RAPID CITY, S.D., Oct. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Indian Gaming
Association (NIGA) honored California State Senator Jim Battin and Victor
Rocha, webmaster of http://www.pechanga.net , for their contributions to Indian
Country during Sodak Gaming's Global Gaming Expo customer reception, September
17 at Caesars Palace.
Senator Jim Battin was recognized for his "Meritorious Service to Indian
Country." NIGA Chairman Ernie Stevens presented the Senator with a leather
medallion that read, "Respect for the Constitution means respect for Tribal
Governments." Battin carried the legislation that fought for the rights of all
California Indian tribes to have gaming compacts and continues the fight for
it to become law.
Victor Rocha, whose website has become a clearinghouse of Indian issues,
was also honored by NIGA. Rocha began the site to keep tribal members abreast
of events and legislation that affected his tribe and in so doing created a
resource for all tribes. Rocha has also become a watchdog for Indian causes
and concerns. He received an honoring buffalo skull painted with colorful
symbols by artist Rick Emery. Sodak Gaming gave an honoring skull to Chairman
Stevens for continuing the tradition of strong leadership NIGA has established
over the years.
Sodak Gaming hosted the event and launched its Tribal Scholarship Award
program the same evening. Five tribes, on the Native American Progressive
Systems, will be given $10,000 per year for four years to be used for
educational assistance for their tribal communities. The total gift amounts to
$40,000 per tribe and $200,000 for the entire program. The Oneida Tribe was
chosen as first recipient in the first drawing. Other drawings will follow,
one per year, at the National Indian Gaming Trade Show and Convention.
Sodak CEO Roland Gentner took the opportunity to assure tribal members in
attendance that the Sodak Tribal Scholarship program is given in addition to,
and not as a replacement for, other company philanthropic programs. Sodak gave
$1 million to NIGA two years ago and has recently contributed to the Harvard
Impact Study on Indian Gaming.
NIGA, established in 1985, is a non-profit organization of 168 Indian
Nations with other non-voting associate members representing organizations,
tribes and businesses engaged in tribal gaming enterprises from around the
country. The common commitment and purpose of NIGA is to advance the lives of
Indian peoples economically, socially and politically. Visit their website at
http://www.indiangaming.org .
Sodak Gaming, Inc., an IGT affiliate, sells gaming products to casinos on
all tribal lands in the U.S. that allow Class III (Las Vegas-style) gaming.
The company also installs and manages machines on the Native American
Progressives MegaJackpots(TM) Systems that include games such as Wheel of
Fortune(R) and Harley-Davidson(R). Visit their website at
http://www.sodak-gaming.com .
Statements in this release which are not historical facts are "forward
looking" statements and "safe harbor statements" under the Private Securities
Litigation reform Act of 1995 that involve risks and/or uncertainties,
including risks and/or uncertainties as described in the company's public
filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
SOURCE Sodak Gaming, Inc.
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Related links:
http://www.sodak-gaming.com
CONTACT:
Kenny Putnam, Manager of Communications of
Sodak Gaming, Inc., +1-605-355-4962, putnamk@sodak-gaming.com
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