NIGA names award recipients

29 August 2007

WASHINGTON, DC -- (PRESS RELEASE) -- The National Indian Gaming Association (NIGA) announced the recipients of the 2007 John Kieffer Award – Anthony R. Pico, Tribal Sovereignty Advocate and Former Chairman of the Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians and Anthony Miranda, Chairman of the California Nations Indian Gaming Association (CNIGA). The distinguished tribal leaders were honored for their exemplary service in demonstrating a lifetime of achievement and commitment to Indian gaming at the 2007 NIGA Mid-Year meeting held Aug. 27-28, at Mohegan Sun Casino and Hotel in Uncasville, Connecticut.

"It is with the greatest respect and gratitude that NIGA gives the John Keiffer Award to Anthony Pico and Anthony Miranda," said NIGA Chairman Ernest L. Stevens, Jr. "These two men dedicated their two lives to making other lives better for their respective tribes and the surrounding communities. Their work has given much to serve others through the sacrifices they made to help both, their Tribes and Indian people across the nation. Over and over they have proven that anything is possible with hard work and dedication to a cause. Together, they are two of NIGA's most trusted and hardest working tribal leaders, and we are a stronger association because of their wise counsel and boundless experience."

The award is named in honor of John Kieffer, who was a selfless and dedicated member of the NIGA Executive Committee from 1993 to 1999. Kieffer was instrumental in the development of the modern NIGA structure and dedicated himself to the protection of Indian sovereign rights. In his memory, NIGA chooses honorees dedicated to the organization's mission and purpose. Recent past recipients of the distinguished John Kieffer Award include: Ernest Stevens. Jr, Oneida Nation in Wisconsin; Charles Colombe, Rosebud Sioux Tribe; Thelma Thomas, Santee Sioux Tribe of Nebraska; and Maurice Lyons, Morongo Band of Mission Indians.

Pico was elected as Viejas Tribal Chairman in the early 1980's and was a driving force and spokesman for the successful 1998 California ballot initiative that broke the 10 year political road block to tribal state gaming compacts, and served as co-chair of the victorious Proposition 1A campaign initiative, which changed the California State Constitution to give Indians the exclusive right to engage in casino gaming on tribal land.

Pico served 24 years as chairman of the Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians, of San Diego, California. Under his tutelage, the Viejas Band has achieved state and national recognition as a leader in tribal economic development and diversification. "I had the distinct honor of working with Mr. Kieffer over the years in different capacities. He was a great leader and a true warrior for Indian country. To be considered and to receive an award that is named after him is a great honor," said Pico.

A tireless leader for sovereignty and social justice, Pico is a Director of the Native American Rights Fund (NARF). A requested speaker and writer, Pico founded and served two years as chairman of the National Inter-Tribal Relations Network, providing public relations support for NIGA and the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI). Pico was named NIGA's Man of the Year in 1997, and received the organization's 1999 Award for Outstanding Spokesman for Indian Gaming.

Anthony Miranda is a proud member of the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians. In 2003 Miranda was elected by his fellow tribal leaders to lead the 64-member California Nations Indian Gaming Association (CNIGA), a statewide organization devoted to advancing the lives of Indian peoples economically, socially and politically.

Mr. Miranda has devoted more than a decade of his life to bringing economic development to the Pechanga Indian Reservation. From 1991-1993 he was chairman of the Pechanga Economic Development Committee, the precursor tribal government organization that led to the formation of the Pechanga Development Corporation (PDC). The four-member corporation oversees and manages all tribally-owned businesses, including the Pechanga Resort & Casino.

Anthony Miranda was elected to the first PDC in 1994 by the Pechanga General Council and is served six consecutive terms on the board. During his tenure, the Pechanga Resort & Casino grew from a modest bingo hall to one of the finest Indian gaming facilities in the United States, employing more than 4,500 people. Miranda and the PDC oversaw all aspects of the development of the award-winning Pechanga Resort & Casino from concept, finance, design, planning, and construction to operation. Today, the tribe also owns and operates a gas station, mini-mart, car wash, and a RV park.

A recognized expert in the Indian gaming industry, Miranda is regularly invited to address forums by the International Gaming and Business Expo, the World Congress of Gaming, the National Indian Gaming Association, the Nevada Society of CPAs and other gaming related organizations, trade shows and seminars.

Mr. Kieffer was a member of the Spokane Tribe and long-time NIGA Board member until his untimely passing in 1999. "John Keiffer was instrumental in the development of NIGA's organizational structure in the association's early days and was tirelessly dedicated to the protection of Indian tribes' sovereign rights," said Stevens. "Tonight, we honor his memory."

The evening also included a special recognition for Knute Knutson of International Gaming Technology (IGT). Knute Knutson was recognized by NIGA and the Great Plains Indian Gaming Association (GPIGA) for his commitment to Indian Country issues and also International Gaming Technology for its continued financial support of NIGA. Over the past four years, IGT has generously contributed financial support to NIGA.

The National Indian Gaming Association is a non-profit trade association comprised of 184 American Indian Nations and other non-voting associate members. The common commitment and purpose of NIGA is to advance the lives of Indian people – economically, socially and politically. NIGA operates as a clearinghouse and educational, legislative and public policy resource for tribes, policymakers and the public on Indian gaming issues and tribal community development.