Event to be held at We-Ko-Pa Resort & Conference Center at Fort McDowell-Yavapai Nation
The revenue, through the Arizona Benefits Fund, supports education, trauma and emergency services care, wildlife conservation, and economic development through tourism. The Arizona Benefits Fund was established after Arizonans passed Proposition 202 in 2002 to support tribal gaming. Tribal leaders identified critical areas to fund which would benefit all Arizonans.
“The AIGA EXPO is a perfect time to celebrate the investment that tribal gaming is making in our state,” said Valerie Spicer, Executive Director. “Sharing and looking out for those around us, that is our way. This luncheon represents a unique opportunity to bring together so many people who are part of our industry and who are benefitting from tribal gaming.”
President Ruben Balderas from the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation will open the program. He will introduce children from the H’man ‘shawa Early Development Center Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation Education Division who will sing the “Star Spangled Banner” in the Pai language. The program will feature a short video with highlights from a weeklong “Sonoran Living” series that described the benefits of tribal gaming for Arizona. Featured in the series were Dr. Peter Rhee, Medical Director University Medical Center Trauma Care; Louis Manuel, Jr. Chairman Ak-Chin Indian Community; Kristen Jarnagan, Arizona Lodging and Tourism Association; Dr. Kent P. Scribner, Superintendent, Phoenix Union High School; and Edmundo Hildago, President and CEO Chicanos Por La Causa. All emphasized how tribal gaming revenues are helping them meet critical needs and praised the tribes for the investment that they are making in Arizona.
Since 2004, Tribal gaming has contributed more than $450 million to education, $220 million for trauma and emergency services, and more than $70 million each to wildlife conservation and tourism. In addition tribes contribute 12 percent monies directly to Arizona cities, towns and counties. Since 2004, tribes have given nearly $105 million to local governments. Twelve percent recipients attending the celebration include…
The luncheon celebration is a highlight of AIGA EXPO 2014, the Southwest’s Foremost Gaming & Business Summit & Trade Show held November 5 – 7 at the We-Ko-Pa Resort & Conference Center in the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation. The conference and trade show attracts tribal leadership, tribal gaming executives and management and vendors.
The Arizona Indian Gaming Association is producing AIGA EXPO with Red Note, Inc. AIGA has a membership of 18 tribes representing more than 90% of the Indian people living on reservations in Arizona. AIGA was established November 21, 1994 by Arizona tribal leaders. The Association is committed to advancing the lives of Indian peoples – economically, socially and politically – so that Indian tribes in Arizona can achieve their goal of self-reliance. Current membership includes: Ak-Chin Indian Community, Cocopah Tribe, Colorado River Indian Tribes, Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation, Fort Mojave, Fort Yuma-Quechan Tribe, Gila River Indian Community, Havasupai Tribe, Hualapai Tribe, Kaibab-Paiute Tribe, Navajo Nation, Pascua Yaqui Tribe, Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, San Carlos Apache Tribe, Tohono O’odham Nation, White Mountain Apache Tribe, Yavapai Apache Nation and the Zuni Tribe.
For information about AIGA and AIGA EXPO 2014, visit www.azindiangaming.org/aiga-expo/2014. Or www.benefitingarizona.org
Contact: Strateg!es, Pam Hait or Martha Hunter
602-952-0040
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