Ernie Stevens Jr., a citizen of the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin, will be inducted posthumously into the National Native American Hall of Fame as part of its 2026 class, the organization announced, according to Native News Online. Stevens spent more than two decades leading the Indian Gaming Association, where he defended the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act and advocated for tribal self-determination through economic development. His work helped establish tribal gaming as a major economic engine in Indian Country, with revenues supporting government services and opportunities for tribal citizens nationwide. He died suddenly in September at the age of 66.
Stevens is one of six Native leaders in the 2026 class, honored for contributions spanning government, law, education, economic development, athletics, and advocacy. The other inductees are U.S. Rep. Tom Cole (Chickasaw Nation), educator and former Montana legislator Carol Juneau (Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation), attorney Arlinda Locklear (Lumbee Tribe), the late tribal leader Richard Milanovich (Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians), and lacrosse player Lyle Thompson (Onondaga Nation).
The six will be formally enshrined during the National Native American Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony Gala on November 21 at the OKANA Resort & Hotel in Oklahoma City.
