In a significant development for the California Nations Indian Gaming Association (CNIGA), the Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians and the Big Valley Band of Pomo have officially become the newest members of the association. The addition of these two tribes brings the CNIGA’s membership to an impressive 50 tribes, marking a substantial growth from the 34 tribes in late 2019.
Strengthening the Voice of Tribal Sovereignty
With 44 out of the 50 member tribes engaged in gaming activities, the CNIGA now represents nearly 70% of all gaming tribes in California. This strategic expansion not only underscores the collective strength of tribal nations but also amplifies their voice on critical gaming and sovereignty issues within the state.
James Siva, Chairman of CNIGA, expressed his satisfaction with the new additions, stating, “I am pleased to welcome Paskenta and Big Valley to the CNIGA family of tribes. Their addition strengthens our voice on gaming and sovereignty issues in California and helps ensure that tribal voices will be heard in the halls of power.”
Inclusive Leadership and Collaborative Spirit
CNIGA Vice-Chairman Mike Lopez highlighted the inclusive leadership fostered by Chairman Siva, creating a welcoming environment for tribes to express their diverse views. He emphasized the importance of ensuring all voices are heard, even when they may conflict with the majority. This approach has evidently resonated with tribes, driving the increased interest in joining or re-joining the organization.
Lopez stated, “Chairman Siva has created a welcoming environment and has created a respectful space for tribes to express their views, even when they conflict with the majority. He makes sure all voices are heard. I think tribes recognize this, and that is why so many have joined or re-joined the organization.”
Expanding the CNIGA Executive Committee
The CNIGA associate membership has elected Chris Creasey as the Associate Member Representative on the CNIGA Executive Committee, succeeding Russell Witt. Creasey, the Director at Tutor Perini Building Corp, a company with an extensive background in Indian Country, has been an active associate member of CNIGA.
The Associate Member Representative, a non-voting member of the executive board, is directly elected by the CNIGA associate membership, comprised of business and professional groups supporting the organization. This move aligns with the increasing momentum and growth witnessed in CNIGA’s associate membership in recent years.
Creasey expressed his commitment to the role, stating, “I am honored to have been elected to this position. My predecessor set the gold standard on what this position should be as the associate membership saw major growth during his tenure. I am very determined to continue in his footsteps with a singular purpose of continuing this growth.”
Cardroom Expansion Moratorium Extended
In parallel developments, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 341, extending the state’s moratorium on issuing new cardroom licenses for another 20 years. This legislative move, supported by 40 Californian tribes, marks a continuation of the 1997 Gambling Control Act, which initially imposed a 25-year moratorium on cardroom expansion.
Under the new law, smaller existing cardrooms, those with fewer than 20 gaming tables, will be permitted to add up to 10 new tables. This compromise strikes a balance between regulatory control and accommodating limited expansion for smaller establishments.
Building a Unified Front
The latest developments within CNIGA, marked by the inclusion of Paskenta and Big Valley tribes, showcase a strategic and collective approach towards addressing the multifaceted challenges faced by California tribes. As CNIGA continues to grow in both membership and influence, its commitment to inclusive leadership and collaborative decision-making positions it as a formidable advocate for tribal rights and sovereignty in the realm of gaming and beyond.