Washington, D.C. – February 10, 2026 – During the National Congress of American Indians Executive Council Winter Session at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Indian Gaming Association Chairman David Z. Bean participated in the 30th Annual National Indian Women’s “Supporting Each Other” Luncheon, a longstanding gathering created more by Julie Johnson of the Lummi Nation.

This annual luncheon has long been a meaningful tradition for Indian Country and was a deep personal priority of the late Chairman Ernest L. Stevens, Jr., who strongly believed in recognizing and uplifting Native women leaders whose work strengthens tribal sovereignty, governance, and community well-being.

A special part of IGA’s participation in this luncheon, started years ago by Chairman Stevens, is the presentation of floral tributes to each honoree as a visible expression of respect, gratitude, and recognition from Indian Country. Continuing that tradition, Chairman Bean, joined by IGA Board Member and Chairman of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe Rodney Butler, once again presented flowers on behalf of the Indian Gaming Association to this year’s honorees, VaRene Martin and Ashley Cornforth.

VaRene Martin serves as Executive Director and First Vice President of the Native American Finance Officers Association and is an enrolled citizen of the Thlopthlocco Tribal Town of the Mvskoke (Creek) Nation. With more than 30 years of experience in finance and investment strategy, she has been a leading national voice advancing tribal financial sovereignty and economic empowerment across Indian Country. Martin also serves as Co-Chair of the NCAI Economic Development, Finance, and Employment Subcommittee and has received national recognition for her work strengthening Native economic leadership.

Ashley Cornforth is Secretary/Treasurer and Business Council Member for the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community and was elected in 2025 as Treasurer of the NCAI Executive Committee. She has long served in tribal governance and enterprise leadership, including on the Gaming Enterprise Board of Directors, helping guide governmental operations, economic development, and intergovernmental relations.

Chairman Bean reflected on the significance of the luncheon, the floral tradition, and its deep connection to Chairman Stevens’ legacy. “This luncheon was always one of Chairman Stevens’ most cherished traditions. He believed that honoring Native women leaders was not just recognition; it was a responsibility. One of the ways he showed that respect was through the simple but powerful act of presenting flowers to each honoree. Being here to continue that tradition on his behalf is deeply meaningful for all of us at IGA.”

Bean also underscored the importance of Julie Johnson’s decades of leadership in sustaining the event. “For thirty years, Julie Johnson has created a space where Native women are seen, celebrated, and lifted up by their peers. Chairman Stevens respected this gathering immensely because it reflected the heart of Indian Country: community, leadership, and respect. IGA is proud to stand beside Julie each year to continue that legacy.”

Bean concluded, “When we honor leaders like VaRene and Ashley, we are honoring the future of tribal sovereignty. Their work in finance, governance, and national advocacy strengthens every tribal nation. This event reminds us that the strength of Indian Country is carried in large part by the leadership of Native women.”