Ernest L. “Ernie” Stevens Jr., who led the Indian Gaming Association for more than 20 years died Sept. 26, according to Tribal Business News.
Stevens, a citizen of the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin and chairman of the Indian Gaming Association board, was 66.
Stevens’ death came just weeks after he was recognized in Milwaukee for leading the association during a time when tribal gaming operations generated $43.9 billion in gaming revenue during fiscal year 2024, marking the fourth consecutive year of record-breaking performance. He was re-elected in April to his 13th term as chairman of the IGA, having served in the role for 24 years.
Stevens served as an elected councilman of the Oneida Nation from 1993-1999 and as first vice president of the National Congress of American Indians.
Before his career in tribal leadership, Stevens was an accomplished athlete. In 1975, at age 16, he co-founded the Soaring Eagle Boxing Club in Oneida with renowned boxer Louie Askinette. He was a four-time consecutive state heavyweight champion from 1976-1979 and a two-time National Heavyweight Champion in 1977 and 1978.
Stevens earned multiple honors throughout his career. He was inducted into the National Indian Athletic Association Hall of Fame in 2008, the Boys & Girls Club Alumni Hall of Fame in 2012, and became a Lifetime Member of the American Indian Higher Education Consortium’s Alumni Association in 2013. In 2015, he was inducted into the American Gaming Association’s Gaming Hall of Fame.
