Standing Rock Lakota’s Kunesh Nominated as NIGC Chair
President Joe Biden earlier nominated Patrice Kunesh to be the chairperson for the National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC). Kunesh, of Standing Rock Lakota descent, is currently the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Native American Affairs and the Commissioner of the Administration for Native Americans in the Administration for Children and Families at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, according to a White House press release.
The Native American Finance Officers Association last week voiced its approval, saying Kunesh has had a “distinguished career” serving Native American communities. “Patrice Kunesh’s nomination holds great potential for the Indian gaming industry and tribal economies,” Mashantucket Pequot chairman Rodney Butler said in a press release. “Her deep understanding of tribal issues and proven leadership will contribute significantly to the National Indian Gaming Commission’s mission.”
Kunesh, a lawyer, has committed her life to public service. Along with other nominees, Kunesh must get Congressional approval before stepping into the new role.
Seneca Change of Power Could Delay New York Negotiations
As New York’s Seneca Tribe prepares for a change of leadership, negotiations for a new gaming compact will be delayed, reports PlayUSA. Outgoing president Rickey Armstrong, Sr. spent his entire two-year term negotiating with the state. The tribe does not allow presidents to serve consecutive terms.
Tribal council member J.C. Seneca, owner of the Native Pride Travel Plaza has announced his candidacy. Seneca is the son of former Seneca National president William Seneca. The tribe has continued to operate its casino under a compact that expired last December. The tribe and the state have agreed to renew it quarterly.
Coushatta Chairman Steps Down
Jonathan Cernek has stepped down as chairman of Louisiana’s Coushatta Tribe, KPLC reported Aug. 12. Cernek had served in the role since June 2021 and was just over three years into his four-year term. It is unknown at this time who will serve as interim chair or when a permanent replacement will be elected.
The Coushatta Tribe operates the Coushatta Casino Resort in Kinder, La., which is the biggest casino in the state.
In Other News …
Washington’s Quil Ceda Creek casino opened a new high-limit slots room with 60 machines and a $500-per-spin limit, according to Indian Gaming. The casino also has plans to open four high-limit table games ($1,000) on the gaming floor.
CT Insider reported Wednesday that ex-Hollywood entertainment executive Ron Meyer lost $5 million on credit in one day in 2017 at Connecticut’s Mohegan Sun and still owes the casino $2.8 million. The Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority has filed a lawsuit in state superior court to recoup the losses.
Wisconsin’s Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians is the subject of proposed class-action settlement after charging consumers up to 600 percent interest on payday loans. The tribe, according to an Aug. 13 ProPublica story, is a key player in tribal lending and may be responsible for thousands of bankruptcy filings.
A naloxone vending machine has been in place outside Casino Pauma in San Diego county for nearly two months, KPBS reported early this week. The machine dispenses Narcan and fentanyl test strips. “It’s not indicative of an issue that’s particular here, but we know it’s ongoing,” Casino GM Oscar Garcia told the TV station. “All it takes is one person to have issues with addiction. And this machine could be lifesaving.”
