At one point during the celebration for the “Matriarchs of Indian Gaming – Honoring Our Women Warriors,” Indian Gaming Association Chairman Ernie Stevens seemed overwhelmed.
The women on stage with him during the ceremony at Indian Gaming Tradeshow & Convention at the San Diego Convention Center last week outshone the always-garrulous Stevens.
“We don’t have the time to tell you what this group of women warriors did for Indian country,” said Stevens as he introduced them. “We want to take the time to give them recognition… The Indian Gaming Association proudly recognizes these individuals who have dedicated their lives to serving and promoting Native American culture. These honorees have made lasting contributions to their communities through their leadership, advocacy, and commitment to honoring tradition.”
The honorees were:
Rachel Joseph, Lone Paiute Shoshone Tribe, California
Mary Ann Andreas, Morongo Band of Mission Indians, California
Susan Maston, Yurok Tribe, California
Rosemary Morillo, Soboba Band of Luiseno Indians, California
Margo Gray, Osage Nation, Oklahoma
Melanie Benjamin, Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, Minnesota,
Denise Harvey, Grand Ronde Tribal Council, Oregon
Lynn Valbuena, San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, California
Kathryn Spilde, endowed chair of Sycuan Institute on Tribal Gaming, San Diego State University
Louise Cornelious, Oneida Nation, Wisconsin
Vanessa Celestu, Santa Rosa Band of Cahuilla Indians, California
Frances Alvarez, Wilton Rancheria Gaming Commission, California
Vernonica Murdock, Mojave Tribe, Arizona (deceased)
“This is the first class of the Matriarchs of Indian Gaming,” Stevens said, “our women warriors, some with a lot of experience, some with not a lot of experience. These ladies have given their lives to Indian gaming. Our next class won’t be as large, but it will be as powerful.”
Also recognized were Christian Okoye, the former Kansas City Chiefs running back whose foundation supports at-risk and underprivileged children through various clinics; Ron Johnson, Prairie Island Indian Community, Minnesota, whose tribe donated $100,000 to IGA; and Max Osceola, Jr., for his father’s contributions to Indian gaming in Florida.
