Arizona Indian Gaming Association Honors Dr. Clinton M. Pattea

PHOENIX, July 5, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The Arizona Indian Gaming Association honors the life and work of Dr. Clinton M. Pattea, long-time leader of the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation, who passed away July 5, 2013.  Dr. Pattea served on the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation Tribal Council for more than four decades.

Dr. Pattea gained national attention as the leader who initiated a gaming compact with the State of Arizona to allow gaming for the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation and other Tribes, despite the resistance of then-Governor Fife Symington and other Arizona politicians.

"We mourn the loss of a great Tribal leader," said Terry Rambler, Acting Chairman, the Arizona Indian Gaming Association and Chairman, San Carlos Apache Tribe. "Dr. Pattea had the courage to stand up for sovereignty and the future of all Tribes in our State. Because of his actions, Tribal people and all Arizonans continue to benefit from Tribal gaming." 

"Dr. Pattea's wisdom and endearing smile will be sorely missed," said Valerie Spicer, Executive Director, Arizona Indian Gaming Association. "He was truly a visionary. Our prayers are with his family and the community at this very difficult time. "

Clinton M. Pattea was long recognized as a driving force behind his Nation's and Arizona's success in Indian gaming. He was the 2009 recipient of the prestigious Wendell Chino Humanitarian Award, presented by the National Indian Gaming Association and, most recently, on June 29^th, 2013, was honored at a celebration at which the Dr. Clinton M. & Rosiebelle Pattea Foundation was announced. The Foundation honors Dr. Pattea's passion for education by providing scholarships for education, culture, health and wellness. When asked in an interview in April 2011 What He Was Most Proud Of Dr. Pattea replied his students and their efforts to continue their education. The Foundation that has been established will ensure his wishes are fulfilled.

The Arizona Indian Gaming Association has a membership of 17 tribes representing more than 90% of the Indian people living on reservations in Arizona. AIGA was established November 21, 1994 by Arizona tribal leaders. The Association is committed to advancing the lives of Indian peoples – economically, socially and politically – so that Indian tribes in Arizona can achieve their goal of self-reliance. Current membership includes: Ak-Chin Indian Community, Cocopah Tribe, Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation, Fort Mojave, Fort Yuma-Quechan Tribe, Gila River Indian Community, Havasupai Tribe, Hualapai Tribe, Kaibab-Paiute Tribe, Navajo Nation, Pascua Yaqui Tribe, Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, San Carlos Apache Tribe, Tohono O'odham Nation, White Mountain Apache Tribe, and the Zuni Tribe.

CONTACT: Strategies/Pam Hait or Martha Hunter
(602) 952-0040

SOURCE Arizona Indian Gaming Association