The National Indian Gaming Association presented several awards at its Indian Gaming Tradeshow two weeks ago in Las Vegas.
NIGA bestowed its Chairman’s Leadership award to Charles “Chief” Boyd, co-founder of TBE Architects, for his longtime commitment and leadership as an associate member of NIGA during the 2018 Indian Gaming Tradeshow and Convention in Las Vegas.
NIGA Chairman Ernie Stevens, Jr. presented Boyd with the prestigious leadership award.
“An important component towards the success of the industry is those committed to partnering with tribal gaming enterprises towards the development and advancement of this business called Indian gaming,” Stevens said. “Our associate membership represents many of those who stand with us towards our commitment to tribal self-reliance.
“Chief Boyd is one of the greatest examples of a person who has committed his life to working with Indian Country to advance the economic opportunities of many tribal communities. He is a great Indian Country warrior, and we look forward to recognizing his contributions.”
The Associate Membership consists of non-voting members of NIGA who represent businesses and industries engaged in gaming enterprises throughout Indian Country.
Charles “Chief” Boyd, is majority owner, principal, and CEO of Thalden Boyd Architects LLC (TBE Architects), a Native American firm. Boyd is one of the most well-known Native American architects in the U.S., having worked with nearly 114 of the best tribal projects across the U.S. and in Canada on casinos, hotels and tribal facilities.
Boyd’s broad experience in casino, cultural and recreation facilities and hotels throughout the United States and Canada led to his being honored as the Native American Professional Businessman of the Year in 2000 in the state of Oklahoma and the Contemporary Achievement Award from the Cherokee National Historic Society in 2012.
Also at Indian Gaming, NIGA honored Lynn “Nay” Valbuena with the 2018 Tim Wapato Sovereign Warrior Award. The award was presented to her on the anniversary of the death of Tim Wapato, after whom the award was named.
Tim Wapato’s widow, Gay Kingman-Wapato and family members presented the award to Chairwoman Valbuena. She declared, “We are honoring a lady that has spent 40 years in that battle protecting sovereignty. She has been a leader not only for her tribe, but regionally and nationally, with poise and grace, we honor Lynn because she has always stood firm on the front lines protecting tribal sovereignty.”
Valbuena has been in tribal politics for more than four decades and active in state and national Indian affairs since she became a housing commissioner for San Manuel in 1974. She served as secretary of NIGA for 14 years, retiring in 2011. In 2015 she was inducted into the Gaming Hall of Fame by the American Gaming Association.
