Integrity , Accountability , Preparedness and Outreach
Four important attributes will guide the mission
By E . Sequoyah Simermeyer
The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act ’ s framework calls on the National Indian Gaming Commission to work in partnership with the Indian gaming regulatory community , tribal government and the gaming industry . Together , we have a common interest in the protection of tribal assets and the promotion of tribal self-sufficiency . Only through partnerships can we meet the commission ’ s statutory mission as a federal regulatory body .
In my new capacity as commission chairman , I intend to strengthen our partnerships by shaping the agency ’ s daily work around four emphasis areas : integrity in the Indian gaming industry ; accountability in the way the NIGC meets its commitment to good governance ; preparedness and planning among tribes and federal partners to ensure the protection of tribal assets ; and outreach that will ensure efficient and effective policy development as well as a commitment to the federal-tribal relationship .
• Integrity . Indian gaming ’ s reputation for sound regulation has helped Indian gaming grow to a multibillion-dollar industry . Protecting the industry ’ s integrity means protecting an invaluable tool in many communities . Indian gaming enables tribes to create jobs , and can be the lifeblood of tribal programs . It also empowers tribes to explore and strengthen relationships with neighboring jurisdictions .
The agency ’ s national perspective is a powerful platform to disseminate real-time information that advises operators and gaming authorities about threats to the integrity of this valuable tribal tool . The NIGC ’ s platform enables it to heighten awareness and mitigate risk around areas of emerging concern .
• Accountability . Only through accountability to sound organizational processes can the NIGC properly meet its obligations . As a federal agency , the NIGC is obligated to uphold good governance practices .
The agency ’ s decision-making processes need to promote efficient , effective and transparent resolution of matters . Our budget processes need to be forward-planning , and provide opportunities for input from the tribal communities we serve .
And the agency ’ s staff of talented and dedicated subject-matter experts must share a commitment to professionalism and service . It is our responsibility to remain accountable , both as a federal body serving the American people , and as an organization with a mission to protect tribal assets .
• Preparedness . A tribal community ’ s regulation of Indian gaming operations should be a source of pride for its members and the surrounding communities . The role of tribal lawmakers , regulators and operators in promoting preparedness enhances that pride . Their attention to preparedness ensures a true and accurate plan for assessment , and response is in place to address existing and emerging threats to the people they serve .
Changes in areas of public safety , information protection , natural disaster response , aging infrastructure and workforce resiliency are growing areas for many communities to consider . As new threats emerge , the NIGC can encourage dialogue with policymakers and operations , and promote the best practices that many communities already have in place .
The agency also has a role in facilitating partnerships where appropriate . The ability to assess risk is a core talent of a tribal regulatory body . As tribes and federal partners embrace the opportunity to plan for and protect tribal assets , no matter the location , size or age of an Indian gaming operation , we will enhance the public ’ s pride in tribes ’ oversight of their operations . We will also become an example beyond the Indian gaming industry for ensuring preparedness to protect against evolving threats .
• Outreach . The NIGC has an ongoing obligation to cultivate opportunities for outreach . Outreach ensures well-informed Indian gaming policy development through a commitment to on-theground relationships , accessible resources and government-to-government consultation .
Ensuring outreach remains part of the NIGC ’ s daily operations , and requires innovation on the agency ’ s part . Using technology can make outreach more cost-effective for tribes . Finding ways to expand regional-level dialogues and enhance the NIGC ’ s role as a conduit between tribes and potential federal partners is another important opportunity .
The agency has already undertaken changes to support these areas of emphasis :
• The commission established a public-facing process to ensure greater accountability and transparency in how it plans for and updates guidance .
• In order to promote preparedness , the commission began small-group dialogues with tribes to identify opportunities to support tribes ’ leveraging their partnerships and risk-assessment capacity . These local dialogues are shedding light on the unique and emerging threats in different areas of the country .
• The agency is standardizing internal practices and communication to ensure all offices and regions interpret and communicate with tribes about potential compliance matters in a uniform way .
• In order to eliminate any jeopardy to the NIGC fingerprint program , the agency is finalizing expired memoranda of understanding , aggressively addressing technology security and improving training requirements .
• The commission committed to conducting public commissioner hearings and receiving testimony on national matters . As chairman , I believe commission hearings are vital to understanding the impact of agency action on local oversight and gaming operations ’ success .
• The commission is planning a role for tribal governments ’ input in the annual agency budget process in order to promote more forward-looking and accountable planning .
• The NIGC leadership has instituted the “ Commission Order ”— a new means to clearly state the intent and anticipated outcomes of agency initiatives and projects , while underscoring the independence of each commissioner .
I look forward to working as chairman in cooperation with tribes , the NIGC staff , with their deep institutional knowledge and expertise , Indian gaming industry stakeholders and interested partners to find new opportunities for a strong partnership that promotes the agency ’ s areas of emphasis .
E . Sequoyah Simermeyer ( Coharie ) is chairman of the National Indian Gaming Commission . The United States Senate unanimously confirmed his nomination in November 2019 , after which he was appointed by President Donald J . Trump to a threeyear term . He can be reached by calling 202-632- 7003 .
10 TRIBAL GOVERNMENT GAMING 2020