The California Nations Indian Gaming Association (CNIGA) announced the agenda for the 22nd annual Western Indian Gaming Conference (WIGC), Wednesday and Thursday at the Morongo Casino Resort & Spa in Cabazon, California.
The WIGC has been extended to two full days to provide for in depth discussion about the current state of the tribal government gaming industry. The WIGC will open on Wednesday, February 8 with the State of the Tribal Nations Address, followed by general session seminars focusing on the new political climate in Washington. D.C., as well as California’s tribal state gaming compacts.
Breakout sessions that afternoon and the subsequent day will include four unique tracks focusing on comprehensive conversations on a myriad of topics, including an in-depth look at house banked games being played in California cardrooms, legislative and political updates, water conservation, branding, regulation, IT security, smoke-free tribal casinos, competitive markets, cross-generational appeal and other topics of interest. For a complete list of seminars, visit www.wigc2017.com.
The conference will be preceded by the WIGC signature golf tournament tomorrow at the Morongo Golf Club at Tukwet Canyon, owned and operated by the Morongo Band of Mission Indians.
“This year we have extended our conference by an extra day, which will allow for meaningful interactions between attendees and panelists,” said CNIGA Chairman Steve Stallings. “CNIGA is honored to host tribal leaders from throughout the country, our associate members, and academics and industry professionals during this impressive conference.
“I am privileged to announce that Marshall McKay, chairman emeritus, tribal elder and ambassador to the nation, Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation, and chairman emeritus, California Nations Indian Gaming Association, will be receiving the Anna Sandoval Leadership Award; and that longtime tribal attorney and advocate Jerry Levine will be the recipient of our Pauline Murillo Industry Leader Award. I am humbled to be presenting these awards, to two men who helped shape the California tribal gaming industry. CNIGA is pleased to honor the past while celebrating the future.”
“We are delighted to return to the beautiful Morongo Casino Resort & Spa,” said CNIGA Executive Director Susan Jensen. “I would like to thank the Morongo Band of Mission Indians for their continued support and dedication to the Association. The California tribal government gaming industry generated a record $7.8 billion in economic output which supported 63,000 jobs in California. CNIGA is grateful to our member tribes who support our ability to provide the leading voice for the industry. CNIGA is the largest gaming association of tribal governments in California, actively creating a forum for tribal leaders and industry partners to discuss issues of concern in Indian Country.”
The California Nations Indian Gaming Association is a nonprofit association comprised of federally recognized tribal governments dedicated to preserving and protecting the sovereign right of tribes to have gaming on tribal lands.
Members of the press are asked to check in at the registration counters at Morongo to obtain press credentials. Those wishing to attend the conference may register online at www.wigc2017.com or on-site on Tuesday, February 7 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Wednesday, February 8 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
