September 26, 2025
Agency Village, South Dakota – The Coalition of Large Tribes (COLT) is devastated to learn of
the sudden passing of Ernie Stevens, Jr., Chairman of the Indian Gaming Association (IGA). “For
decades, Chairman Stevens stood as a luminary in Indian Gaming,” stated COLT Chairman J.
Garret Renville, Chairman of Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate. “His support of tribal leaders across
Indian Country was unwavering. And during his tenure at IGA, Indian Gaming expanded,
improved self-regulation, and brought unprecedented economic development to all of Indian
Country. His legacy is more cultural preservation, strengthened tribal sovereignty, and a sense of
unity throughout Indian Country that will carry through generations.”
During his tenure, Indian Gaming revenues grew from $11 billion in 2000 to a record-breaking
$43.9 billion in 2024, making Indian Gaming the largest segment of the U.S. gaming industry.
Jonodev Chaudhuri, Ambassador of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation (a COLT Board Member Tribal
Nation) and former Chairman of the National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC), shared these
words on Chairman Stevens’ passing:
We have lost a Warrior. Ernie Stevens, Jr., fought tirelessly for our Tribal Nations,
our sovereignty, and the preservation of our cultures. He led initiatives that
strengthened our ability to engage in economic development, and he spoke out
against those who seek to undermine our inherent right to self-govern. It’s hard to
imagine Indian Gaming without him. At the moment, truthfully, it doesn’t feel
possible.My heart goes out to his family. His wife and children, his grandchildren, and his
entire community. Our hearts are with you at this time. Thank you for sharing him
with all of us.While Indian Country has lost one of its fiercest warriors, many of us have lost a
cherished friend. I, for one, will miss his steadfast support, constant
encouragement, critiques of my wardrobe, and contagious laugh.
Blessings for your journey, brother. We are heartbroken, but you have left us with
so many incredible gifts.
Former COLT Vice Chairman Tracy “Ching” King, of the Fort Belknap Indian Community, knew
Ernie from Flandreau Indian School days and often reminisced about boxing and fights and pranks
with Ernie’s brothers. King said, “Ernie Stevens Jr was a visionary, an entrepreneur, who took the
Indian Gaming Association to an extraordinary level. He will be missed. He was like a brother.”
COLT extends its sincere condolences to the Stevens family, especially his wife Cheryl, his
children, and all his grandchildren. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
CONTACT:
COLT Chairman J. Garret Renville – (605) 268-0589, chairman@swo-nsn.gov
COLT Executive Director OJ Semans – (605) 828-1422, tateota@hotmail.com