STATESIDE


Bill, now the 88-year-old Executive Chairman of Boyd Gaming, officially launched their company in 1962. Sam already had two decades of dealer experience. Today, the Boyd family participates in their privately-held properties and other corporate casino partnerships. Supplier companies also have multiple second and


third generations who work hard and play hard. While their offspring may have enjoyed an advantage, much was expected. Can anyone honestly use privilege and Indian Country in the same sentence? In one generation, tribes have evolved from populations often in deep decline and economic distress to flourishing communities. Whatever prosperity they or their children have achieved


has come from long hours of toil and ingenuity. Many younger, more educated tribal members have chosen to return to their reservation lands and transform their heritage from poverty to profitability. In 2000, I interviewed Mark Van Norman, executive director of the National Indian Gaming Association (NIGA)


10 APRIL 2019


and Cheyenne River Sioux tribe of South Dakota member. A 1986 Harvard Law School graduate, Van Norman then practiced law in New York City. However, his heritage lured him back to his 12,000-member tribe in Eagle Butte, South Dakota in 1989. As a tribal attorney, Van Norman focused on Indian sovereignty issues. In 1995, Van Norman became the Director of the Office of


Tribal Justice at the Department of Justice in Washington. He focused on tribal gaming, self-government, jurisdictional and sovereign immunity, law enforcement and tribal courts. Van Norman is among thousands of talented tribal members who have rolled up their sleeves to work for success. By passing that work ethic and integrity down to their kids and grandchildren, tribal leaders teach that personal accomplishment always overrides short cuts. These college parents and Smollett’s family have set their kids up for failure. Fame and fortune should not set different standards. Tribal elders and commercial companies must benefit their young people by demanding good character and personal achievement that doesn’t cut corners.


Esin Deniz/Adobe Stock


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