While still awaiting results of his New York State Bar exam, Rory Wheeler pledges to carry on the work of his mentor Ernie Stevens, Jr., in fighting for tribal sovereignty and economic development.
Russ Witt, chief business development officer at Eclipse Gaming Systems, began a G2E panel discussion by revealing how Stevens took extraordinary steps to ease the sting of losing items he’d received from other tribal leaders over several years.
Kathy Decamp, executive manager of Ho-Chunk Gaming Nekoosa in Wisconsin, said Stevens’s wisdom and kindness showed in every presentation he made.
On the opening day of the Global Gaming Expo, many attendees shared memories of the longtime Indian Gaming Association chairman who died unexpectedly on Sept. 26 at age 66.
“He was always in my corner, supporting everything I did, giving me advice. He always looked out for me and took me under his wing,” said Wheeler, who was 17 when he met Stevens. “He instilled confidence in me when I literally had none.” Wheeler now has a degree from Michigan State University College of Law with a specialization in indigenous law.
Opening the first education session of the tribal gaming track, Witt told of losing a backpack during an Indian Gaming Association meeting. It contained numerous pins he’d received throughout his career from tribal leaders.
“That hurt, because they all meant so much to me,” Witt said. “We were just talking about it, and Ernie was listening. The next time I saw him, he had this little bag, opened it up, and started handing me all of these pins.” Tearing up, Witt had trouble finishing the story.
Decamp noted that every Stevens speech included an homage to his wife and his mother. “No one does that anymore,” she said.
Former casino executive Buddy Frank, now operator of BF Slot Strategies and CDC Gaming writer, said he jokingly criticized Stevens at each IGA Expo and urged someone to take the microphone away from him at the opening of the show. “Ernie’s voice made it difficult to hear much of anything for the first 15 minutes,” Frank said. “But no one could ever mistake his enthusiasm for this event and for everything concerning Native American gaming. He brought heartfelt joy and excitement to the event. Come next spring, I’ll truly miss Ernie’s opening greetings. The silence will be truly sad.”
Jesse A. Robles, founding editor of Food & Gaming, said Stevens devoted his life to strengthening tribal nations and expanding opportunities for future generations. “His decades of advocacy advanced tribal economic development and reinforced the foundation on which this industry stands. His example will continue to guide our work as we carry forward his mission to protect and strengthen tribal sovereignty and self-determination.”
Andrew Onespot, acting chief of the Tsuutina Reserve in Alberta, Canada, said Stevens’s work for sovereignty of tribes in the United States provides an example for those in Canada as well. The tribe is working with the provincial government to gain more control over casino operations.
Martine Mahtapene noted that the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas named a street in Stevens’s honor outside the tribe’s Lucky Eagle Casino, the only tribal casino in the state. The May ceremony, which Stevens attended, honored both him and the tribe’s long efforts to gain federal status and land rights.
Wheeler recalled that when he told Stevens about possibly attending law school, Stevens encouraged him to follow through. “He was always holding me accountable to myself, holding me accountable to getting the job done.”
Those mourning Stevens’s death “should remember not only how what a caring leader he was, but how passionate he was for giving back to our people and giving back to our communities,” Wheeler said. “We definitely have big shoes to fill, but as he continuously said, the work doesn’t stop. We must continue moving forward.”
Buck Wargo of CDC Gaming contributed to this report.