The National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) has created a new position that focuses on giving assistance to rural tribes and hired Susan Waukon of the Ho-Chunk as the first rural outreach coordinator.
NIGC Chairman Jonodev Chaudhuri announced, “Rural gaming tribes, large and small, help create a dynamic economy and provide needed jobs and services for their people. Rural tribes have specific needs due to the demographics of their facilities. The NIGC has a responsibility to address the needs of these rural tribal gaming facilities. We are committed to collaborating with rural gaming tribes to support their regulatory compliance and thereby increase their success in the industry.”
Waukon will help rural tribes navigate Indian gaming regulations and use gaming to develop their economies and become self-sufficient.
In a statement she said, “Working together, providing insight and leveraging resources through cooperation and partnerships with a sharp focus on regulatory compliance are keys to rural economic development, tribal self-sufficiency and strong tribal governments. I was raised by my late grandparents in Wisconsin and the values they instilled have made me an advocate for helping and fostering relationships within Indian country.”
Waukon was previously a Ho-Chunk Nation Legislator and had considerable contact with other tribal leaders in Wisconsin and the Midwest.
