The Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association awarded Edward Gray with its Chairman’s Award at the 29th Annual OIGA Conference in Trade Show in Oklahoma City on Aug. 12.
“This recognition is a shared accomplishment, and I am honored to be a part of advancing the Osage Nation and providing high-quality entertainment for our Skiatook community,” Gray said in a news release.
Gray has been with Osage Casinos for 21 years and has been the general manager of the Skiatook location since 2009.
“We deeply appreciate Edward’s dedication to Osage Casinos and our Nation,” said Kimberly Pearson, Osage Casinos CEO in the release. “His leadership has been crucial in helping others grow into skilled professionals, embodying the excellence we strive for and the excellence this award represents.”
The Osage Casinos Skiatook location opened in 2007. The Skiatook location broke ground on an expansion in October 2012 and was completed in December 2013. A second expansion phase was completed in February 2020, which added floor space and a high-limit room.
Chairman’s Award for Outstanding Achievement in Indian Gaming
According to the OIGA website, “This award honors those in Oklahoma Indian Gaming Operations who have worked through the ranks and made significant impact in their own workplaces and communities and who have also been living examples of the positive impacts that Oklahoma’s Tribal Government Gaming industry has brought.
“These recipients epitomize the intent and purpose of Tribal Government Gaming Operations. Their personal achievements and growth has helped the Oklahoma Indian Gaming Industry achieve the high level of success that we now enjoy.
“These milestones of their success are not only measured in actual dollars or profits for their tribal benefactors, but the personal, professional and spiritual growth of those involved in this industry.
“Most importantly, these honorees have helped our young people grow into strong young men and women, and have proven that if given the opportunity, ordinary people can accomplish extraordinary things, thanks to the dedication and discipline that this industry offers its members.”
OIGA, established in 1986, is a non-profit organization of tribal Nations with other non-voting associate members representing organizations, tribes, and businesses engaged in tribal gaming enterprises from around Oklahoma. The common commitment and purpose of OIGA is to advance the welfare of Native Americans economically, socially, and politically. More information is available at https://oiga.org/.