Washington Indian Gaming Association (WIGA)
Message from WIGA President W. Ron Allen

Welcome!

Over the course of the last decade, gaming has become an integral part of Indian economic development within the various Tribal communities in Washington State. Gaming has also allowed many of our Tribal communities to support the surrounding communities with job creation, contributions to school districts, health care, public safety and law enforcement and governmental infrastructure development. These are just a few examples of where Tribal Governmental gaming revenues are spent for the betterment of Tribal lands and the surrounding local communities.

I am proud to serve the Members of the Washington Indian Gaming Association because of these kinds of efforts. However, more needs to be done. While our communities are beginning to see the positive effects that gaming has had for Native Americans, our prosperity is continually threatened due to a lack of understanding of our Tribal government status and how the gaming revenues are utilized within the overall State and local communities.

Our goal at WIGA is to coordinate and focus our energies, strengthen the effectiveness of Tribal impact on the State and local political systems, and achieve more effective advocacy on these issues. As I mentioned, we have many challenges before us. I cannot underscore enough the need now more than ever for Tribal governments in the State to effectively organize to address these issues and protect our gaming legislative authority and rights.

I look forward to serving the Members of the Washington Indian Gaming Association and strongly encourage others to join us.

Yours truly,

W. Ron Allen, President, Washington Indian Gaming Association
and Tribal Chairman/ Executive Director, Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe