Ernie “Big Cat” Stevens Jr., who played a significant role in the growth of Native American gaming, has died at the age of 66. The Indian Gaming Association, which is based in Washington, D.C., announced that Stevens passed away on Friday at the Oneida Nation in Wisconsin. His aunt, Bobbi Webster, confirmed his death and described it as an unexpected shock to those who knew him.
“It’s sort of unfathomable,” Webster said. “He was pretty young and vibrant and athletic and healthy. It just came as an unexpected shock to everyone who knew him to lose him.”
Stevens was serving his 13th two-year term as chair of the Indian Gaming Association at the time of his death. According to a statement from the association, he was known for being a strong supporter of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, a federal law enacted in 1988 that established tribal gaming regulations. Under his leadership, tribal gaming revenues increased from $11 billion in 2000 to nearly $44 billion last year.
“Chairman Stevens’ passing leaves a void that will be felt across all of Indian Country,” Jason Giles, executive director of the association, said. “He was not only our Chairman, but a mentor, a friend, and a warrior for tribal sovereignty. His legacy will continue to guide our work for generations to come.”
Stevens had previously served on the Oneida Nation tribal council from 1993 to 1999. He also held roles such as first vice president of the National Congress of American Indians and served on boards including the National Center for American Enterprise Development; Center for Native American Youth; Nike N7 Foundation; and Native American Advisory Board for the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
Former U.S. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland commented on her Facebook page about Stevens’ character and leadership: “He was tremendously optimistic about the abilities of Indigenous people and displayed sharp, decisive leadership. When I got the news of his passing, I realized the difficulty in imagining this world without him. He will be missed.”
Stevens is survived by his wife Cheryl, five children, and fifteen grandchildren. The Oneida Nation has scheduled a memorial program for Friday evening with burial planned Saturday morning at their burial grounds near Green Bay.
