Former
Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle was awarded the 2013 National Indian Gaming
Association (NIGA) Chairman's Leadership Award at a luncheon held yesterday at
the Phoenix Convention Center, Phoenix, Ariz., site of this year’s Indian
Gaming 2013Tradeshow & Convention.
Gov.
Doyle was recognized for his strong relationships with Wisconsin tribal
governments and his deep understanding of tribal sovereignty and
self-determination issues. Thanks in part to Doyle’s efforts, 11 of the state’s
28 tribes currently operate gaming facilities.
“This
is a man who understands what is good for Indian country is good for all of
us,” said NIGA Chairman Ernie Stevens during the award presentation. “Governor
Doyle worked with tribes and signed compacts that respected tribal sovereignty.
We need more leaders who want to build bridges with Indian country, and we
respect what he accomplished for the State of Wisconsin.”
In
2005, Doyle signed an executive order titled to create and define the processes
by which the Wisconsin Department of Transportation and Federal Highway Administration
would work in collaboration with the 11 sovereign Indian Nations seeking to
operate gaming facilities. This agreement, and many others worked on by Doyle,
acknowledged and supported American Indian sovereignty. He continued to do this
throughout his two terms as Governor.
“I am very proud for what we have and accomplished together: a system of
consultation that required every one of my cabinet members to visit every single
reservation annually; the passage of Indian child welfare legislation; and movement
on environmental issues,” Doyle said. “All of this produced much better
results. I congratulate all of the tribes who fought to protect their sovereign
rights.”
Ex-Wisconsin Governor recognized by NIGA with Leadership Award
March 26, 2013
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