- Details
- By Native News Online Staff
Sharon M. Avery (Saginaw Chippewa Tribe) has been appointed acting chair of the National Indian Gaming Commission, the agency announced on Thursday. The appointment became effective on May 15, 2024.
Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland (Laguna Pueblo) recently appointed Avery to a three-year term as associate commissioner, effective May 6, 2024. Avery will serve both as associate commissioner and acting chair until a presidentially appointed, Senate-confirmed chair is in place.
As acting chair, Avery has the same statutory authority to lead the National Indian Gaming Commission and take official action as a Senate-confirmed appointee.
“I am humbled the administration has entrusted me with the distinguished opportunity to serve as the NIGC Acting Chair,” Avery said in a statement. “In this capacity, and to the best of my abilities, I will diligently execute my duties and responsibilities designated by the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act to continue the Agency’s regulatory oversight of tribal gaming facilities without disruption, until a permanent Chair has been confirmed.”
For more than four years, Avery has served as an Associate General Counsel in the NIGC Office of General Counsel. Prior to joining the National Indian Gaming Commission, Avery worked in the Legal Department of her tribe for 10 years. She graduated from Michigan State University College of Law with a Juris Doctor degree and a certificate from the Indigenous Law and Policy Center.
More Stories Like This
Native News Weekly (August 25, 2024): D.C. BriefsCadiz, Inc. Announces EPA Selection of Mojave Groundwater Bank Northern Pipeline Project for WIFIA Loan Application
Jesse Jackson, Who Bridged Civil Rights Struggles for Blacks and Native Americans, Dies at 84
SAVE THE DATE: GVSU’s “Celebrating All Walks of Life” Powwow Set for April 4th
Monday Morning: (February 16, 2026): Articles You May Have Missed This Past Weekend
Help us defend tribal sovereignty.
At Native News Online, our mission is rooted in telling the stories that strengthen sovereignty and uplift Indigenous voices — not just at year’s end, but every single day.
Because of your generosity last year, we were able to keep our reporters on the ground in tribal communities, at national gatherings and in the halls of Congress — covering the issues that matter most to Indian Country: sovereignty, culture, education, health and economic opportunity.
That support sustained us through a tough year in 2025. Now, as we look to the year ahead, we need your help right now to ensure warrior journalism remains strong — reporting that defends tribal sovereignty, amplifies Native truth, and holds power accountable.
The stakes couldn't be higher. Your support keeps Native voices heard, Native stories told and Native sovereignty defended.
Stand with Warrior Journalism today.
Levi Rickert (Potawatomi), Editor & Publisher
