For Immediate Release ~ December 8, 2005
Contact: Shawn Pensoneau ~ (202) 632-7003

Washington, DC – National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) Chairman Phil Hogen announced the Commission is scheduling consultation meetings in Palm Springs, California, on January 10-12, 2006. 

“In continuing our government-to-government consultation policy, the NIGC will meet with California Tribes during the 11th Annual Western Indian Gaming Conference early next year" said Chairman Phil Hogen.  The Conference is host to many leaders of California gaming Tribes and proves to be a very effective venue to hear about issues throughout California.  Hogen said it's vital to receive input from Tribes when formulating policy that will affect their day-to-day activities with regards to gaming, and stated these Tribal consultations have benefited both the Tribes and NIGC.

This NIGC consultation will also coincide with the Department of Justice government-to-government consultation regarding proposed changes to the Johnson Act, which are set to take place January 12, 2006.

Any California Tribes interested in the NIGC consultation taking place in Palm Springs, California can contact Rita Homa at the NIGC office by calling (202) 418-9807 to reserve a time slot.

The National Indian Gaming Commission is an independent regulatory agency established within the Department of the Interior pursuant to the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988.

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