Celebrating Five Years of the Indian Nations Gaming & Governance Program: Trends and Triumphs Symposium
Written By Tommy Gugino
On February 13, 2025, the William S. Boyd School of Law marked a milestone — five years of the Indian Nations Gaming & Governance (INGG) Program — by hosting a full-day symposium, “Trends and Triumphs.” The event brought together tribal leaders, judges, attorneys, scholars, and students to reflect on the past, examine the present, and look ahead to the future of tribal governance and gaming.
The day opened with welcome remarks from Chris Spotted Eagle, Vice Chairman of the Las Vegas Paiute Tribe, Dean Leah Chan Grinvald, and Professor Danielle Finn, Director of the INGG Program. Their words set the tone for a gathering centered on both celebration and critical dialogue.
Panel 1: Tribal Governance
Moderated by Steven Light, Senior Distinguished Fellow and Visiting Professor, the first panel examined the evolving landscape of tribal governance. Panelists included Professor Keith Richotte, Jr., Professor Carla Bywaters (’24), Judge Kostan Lathouris (’15), and Judge Danielle Mayberry. Together, they explored the balance between tradition and modern governance structures, emphasizing the role of law in strengthening sovereignty.
Panel 2: Indian Gaming
The second panel, led by Senior Distinguished Fellow and Visiting Professor Kathryn Rand, shifted the focus to the business and regulation of Indian gaming. The discussion featured Managing Partner of Hobbs, Straus, Dean & Walker, LLP, Joseph H. Webster, Dawn Gray (’25), Professor John T. Holden, and Tribal Consultant at International Game Technology, Andrew Ramey. The panelists shared insights on economic impact, emerging legal challenges, and the future of tribal gaming in an era of rapid industry change.
Keynote Address
The keynote speaker, Patrice H. Kunesh, Former Commissioner for the Administration for Native Americans, delivered a powerful address on the resilience and innovation of Native nations. Her remarks underscored the importance of programs like INGG in preparing the next generation of tribal leaders.
Panel 3: Tribal Governance & Gaming in Nevada
The third panel brought the conversation home to Nevada. Moderated by John Tahsuda, Distinguished Fellow, the panel featured the Council Rep. for the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California, Jeanne Mortimer, Makai Zuniga (’25), Jimmy Lau (’04), and Vice Chairman of the Moapa Band of Paiutes, Janet Myers. Together, they highlighted both challenges and opportunities unique to the state, from community development to regulatory frameworks.
Panel 4: The Future of the INGG Program
The final panel, moderated by Professor Addie Rolnick, the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Professor of Law, looked ahead to the program’s next chapter. Panelists included Professor Danielle Finn, students Aidan McNulty (’27) and Celina Stops (’26), and Jennifer R. Leal, founder of Field of Tribal Courts. Their discussion showcased the program’s commitment to mentorship, practical training, and elevating Native voices in law and policy.
As the symposium concluded, one theme was clear: in just five years, the INGG Program has established itself as a vital space for dialogue, research, and advocacy. The event not only honored the progress made with the support of the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation but also reaffirmed the program’s role in shaping the future of tribal governance and gaming for years to come.