For Immediate Release

Contact: Affie Ellis

202-632-7003

 

NIGC Establishes Government-to Government

Tribal Consultation Policy

 

Washington, DC, March 31, 2004 -- National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC)

Chairman Phil Hogen issued the agency's first formal Government-to-Government Tribal Consultation Policy. The Policy, published today in the Federal Register, will take effect immediately.

 

"The Tribal Consultation Policy is an indication of our recognition of the sovereignty of the tribes and their right and authority to conduct and regulate gaming on Indian lands in accordance with the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act," stated Hogen. "The Policy establishes a clear and comprehensive framework for timely and meaningful consultation between the NIGC and tribes regarding the formulation and implementation of NIGC policies and regulations that may affect tribal gaming operations. The Policy is also a testament to our strong commitment to respect and enhance our nation's government-to government relationship with Indian tribes."

 

Soon after taking office in December of 2002, the Commission began talking with tribal leaders and intertribal organizations regarding the need for, and the format and content of, a formal NIGC consultation policy. Formal written comments were received during a four-month comment period between October 2003 and February 2004. The majority of cornmentors commended the Commission for its efforts to establish this policy as an important step to foster productive government-to-government relations.

 

"Tribes provide the first line of defense in the regulation of Indian gaming, and we

certainly appreciate all the feedback and input we received from tribes and individuals,"  added Hogen. "Several tribal comments and suggestions were particularly helpful in drafting the final published policy."

 

Throughout development of the Policy, the NIGC looked for guidance in Executive Order 13 175, Consultation and Coordination With Indian Tribal Governments, which sets forth certain criteria and fundamental principals that federal agencies should follow when formulating and implementing policies that affect Indian tribes. Although previous Commissions have consulted with tribes, this is the first formal consultation policy developed and adopted by the NIGC.

 

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