U.S. Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland Monday announced the proposed appointments of Sharon Avery and Jeannie Hovland as associate commissioners to the National Indian Gaming Commission.
The commission was established in 1988 to support and promote Tribal economic development, self-sufficiency, and strong Tribal governments through the operation of gaming on Indian lands.
The chair of the National Indian Gaming Commission is appointed by the President, and the associate commissioners are appointed by the Secretary of the Interior. All appointees serve three-year terms.
“The Biden-Harris administration is committed to ensuring that Tribes have the resources they need to exercise their Tribal sovereignty and support their communities,” said Haaland in a statement. “Not only does gaming support Tribal economies, but the funding it generates also helps to support the vital services that Tribal Nations provide to their citizens — from language preservation to healthcare. Today’s appointments to the National Indian Gaming Commission will help ensure we continue to provide resources and support for an industry that remains one of the most significant sources of economic development in Indian Country.”
Avery is an enrolled member of the Saginaw Chippewa Tribe of Michigan. She currently serves as an associate general counsel for the National Indian Gaming Commission’s Office of General Counsel. Prior to joining the commission, Avery worked in the legal department of the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan for 10 years.
An enrolled member of the Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe of South Dakota, Hovland currently serves as vice chair of the National Indian Gaming Commission. Before she joined commission, Hovland served as commissioner of the Administration for Native Americans and deputy assistant secretary for Native American Affairs at the Department of Health and Human Services. She also served in roles at the U.S. Interior Department and in the office of South Dakota Senator John Thune.
Appointments to the commission can be finalized following a required 30-day public comment period.
