The Indian Gaming Association on April 20 joined tribal leaders, community members, and partners at the 13th Annual NABI Founders Golf Classic at Whirlwind Golf Club at Wild Horse Pass on the lands of the Gila River Indian Community south of Phoenix, Arizona. The day centered on community, youth, and the legacy of the late IGA Chairman Ernie Stevens Jr.
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Stevens was a former Chairman of the NABI board and continued as a mentor and advisor to the organization. Organizers announced that the tournament will be known as the Ernie Stevens, Jr. Memorial Golf Classic, reflecting Stevens’ lifelong commitment to native youth and his belief in creating opportunities for the next generation to grow, compete, and lead.
Hosted in partnership with the Native American Basketball Invitational, the tournament raised support for the Ernie Stevens Jr. Legacy Basketball Court and the NABI College Scholarship Fund, expanding access and opportunity for native youth across the country.
“We are honored to host this gathering on our homelands,” said Gila River Governor Stephen Roe Lewis. “Chairman Stevens showed us what it means to stand up for our people and to lead with purpose. His spirit is still with us and today is about carrying that forward for our communities and our young people.”
IGA Chairman David Z. Bean thanked the Gila River Indian Community and NABI for bringing people together in support of youth and opportunity.
“This day means a lot to all of us,” said Bean. “We are grateful to Governor Lewis and the Gila River Indian Community for welcoming us. What we are doing here is about our kids. It is about giving them a chance to be seen, to compete, and to find their path. Chairman Stevens believed in that, and we are going to keep showing up and doing that work in his name.”
Chairman Bean also pointed to the effect NABI has had over the years in opening doors for native youth, including exposure to college programs and new opportunities that extend far beyond the court. He offered his appreciation to Gina Marie Scarpa, Mark West, and the entire NABI team for their years of dedication in building a program that continues to uplift native youth and families across Indian Country.
“My father believed in our young people,” said Brandon Stevens. “He believed in creating opportunities and in showing up for our communities. This is what he stood for. This is about our kids and helping them grow into strong leaders. We are grateful to everyone who continues to support that vision.”
Proceeds from the tournament will support the construction of the Ernie Stevens Jr. Legacy Basketball Court and scholarship opportunities through NABI programming.
IGA’s participation reflects its continued commitment to supporting native youth, strengthening communities, and honoring the leaders who built the foundation of tribal government gaming.
