Norm DesRosiers died last week after a short illness. DesRosiers was a regulator in Indian gaming for most of his career, which was highlighted by his term as vice chairman of the National Indian Gaming Commission from 2007 to 2010. He served as a commissioner for several tribes including the Buena Vista Tribe, Otoe Missouria tribe, Graton Rancheria, Picayune Rancheria of Chuckchansi Indians, Viejas band of Kumeyaay Indians, and the San Manuel band of Mission Indians. He also served as an executive director of the San Carlos Apache Tribal Gaming Commission. In addition, Norm worked for the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation’s gaming commission as a supervisor of inspectors. He testified before many U.S. House and Senates Committee hearings related to Indian gaming.
DesRosiers was a Vietnam veteran, honored with a Purple Heart. He was active in his community and in many different Native American organizations.
National Indian Gaming Association Chairman Ernie Stevens, Jr. said, “We are saddened to hear about the passing of Norman DesRosiers. He lived his professional life widely recognized as a leading regulator of the Indian gaming industry. Norm was a personal friend of mine, who I have known in my entire career in Indian gaming. Norm’s work with the National Tribal Gaming Commissioners and Regulators (NTGCR), the NIGC, and most importantly, the tribal regulatory arms he serviced he was somebody that Indian country could always count on – always professional and proficient.”
