For more than two decades, Ernie Stevens, Jr. stood as a tireless champion for tribal sovereignty and Indian gaming. On Tuesday, September 30, 2025, Native Bidaské will air a special edition, “Remembering Ernie Stevens, Jr.”, to honor his life, leadership, and enduring legacy.
Stevens, who passed unexpectedly on September 26 at the age of 66, served as Chairman of the Indian Gaming Association for 25 years. Under his leadership, Indian gaming revenues soared, transforming the industry into a powerhouse and strengthening tribal sovereignty nationwide.
The tribute episode will be co-hosted by Native News Online Editor Levi Rickert and longtime IGA convention emcee Chance Rush (Hidatsa, Arapaho, Dakota, Oneida, Otoe). Together, they will reflect on Stevens’ decades of leadership and invite guests who knew him best to share their memories.
Among those joining the conversation are Olympic Gold Medalist Billy Mills (Lakota); NCAI President Mark Macarro (Pechanga Band of Indians); NCAI Executive Director Larry Wright Jr. (Ponca); A. Gay Kingman (Cheyenne River Sioux), executive director, Great Plains Tribal Chairmans Association; Jason Giles (Muscogee Nation), executive director, Indian Gaming Association; Gila River Indian Community Gov. Stephen Roe Lewis; and Aaron Payment, tribal councilor, Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa and former 1st vice president of NCAI. Each brings a unique perspective on Stevens’ influence—not only as a leader in Indian gaming but as a mentor, friend, and force for unity in Indian Country. Their stories will highlight the values that guided his life: integrity, community, and relentless dedication to strengthening tribal sovereignty.
Event Details
Remembering Ernie Stevens, Jr. – A Native Bidaské Special
? Tuesday, September 30, 2025
⏰ 7:00 p.m. ET / 6:00 p.m. CT / 5:00 p.m. MT / 4:00 p.m. PT
? Streaming on: Facebook, YouTube, and the Native News Online website