Secretary Haaland Announces New Appointees to NIGC

Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland announced the appointment of Sharon Avery and Jeannie Hovland as Associate Commissioners to the National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC).

The NIGC, established by the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) in 1988, plays a crucial role in supporting and promoting tribal economic development, self-sufficiency, and strong tribal governments through gaming on Indian lands. The Commission, consisting of three full-time members, oversees the federal regulation of Indian gaming as mandated by IGRA, ensuring the integrity and fair conduct of gaming activities on Indian lands.

Sharon Avery, an enrolled member of the Saginaw Chippewa Tribe of Michigan, brings a wealth of experience to her new role as Associate Commissioner. Avery, currently serving as an Associate General Counsel for the NIGC’s Office of General Counsel, has a deep understanding of the agency’s structure and the critical role it plays within the tribal gaming industry. Her prior experience includes a decade working in the Legal Department of the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan. Avery is a graduate of Michigan State University College of Law, where she also earned a certificate from the Indigenous Law and Policy Center.

Jeannie Hovland, of the Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe of South Dakota, steps into her role as Associate Commissioner with a rich background in tribal affairs and governance. Currently serving as Vice Chair of the NIGC, Hovland has been instrumental in consulting with Tribes for the regulation of gaming and coordinating the agency’s regulatory responsibilities with tribal regulatory authorities. Her experience includes serving as Commissioner of the Administration for Native Americans and Deputy Assistant Secretary for Native American Affairs at the Department of Health and Human Services, along with roles at the Interior Department and the office of South Dakota Senator John Thune.

Secretary Haaland emphasized the significance of these appointments, stating, “The Biden-Harris administration is committed to ensuring that Tribes have the resources they need to exercise their Tribal sovereignty and support their communities. 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.”

The appointments of Avery and Hovland are seen as a strategic move to enhance the NIGC’s mission of regulating and supporting tribal gaming, a key source of revenue and economic development for tribal communities across the United States. Their expertise and dedication to tribal sovereignty and economic development are expected to contribute significantly to the Commission’s efforts to promote fair and responsible gaming on Indian lands.