the bingo hall . She says she ’ s happy to see more indigenous women in leadership , particularly in tribal government . “ However , there are still far too many challenges that Native women must overcome to find their rightful place in the corporate and governmental hierarchy .”
To young women who would follow her , she says , “ Have confidence in yourself as a leader , passion for the work , a commitment to a vision that will bring progress to your community and people , and a character that ’ s beyond reproach . That includes transparency , good communications , a strong moral compass and treating others like you want to be treated — with respect .
“ It ’ s also important to heed the guidance of your ancestors and elders — that is , to never forget who you are or where you come from .”
Past as Prelude
One history of Native American women describes them as “ pivotal to community survival ,” holding positions of political power , controlling property , educating children and preserving oral traditions and language . A 2021 study published by the National Institutes of Health suggests that centuries of oppression took a toll on women ’ s leadership , acting “ to reverse matrilineal gender norms in favor of patriarchy .”
In the corporate world , statistics still show appreciable gender pay gaps . In 2024 , white women can expect to make just 81 cents for every dollar paid to white men , and the gaps widen based on ethnicity : 55 cents for Latina women , 64 cents for Black women , and 59 cents for Native American women . The latter pay gap reportedly can cost a Native American woman more than $ 1.1 million over a lifetime of work .
“ We ’ ve proven over time that we are just as capable of handling the demands of high-level management and executive leadership positions ,” says Valbuena , “ yet we are too often denied advancements up the chain .” She believes these decisions should and eventually will be “ based more on merit and character than old stereotypes .”
Bryan concurs . “ Even in Indian Country , when it comes to income , a woman ’ s value is less , which bothers me . Male or female , it should be equal or equivalent , and a lot of times it really is not .”
She adds that tribes “ get a bigger bang for their buck ” if they welcome female leaders , who bring “ intellectual ability and time management , and are great listeners , problem-solvers and multitaskers .
“ So many times when men look at women , they think weakness . But if men had to birth the children , there wouldn ’ t be any .”
‘ I Learned to Invite Myself ’
In a 2023 retrospective marking 35 years of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act , National Indian Gaming Commission Vice Chair Jeannie Hovland saluted generations of women in tribal leadership , including the late Judith Peterson , who negotiated the first Class III gaming compact in South Dakota ; Gay Kingman , a “ founding matriarch ” of the National Indian Gaming Association ( now the Indian Gaming Association ); former NIGC chairs Tracie Stevens and Ada Deer ; Lena Hammons , a “ modern day woman warrior ” and a founder of the annual National Tribal Gaming Commissioners and Regulators Conference ; and many others .
“ I am proud to be surrounded by strong indigenous women in gaming with whom ideas are shared , problems are solved and encouragement is found as we continue to shape Indian gaming into the positive force it is today ,” she wrote on IndianGaming . com . “ I look forward to seeing what the next 35 years holds .”
Hovland responded to questions from Tribal Government Gaming about her own rise , her role models and the characteristics of effective leaders .
TGG : There are so many great examples of women in tribal leadership , but is there more work to be done to ensure fairer representation ?
Progress has been made in the gaming industry over the last several years , as we see more women serving as tribal leaders and council members , CEOs and executive directors of gaming commissions , and successfully running businesses and nonprofit organizations .
We have also witnessed history with the first Native American to be appointed as secretary of the interior , the Honorable Deb Haaland . I believe we must continue to progress in this upward trend of women leaders .
In corporate America , women occupy about a fifth of C-suite positions . Do Native women face the same barriers ? If so , what are the solutions ?
Speaking from personal experience , I feel barriers may exist , especially in positions traditionally held by men .
We need to continue to advocate for ourselves and for other women who we know are qualified candidates . We should also celebrate , support and encourage women in leadership positions . In the tribal gaming industry , I ’ ve been so pleased to witness both women and men supporting women in leadership positions .
“ I recommend all in leadership to be genuine , eager to learn and humble .”
— Jeannie Hovland , Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe , Vice Chair , National Indian Gaming Commission
What personal traits and business skills contributed to your success ?
My mom served as a role model for me when I began my career with the federal government . Dating back to the 1970s , she worked hard her entire life in careers that were predominately held by men .
She taught me to be assertive but not aggressive , confident but not arrogant , and diplomatic . I learned quickly that I would need to invite myself to meetings , conversations and events . Eventually the invitations came after I established myself as a trustworthy , capable person who wanted to make a positive impact .
I recommend all who are in leadership to be genuine , eager to learn , humble , let people know when you don ’ t have an answer , follow through when you make a commitment and be a compassionate and present listener .
Are there misperceptions about women in leadership , and what should young professionals expect as they climb the ladder ?
I think society perceives that people in leadership have it all together — or should . In fact , outwardly we may portray a professional demeanor , while inside feeling like we ’ re falling apart .
The expectation for women in the workplace is to remain professional , demonstrate intellect and present ourselves as respected leaders . Some may feel that this requires appearing unapproachable or portraying inferiority .
But as women , the leadership approach that often comes more naturally is presenting the same demeanor we do in our homes : being approachable and genuine in our interactions .
One of the greatest freedoms I have given myself is to use mistakes as an opportunity to learn and grow . I do not expect perfection . This pertains to all areas of my life , personally and professionally .
20 TRIBAL GOVERNMENT GAMING 2024