09/27/2025
It is hard to overstate the incredible impact Ernie Stevens Jr had on Indian Country. His steadfast commitment to the protection of Tribal sovereignty and passion for strengthening Tribal governments and improving the lives of our next generations transformed Indian Country. Through his longtime, dedicated leadership of the Indian Gaming Association, he was a formidable advocate and champion for Tribal gaming and helped it become the powerful industry it is today. The Prairie Island Indian Community extends its deepest sympathy to the Stevens family.
-Prairie Island Indian Community Tribal Council
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 26, 2025
Indian Gaming Association Announces the Sudden Passing of Chairman Ernie Stevens, Jr.
Washington, D.C. – The Indian Gaming Association (IGA) is deeply heartbroken to announce the sudden passing of our beloved Chairman, Ernest L. Stevens, Jr., who suddenly left us today, September 26, 2025.
Chairman Stevens dedicated his life to Indian Country. For more than two decades, as Chairman of IGA, he never wavered from the mission of advancing tribal government gaming and strengthening tribal sovereignty. Under his leadership, IGA became one of the most powerful and respected voices in Washington, D.C., tirelessly championing the rights of tribal nations and protecting the integrity of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.
Jason Giles, Executive Director of IGA said, “Our IGA Board and staff are stunned and saddened by Chairman Stevens passing. Out of respect for his wife Cheryl, his lovely family and the Oneida Nation, we will issue a full tribute at the appropriate time. Please send your prayers to the Stevens family”.
“Ernie Stevens, Jr. was more than a chairman; he was a warrior, a statesman, and a champion for all of Indian Country,” said Giles,“His vision and commitment built bridges across tribal nations, Congress, and federal agencies, ensuring that tribal gaming remained a cornerstone of tribal self-determination and economic growth. His legacy will be unmatched, and his voice will echo for generations to come.”
During his tenure, Indian gaming revenues grew from $11 billion in 2000 to a record-breaking $43.9 billion in 2024, making Tribal Government Gaming the largest segment of the U.S. gaming industry. This extraordinary achievement is a direct reflection of Chairman Stevens’ strategic vision and steadfast advocacy, working in lockstep with tribal leaders nationwide to foster the Indian gaming industry, ensuring that gaming revenues continued to fund schools, healthcare, infrastructure, and economic development across Indian Country.
Chairman Stevens leaves behind not only a record of policy victories and economic achievements but also a legacy of unity, dignity, and relentless commitment to the next generation of tribal leaders. He believed deeply in the sovereignty of tribal governments and in their ability to shape a prosperous future for their communities.
IGA honors Chairman Stevens’ memory by continuing the work he devoted his life to defending tribal sovereignty, empowering tribal governments, and celebrating the strength of Native nations. Chairman Stevens always believed his greatest accomplishment and legacy was his family.
We extend our deepest compassion to his wife Cheryl, Children Brandon, Ernest III, Margaret, Maria and Lois and his 20 grandchildren during this time of great loss and will carry forward his mission with the same strength and dedication that defined his life’s work.
