The California Nations Indian Gaming Association (CNIGA) Tuesday announced that the Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians and the Big Valley Band of Pomo Indians have joined the organization. CNIGA’s membership now numbers 50 – 70% of all gaming Tribes in California — up from 34 members in 2019.
“I am pleased to welcome Paskenta and Big Valley to the CNIGA family of Tribes,” said CNIGA Chairman James Siva, who assumed his role in 2019, in a statement. “Their addition strengthens our voice on gaming and sovereignty issues in California and helps ensure that Tribal voices will be heard in the halls of power.”
CNIGA Vice-Chairman Mike Lopez credited Siva with shepherding a renewed emphasis on growing the association.
“Chairman Siva has created a welcoming environment and has created a respectful space for Tribes to express their views, even when they conflict with the majority,” Lopez said. “He makes sure all voices are heard. I think Tribes recognize this and that is why so many have joined or re-joined the organization.”
CNIGA associate membership also elected Chris Creasey as associate member representative on the organization’s executive committee, succeeding Russell Witt.
“I am honored to have been elected to this position,” said Creasey. “My predecessor set the gold standard on what this position should be as the associate membership saw major growth of the program during his tenure. I am very determined to continue in his footsteps with a singular purpose of continuing this growth.”
