NIGC announces round of tribal consultations

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Mar 09, 2015, 10:00 ET

WASHINGTON, March 9, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Indian Gaming Commission will host four tribal consultation sessions to provide federally recognized tribes an opportunity to engage in a dialogue with the Commission. The government-to-government consultations will focus on updates to the NIGC's Privacy Act regulations, the NIGC's proposed National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) manual that includes a categorical exclusion for the approval of management contracts, guidance for Class III Minimum Internal Control Standards (MICS), and a proposed regulation through which the NIGC will give preference in Agency purchasing to Indian-owned businesses.

"Timely, meaningful and substantive consultations with tribes are simply the most efficient and practical way for the NIGC to fulfill our regulatory responsibilities," said Acting Chairman Jonodev Chaudhuri. "We believe this discussion will lead to increased clarity and stability in the regulation of Indian gaming."

"The Commission has benefitted greatly from positive tribal input during previous consultations," said Associate Commissioner Daniel Little. "I am looking forward to a productive discussion with tribal leaders on these important topics."

This process is consistent with Executive Order 13175, Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments, and reflects the Commission's commitment to working collaboratively with sovereign tribal nations.

Tribal leaders or their representatives are invited to provide their input on the topics by attending one of the following sessions:

DATE	CONSULTATION
April 2, 2015	San Diego
April 23, 2015	Rapid City, S.D.
April 30, 2015	Shawnee, Okla.
May 20, 2015	Prior Lake, Minn.

The NIGC is conducting consultations pursuant to the Notice of Inquiry published in the Federal Register November 18, 2010. The NIGC continues to encourage dialogue and feedback regarding the NIGC's regulatory role, operations and Indian gaming regulations. Consultations are being held utilizing a group discussion format. If you have questions, need additional information or require special accommodations, please contact Executive Administrator Rita Homa at (202) 632-7003 or at [email protected].

The National Indian Gaming Commission is committed to the prompt and efficient regulation of the Indian gaming industry spanning more than 450 gaming establishments, associated with nearly 242 tribes across 28 states. The Commission's dedication to compliance with the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act ensures the integrity of the $28 billion Indian gaming industry. To learn more, visit www.nigc.gov and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

The National Indian Gaming Commission is an independent regulatory agency established within the Department of the Interior pursuant to the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988.

Media Contact: Michael Odle
(202) 632-1599

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SOURCE National Indian Gaming Commission