The California Nations Indian Gaming Association (CNIGA) last week announced the election of Steve Stallings, councilman of the Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians, to the position of chairman and Damon Sandoval, councilman of the Morongo Band of Mission Indians, to the position of the organization’s vice chairman. Dennis Hendricks, councilman from the Tuolumne Band of Me-Wuk Indians was re-elected to his third consecutive term as treasurer.
Leon Benner, from the Redding Rancheria was reelected eastern representative, Dale Miller, chairman of the Elk Valley Rancheria was elected northern representative, Henry Murphy, vice chairman of the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation, was elected southern representative and James Siva, councilman of the Morongo Band of Mission Indians was elected central district representative.
They join CNIGA Secretary John Williams, who serves as vice chairman of the United Auburn Indian Community, as the 2015-16 officers of the state’s oldest and largest advocate for economic sovereignty, representing California tribes engaged in gaming enterprises or supportive of gaming initiatives.
“I am honored to serve as CNIGA’s chairman. I follow a long line of respected tribal leaders and vow to continue their work in protecting the inherent sovereign rights of California’s tribal governments,” said Stallings. “I would like to thank former Chairman Daniel J. Tucker for his wisdom and guidance as well as his longstanding dedication to CNIGA. Tucker will be deeply missed but we wish him a world of happiness as he enjoys his much deserved retirement.”
“CNIGA has a history of negotiation with state government leaders for solutions to mutual concerns in a manner that is beneficial to the tribes, the state and the California tax-payers. Currently the tribes and the state have a number of significant gaming-related issues on the table. I look forward to bringing the expertise and good will of the tribes to resolve these issues in a manner that is likewise fair for all concerned, and respectful of the public interest.”
Stallings has served on the CNIGA executive committee for six years as both the vice chairman and treasurer. Sandoval has served on the CNIGA executive committee for eight years as the central district representative.
