NCPG launches new Tribal Advisory Council

NCPG launches new Tribal Advisory Council
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The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) has launched its new Tribal Advisory Council aimed at fostering deep collaboration on responsible gambling and problem gambling prevention for Native American communities.

The NCPG notes that the Tribal Advisory Council aims to increase awareness and respect for Native cultures with relation to gambling “so that these cultural practices can help other Native and non-Native communities.” In particular, the council will provide expertise for the NCPG’s culturally specific work while recognizing the importance of Native American history and sovereignty in consultation with Native American leaders and experts.

“Our work with tribes is based on a deep respect for tribal sovereignty and our core values of neutrality, collaboration, respect and credibility,” said NCPG Executive Director Keith Whyte. “We have a responsibility to listen and learn, as well as the opportunity to share our knowledge as we seek to reduce the social costs of gambling addiction and improve health and wellness in all communities.

“The relationships and partnerships we have forged over the years are the strong foundation for this exciting new project.”

The Tribal Advisory Council will consist of eight Native American community and gaming leaders:

  • Raquel Buari, J.D., Executive Vice President, Four Winds Casinos
  • Jacob Coin, Executive Advisor, San Manuel Tribal Council, San Manuel Band of Mission Indians
  • Shannon Dictson, Mescalero Responsible Gaming Program & President, Responsible Gaming Association of New Mexico
  • Anika Howard, Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation and CEO of Wondr Nation
  • Maria Lopez, Executive Director, Pascua Yaqui Tribal Gaming Office
  • Matthew Morgan, Chairman, Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association
  • Ray Pineault, J.D., President and CEO, Mohegan
  • James Siva, Chairman, California Nations Indian Gaming Association

The NCPG the Tribal Advisory Council is a non-governmental organization that receives no federal funding, instead raising money from members and donors.

The NCPG has also partnered with Valerie Spicer and Sheila Morago of the Trilogy Group, a Native American-owned and operated organization with over 50 years of combined experience in governmental affairs, business, economic development and tribal gaming.

Trilogy CEO Spicer said the NCPG’s new council, “acknowledges the significance of tribal gaming in the gambling sector, the impacts of tribal gaming on communities, and ways we can support finding balance in helping people heal from gambling-related harm respectfully amid the complexity.”

Tribal Leadership Council launched last year

The NCPG Tribal Advisory Council isn’t the only newly formed tribal gaming leadership group in the U.S.

Last November, a new non-profit group hoping to champion tribal sovereignty in gaming, the Tribal Leadership Council, officially launched. Siva, a member of the new NCPG council, is also a founding member of the TLC. Other board members include treasurer Kelli Weaver, SBC’s VP of Relationships – Americas.

That group is board-run but open to any member of tribal leadership.