The National Indian Gaming Association (NIGA) honored Kevin Brown, Chairman of the Mohegan Tribe of Connecticut with the prestigious John Kieffer Sovereignty Award at the 2016 NIGA Mid-Year Conference and Expo. Named in honor of the late John Kieffer of the Spokane tribe, recipients of this prestigious award are chosen based on their embodiment of NIGA's mission and purpose. Kieffer was a dedicated member of the NIGA Executive Committee from 1993 to 1999 and advocate for Indian self-determination and tribal sovereignty. Kieffer walked on in 1999, but not before leaving this legacy as a true leader and warrior for Indian country.
Chairman Stevens presented the John Kieffer Award to Chairman Brown, who recognized tribal leaders and family for paving the way and carrying the torch of tribal sovereignty before him. In addressing the continued fight for tribal sovereignty and expansion of tribal economic opportunity, Brown said, "We can't just play good defense. We have to go on the offense. We must move the ball, and we must do it on our own. We must do it by generating economic progress through interdependence and becoming an integrated part of the larger economy; not just the underlying sovereignty." In closing, Brown stated, "Our pursuit of sovereignty is never over. All of us will ensure that the future generations of our tribes will be sustainable. I believe that is where our work is as leaders in Indian Country. I think that this award tonight will become a persistent reminder of our high obligation and responsibility to our tribe, our tribal members, and to our nation." Read More