GAMING COMMISSION STAFF PARTICIPATE IN CONFERENCE & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Last month, staff from the Shawnee Tribe Gaming Commission (STGC) traveled from Guymon, OK to Alpine, CA for one of the first in-person Indian gaming conferences since the COVID-19 pandemic. Hosted by the National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC), the National Training Conference at Viejas Casino included sessions on compliance, report writing, background investigations, responding to cybersecurity incidents and more. STGC Deputy Director Lisa Gipson; LASO, Compliance Officer & Licensing Agent Marla Gonzales; and Licensing Agent Elvia Hernandez all attended.

“Gaming is a highly regulated industry, and it’s imperative that our commission staff has every tool they need to continue ensuring Golden Mesa Casino remains compliant and that the Tribe’s assets are protected,” said Chief Ben Barnes.

STGC staff met with the Viejas Resort’s Gaming Commission staff to tour their facilities, in addition to participating in the conference’s networking opportunities with other regulators, NIGC staff and training personnel from across the country.

“Training has a direct impact on our organization’s productivity and performance,” said Elvia Hernandez. “It gives us a better understanding of our responsibilities and provides us the knowledge and skills we need to do our jobs.”

Learn more about the NIGC.

View photos from the NIGC Conference

Back

More News

Jun 3, 2026

RECYCLING SPOTLIGHT: THERE IS NO PLAN B – THE IMPORTANCE OF RECYCLING

YOUR CAN COULD BE BACK ON THE SHELF IN JUST 60 DAYS! You enjoy your beverage and recycle your aluminum can. Recycling trucks collect the cans and take them to a facility to be sorted. The cans are cleaned and shredded into small pieces. The aluminum pieces are melted down and rolled into large sheets. […]

Read More
Jun 3, 2026

Rain Barrel Installation and Watershed Learning Experience

The Shawnee Tribe’s Environmental Department recently hosted a hands-on learning experience focused on water systems, runoff, and watershed education in the Miami community.  During the event, students participated in the installation of a rain barrel system while learning how rainfall moves through local watersheds and contributes to flooding. 

Read More
Jun 3, 2026

WEEMEYAKWE: THE CASE OF THE FIVE BLACK STONE SPHERES

WEEMEYAKWE (WHERE WE COME FROM) By A. Gwynn Henderson and David Pollack “Two heads are better than one,” the old saying goes. With twice the brainpower and two times the life experiences to draw from, we are twice as likely to solve a puzzle, make sense of an enigma, or figure out a mystery.  The […]

Read More
May 29, 2026

CONGRATULATIONS, SHAWNEE GRADUATES!

We are looking forward to celebrating the following grads at the 2026 Honor Banquet on Saturday, June 27. Presley Glass, WestMoore High School Haiden Fetters, Wagoner High School Sage Hood, Vinita High School Ash (Ayva) Valadez, Vallivue High School Valarie Stewart, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center Delanie “Lanie” Springer, University of Missouri Christopher Thomsen, The […]

Read More
May 20, 2026

LUNCH & LEARN WEDNESDAY: BEHAVIORAL HEALTH ZOOM COMMUNITY MEETING

This Lunch & Learn social/emotional wellbeing series is to teach safe and healthy relationship skills. This class is for anyone looking to build healthier, safer, and stronger relationships—especially those who have experienced domestic violence, dating violence, codependency, attachment issues, or challenges in marriage and relationships. It is also helpful for anyone wanting to improve communication, […]

Read More
Apr 27, 2026

RECYCLING SPOTLIGHT: THERE IS NO PLAN B - THE IMPORTANCE OF RECYCLING

There’s only one Earth — and it’s up to all of us to help take care of it. Why Recycling Matters: ♻️ Reduces Landfill WasteItems that can be recycled take up unnecessary space in landfills. Recycling keeps usable materials in circulation instead of buried in the ground. 🌳 Conserves Natural ResourcesRecycling paper saves trees. Recycling aluminum saves […]

Read More
Apr 21, 2026

MAY IS MISSING AND MURDERED INDIGENOUS PERSONS (MMIP) AWARENESS MONTH

May is Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) Awareness Month, a time to bring attention to the high rates of violence experienced by Native American and Alaska Native communities. MMIP highlights the urgent need to address the number of Indigenous people who go missing or are murdered each year. Native communities face higher rates of […]

Read More
Apr 2, 2026

APRIL IS SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS MONTH

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness and support for survivors. Sexual violence can happen anywhere, in any community, and affects people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds, including Native American communities, who are disproportionately impacted. Sexual violence means any unwanted sexual contact or behavior without consent. This can include rape, […]

Read More
See All News