The National Indian Gaming Association last week held a three-day celebration of the expansion of its Capitol Hill headquarters, a project that has been ongoing since 2011.
The expansion involved joining an old row house with a carriage house
NIGA Chairman Ernie Stevens explained the challenges the organization encountered because it’s headquarters is in a historic district.
“There were many challenges, because this area of Washington is a ‘historic district,'” He added, “There are restrictions and requirements for compliance in the historic district that required additional permitting, inspections and approvals.”
The celebration included tours and speeches. Many of those who attended were donors, i.e. tribes that donated towards the building fund, whose representatives were thanked for their participation. They were given Pendleton blankets with the grand opening logo and plaques of appreciation.
Stevens told celebrants that the building sets NIGA up for the future.
“NIGA continues looking forward to the days ahead,” Stevens said. “We will remember the historical journey, the battles that have been waged and fought and celebrate the future progress of Indian gaming.”
The National Indian Gaming Association, established in 1985, is a non-profit organization of 184 Indian nations that engage in gaming.
