Newly elected AIGA Chairman GRIC Lt. Governor Manuel
At a meeting of the Arizona Indian Gaming Association (AIGA) on Fri, Feb. 5, Gila River Indian Community Lt. Governor Joseph Manuel was elected chairman of the Association.
The chairman position holds a two-year term. Lt. Governor Manuel succeeds Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community President Diane Enos in this position.
As chairman of AIGA, Manuel says he will provide stability and foresight in protecting Indian gaming in Arizona that Indian tribes benefit from.
“I would like to make sure that AIGA is aware of all the issues that come up and go to the State,” Manuel said. “You have racinos that are attempting to gain recognition to have gaming in their establishments here in Arizona. At the national level we need to make sure that gaming tribes are in line with the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, which we are.”
Election to AIGA’s chairman position came as a surprise to the Lt. Governor who said he wasn’t lobbying for position at all.
“It was a total surprise but I’m glad leadership there had the confidence in me,” he said. In speaking to the basis of Indian gaming in Arizona, Manuel said he wants to make sure that the intent of Proposition 202, which forms the guidelines and parameters of the state and tribal gaming compact, is adhered to for the duration of it’s life.
Established on Nov. 21, 1994 by Arizona tribal leaders, the Arizona Indian Gaming Association is committed to advancing the lives in Indian tribes in Arizona so they can achieve their goal of self-reliance. AIGA is a 501(c) 6 non-profit organization holding membership from 19 tribes in Arizona.
According to the AIGA’s website, at www.azindiangaming. org, “The Assocation is committed to protecting and promoting the general welfare of tribes striving for self-reliance by supporting tribal gaming enterprises on Arizona Indian lands.”
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