California Nations Indian Gaming Association adds five new Tribal members

February 16, 2023 8:24 PM
Photo: California Nations Indian Gaming Association
  • Rege Behe, CDC Gaming Reports
February 16, 2023 8:24 PM
  • Rege Behe, CDC Gaming Reports

The California Nations Indian Gaming Association (CNIGA) announced Thursday that five Tribes have joined the organization.

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The Alturas Indian Rancheria is a first time member of CNIGA. Big Sandy Rancheria of Mono Indians, the Colusa Rancheria, the Karuk Tribe and the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation are former members returning to the group.

“We heartily welcome these Tribal governments into this great organization and are honored to have them as members,” said CNIGA Chairman James Siva in a statement. “As each Tribe is unique, more Tribal members bring greater perspective for the whole organization. We look forward to their participation.

CNIGA membership now stands at 47 Tribes with the addition of the new members, an increase of eight since 2019. CNIGA currently represents 40 percent of federally recognized Tribes in California.

The association was founded in 1988 and is comprised of federally recognized Tribal governments and associate members dedicated to the Tribal government gaming industry.  CNIGA is committed to preserving and protecting Indian gaming on federally recognized Indian lands, and acts as a planning and coordinating agency for legislative, policy, legal, and communications efforts on behalf of its members.