With goals of “promoting tribal economic development” and “mitigating the risks” of new technology in gambling, President Joe Biden’s nominee for the chair of the National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) navigated a preliminary confirmation hearing on Wednesday (18 September).
Patrice Kunesh Wednesday testified to her commitment to the position before the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. During the nearly 45-minute hearing, Kunesh fielded questions about tribal economics, Indian gaming and self-determination. The committee did not vote, but it was clear that it supports Kunesh’s nomination.
Should the committee approve her NIGC nomination, Kunesh must still be confirmed by the full US senate.
In his introduction, committee chairman Brian Schatz said Kunesh is a “proven leader who can and will achieve these goals”. He also said that the committee has received many letters from tribes in support of her nomination.
Kunesh would replace Sequoyah Simermeyer, who resigned in February to take a position at FanDuel. Sharon Avery has served as acting chair since May.
Kunesh’s plan for NIGC
In her opening statement, Kunesh outlined three priorities should she be confirmed.
“First,” she said, would be “fulfilling the mission of NIGC in promoting tribal economic development and maintaining the critical integrity of the gaming industry. Second, I would endeavour to mitigate risks within the influx of new technologies and gaming formats including online gaming and artificial intelligence.
“Third, I would be committed to good governance practices within the NIGC and ensure that NIGC has sufficient resources to fulfill its mission.”
Senators asked about everything from overseeing the $49.1bn world of Indian gaming to attacking the issue of human trafficking.
Safety, security key priorities
Committee vice-chairman Lisa Murkowski questioned Kunesh at length about the issue of human trafficking. Kunesh said that she believes there are information gaps with regard to the “intersection” of gaming and human trafficking. She wants to learn more and better understand the issue.
On a practical level, she said it would be a priority to “ensure that the gaming premises are safe and secure and that means safe and secure from illegal activity like human trafficking.” She also said that it would be critical to “take action and support survivors”.
With regard to Indian gaming, Kunesh said she would be “committed to understanding the dynamics and pressures and tensions on” the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. That law provides the federal framework for gambling in Indian Country.
Kunesh is currently the commissioner of the Administration for Native Americans. She was previously an executive with the Native American Rights Fund, Pehin Haha Consulting and the Federal Bank of Minnesota. Kunesh is a descendant of the Standing Rock Lakota tribe.
