Page 25 - Southern California Gaming Guide • March 2018

Second Annual Charity Slot Tournament at NIGA to Support
WSpirit of Sovereignty
hen participants in the Second Annual Charity Slot Tournament to bene t the Spirit of Sovereignty enjoy a morning of fun and competition in Las Vegas, they’ll be playing for students like Darlene Reis (Bay Mills) and Charity
Valentin (Lac Courte Oreilles). ese students are able to pursue their education with support from the Spirit of Sovereignty, a National Indian Gaming Association-advised fund at the Indian Land Tenure Foundation that makes scholarships available to students at 34 tribal colleges. To help raise money for Spirit of Sovereignty, NIGA Chairman Ernie Stevens, Jr., is hosting the slot tournament during the 2018 Indian Gaming Tradeshow
and Convention. e event is on Friday, April a niga associate member, in booth 1146.
Last year’s tournament drew an enthusiastic crowd of players and spectators, raising $13,000 for Native youth. Participants directed their winnings to programs serving Native youth in Southern California and tribal colleges in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Spirit of Sovereignty also supports the Native Children’s Holiday Program, an annual campaign that provides toys, clothing and food for American Indian children. ese programs are funded by donations from niga member tribes, associate members, and individual contributors.
All slot tournament winnings are donated to Spirit of Sovereignty. e rst- place winner will have the opportunity to direct up to $10,000 to support scholarships at tribal colleges or programs serving Native youth on the reservation of their choice.
s reported in the Valley RoadRunner, Rincon Band Fire Chief Ed e California State Fire Training awards Fire Chief Certi cation and Had eld was awarded the California Fire Chief Certification and Designation only after determining the existence of speci c competencies in
th th
Designation on January 19 . Had eld is the 37 re chief to receive management, leadership, and technical knowledge.
20th at 10:30 a.m., and is co-hosted by Everi,
to $5,000 with up to $3,000 for third. Final donation amounts will depend on the number of participants in the tournament.
Darlene Reis is working towards an associate’s degree at Bay Mills Community College in Michigan. She has been through di cult times, but has returned to her community to reconnect with her heritage and get a fresh start.“I want to be part of our preservation,”shesaid.“Iamcon dentwith the right opportunities that I can contribute to our people and our way of life.”
Students like Darlene can use their scholarship funds for any education-related expenses, including but not limited to tuition, housing, childcare and travel.
Charity Valentin will be able to pursue her education with support from the Spirit of Sovereignty.
many generous contributors who support the Spirit of Sovereignty. “It is such a good feeling,”shesaid,“knowingthatpeopleyou don’t even know want you to succeed and are rooting for you.”
For more information on the Second Annual Charity Slot Tournament, contact David Garelick at dgarelick@iltf.org or call 651-766-8999. Learn more about the Spirit
of Sovereignty at SpiritofSov.org. ARincon Band Fire Chief Receives State Fire Chief Award
e second-place nisher will donate up
Charity Valentin graduated from Lac Courte Oreille Ojibwa Community College in Wisconsin with her two-year degree and is now pursuing a bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene. She is thankful for the
the prestigious award. California State Fire Marshal, Assemblymember Marie Waldron and the Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians presented Rincon Fire Chief Ed Had eld with the award.
“Fire Chief Had eld has displayed exemplary professionalism and honorable leadership throughout his career with Rincon,” said Bo Mazzetti, Chairman of the Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians. “ is prestigious award is yet another indication of the hard work and dedication he provides to Rincon and the surrounding communities. He serves as an example to us all.”
“ is was the most arduous and challenging process of my career,” said Chief Had eld.“I feel honored to achieve such honor and be considered with those that have gone before me. Many of those listed on the plaque played in uential parts in my career progression.”
e Chief Fire O cer Certi cation Program should be considered as a goal for upward mobility in the re service. Its achievement by an individual is a highly desired quali cation.
MARCH 2018 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA GAMING GUIDE
PAGE 25
March 2018 Tribes in the News