same strength and dedication that defined his life’s work.
National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) Executive Director Larry Wright (Ponca) reflected on his 20 year friendship with Stevens. They were together in Washington, D.C. last week during NCAI's Unity Impact Days on Thursday at a press conference at the Embassy of Tribal Nations, NCAI headquarters.
"He was an icon who will be missed and never replaced. A mentor and friend for 20 years," Wright said to Native News Online. "How great he was shown during the press conference at the Embassy. We will continue to fight in his honor."
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