NIGA recognizes Native-focused programs with award

Nike’s N7 Fund, the NABI Foundation, and Aspen Institute’s CNAY are recognized for their tenacious dedication to improve the mind, body and spirit to Native youth.

San Diego, CA (May 14, 2014) - In a seated luncheon co-hosted by President and CEO of the Center for American Indian Economic Development (NCAIED) actor Gary "Litefoot" Davis, and National Indian Gaming Association (NIGA) Chairman Ernie Stevens, Jr., three organizations were honored individually with the 2014 Chairman’s Leadership Award.

The luncheon was hosted on May 12th in the San Diego Convention Center in conjunction with Indian Gaming 2014, a tradeshow and convention focused on all aspects of the tribal gaming industry.

The three organization honored were; the NABI Foundation who are rooted deeply in Indian reservation athletic centers and outdoor sports, N7 Fund who are committed to bring sport and all of its benefits to Native American and Aboriginal communities, and the Aspen Institute’s Center for Native American Youth (CNAY) who are dedicated to improving the health, safety and overall well-being of Native American youth.

"Working together to improve our communities is deeply engrained in who we are as Native people," Chairman Stevens said. "Organizations like these who have stepped up to the plate to provide quality mentoring and programs that challenge our minds and our bodies for our Native youth is a need that we can all appreciate. This Chairman’s Leadership Award is not only a way to thank N7, NABI Foundation and CNAY for their service, but also a reminder that our Association has their back."

The NABI Foundation, starting in 2003 as an all-Native basketball tournament on the Gila River Indian Community is now a national sports-focused organization headed by GinaMarie Scarpa. N7 Fund, headed by Samuel McCracken, a tribal member of the Fort Peck Sioux Tribe, approached the Nike Corporation in 2007 to address the need for summer programs focused on nurturing athleticism in Indian country. The Center for Native American Youth is a three-year old advocacy group founded by retired Senator Byron Dorgan working to strengthen and create new connections as well as exchange resources and best practices that address the challenges facing Native youth. The group is headed by an energetic team in Washington, DC.

Also during the luncheon, IGT and NIGA presented the American Indian College Fund with a $25,000 check that will be awarded via the International Game Technology Tribal Scholarship Program to deserving American Indian students pursuing higher education at tribal colleges and mainstream institutions across the country.

Professional rodeo announcer and speaker Ray Champ (Crow Tribe) was also honored for his service to Indian country, providing a voice for all those who are passionate to the rodeo arena.

Keynoting the luncheon was basketball great A.C. Green, who has played in more consecutive games than anyone in the history of the NBA. He shared his passion for working with youth to build self-esteem and character. Also present was Virgil Hill, Hall of Fame boxer and North Dakota native, his son Virgil Hill Jr., as well as actor Adam Beach (Saulteaux) and professional golfer Alexandrea Schulte (Northern Ute Tribe).