The National Council on Problem Gambling has established the Tribal Advisory Council, representing a “deeper level of collaboration to address matters of responsible gambling and problem gambling that are of importance to Native American communities”.
Although the NCPG has worked with tribal gaming entities for several years, the Tribal Advisory Council has been created “to increase awareness and respect for Native cultures as they relate to all facets of gambling so that these cultural practices can help other Native and non-Native communities”.
In addition, expertise and momentum for NCPG’s culturally specific work will be provided by the Tribal Advisory Council, “while recognising the importance of Native American history and sovereignty in consultation with Native American leaders and experts”.
Several executives from across the tribal gaming industry have been named as founding members of the NCPG Tribal Advisory Council, including:
- Raquel Buari, J.D., Executive Vice President, Four Winds Casinos
- Jacob Coin, Executive Advisor, San Manuel Tribal Council, San Manuel Band of Mission Indians
- Shannon Dictson, Mescalero Responsible Gaming Program & President, Responsible Gaming Association of New Mexico
- Anika Howard, Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation and CEO of Wondr Nation
- Maria Lopez, Executive Director, Pascua Yaqui Tribal Gaming Office
- Matthew Morgan, Chair, Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association
- Ray Pineault, J.D., President and CEO, Mohegan
- James Siva, Chair, California Nations Indian Gaming Association
“Our work with tribes is based on a deep respect for Tribal sovereignty and our core values of neutrality, collaboration, respect and credibility,” commented Keith Whyte, Executive Director of NCPG.
“We have a responsibility to listen and learn, as well as the opportunity to share our knowledge as we seek to reduce the social costs of gambling addiction and improve health and wellness in all communities.
“The relationships and partnerships we have forged over the years are the strong foundation for this exciting new project.”
To help facilitate the Tribal Advisory Council’s work, NCPG has formed a partnership with Valerie Spicer and Sheila Morago of the Trilogy Group, a Native American-owned and operated organisation with over 50 years of combined experience in governmental affairs, business, economic development and tribal gaming.
Valerie Spicer, Founding Partner and CEO of Trilogy Group, noted: “We applaud the formation of the NCPG’s Tribal Advisory Council and look forward to supporting stronger connection with the Tribes.
“This work acknowledges the significance of Tribal Gaming in the gambling sector, the impacts of Tribal gaming on communities, and ways we can support finding balance in helping people heal from gambling-related harm respectfully amid the complexity.”
As part of efforts to provide culturally specific education, Tribal Advisory Council members will take part in two sessions at the NCPG’s National Conference on Gambling Addiction and Responsible Gambling 2024, taking place on July 17-19 in San Diego, California.
These sessions are ‘Truth and Rehabilitation: Recognising and Addressing Historical Trauma in Tribal Communities Through Rehabilitation’ and ‘Perspectives and Advancements in Tribal Responsible Gaming’, which are both taking place on July 18.
