The Indian Gaming Association on Wednesday announced that it will honor Eddie Leon Tullis, former Tribal Chairman of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, as the recipient of the 2026 Rick Hill–Tim Wapato Sovereign Warrior Award. Tullis will receive the award during the Sovereign Warrior Celebration Luncheon, honoring the legacy of tribal leaders advocating for sovereignty, at the Chairman’s Leadership Luncheon April 1 at the Indian Gaming Tradeshow & Convention at the San Diego Convention Center in California.
The luncheon gathers tribal leaders, industry partners, and honored guests for a program that combines recognition, remembrance, and celebration of leadership throughout Indian Country.
“Eddie Tullis represents the very spirit of a Sovereign Warrior,” IGA Chairman David Bean said in a statement. “His leadership secured federal recognition for his tribe, his vision created opportunity for future generations, and his lifelong commitment to sovereignty has strengthened Indian Country as a whole. We are proud to honor him in front of tribal leaders from across the nation.”
Tullis is considered an influential leader in the history of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians and Indian Country. Born in 1938 in Mobile, Alabama, he served in the U.S. Navy before building a 35-year career at Monsanto.
After the passing of Chief Calvin McGhee, Tullis stepped into the leadership role in the early 1970s and went on to serve as Tribal Chairman and CEO for 27 years, and more than four decades on the Tribal Council. He led the successful effort to secure federal recognition for the Poarch Band of Creek Indians in 1984, making it the only federally recognized tribe in Alabama.
Under Tullis’ leadership, the Poarch Band of Creek Indians established its modern government and launched its first gaming enterprises, creating a strong economic foundation that continues to support its people today. Tullis also served in national leadership roles, including as Chairman of the National Advisory Council on Indian Education, and has been recognized for his lifelong commitment to youth and community development.
“This luncheon is not only about recognition, but it is also about reflection,” Bean said. “As we honor leaders like Eddie Tullis, we also remember those we have lost and recommit ourselves to the responsibility of protecting tribal sovereignty for generations to come.”
