Insight in Indian Country Podcast
Trusted Expertise to Serve Tribal Nations | REDW National Tribal Practice
Episode 49 – “Ask the question, every time.” The Future of Tribal Gaming in California with James Siva
In this episode, Wesley Benally interviews James Siva, Vice Chairman of the Morongo Band of Mission Indians, discussing the dual perspectives of tribal leadership and gaming advocacy. They explore the future of gaming in California, the importance of balancing community values with economic decisions, and the need for economic diversification among tribal nations. Siva emphasizes the significance of engaging younger generations in the gaming industry and the power of inter-tribal collaboration. He also shares valuable advice for future tribal leaders, encouraging them to ask questions and embrace their unique perspectives.
Chapters
- 00:00 – Introduction to Tribal Leadership and Gaming Advocacy
- 03:09 – The Future of Gaming in California
- 05:54 – Balancing Community Values and Economic Decisions
- 09:09 – Economic Diversification for Tribal Nations
- 11:55 – Engaging the Younger Generations in Gaming
- 14:55 – Inter-Tribal Collaboration and National Impact
- 20:58 – Advice for Future Tribal Leaders
REDW Advisors and CPAs is proud to bring you the Insight in Indian Country Podcast, covering important advisory, accounting, and finance topics that impact Tribal Nations and business affairs.
Meet Your Host
Wesley Ryan Benally, CPA
REDW Principal and National Tribal Practice Leader
As the leader of REDW’s National Tribal Practice, Wes is committed to improving financial literacy throughout Indian Country and hosts the Insight in Indian Country Podcast. He oversees audits of a wide range for Native American communities, state and local government agencies, and non-profits nationwide, is a member of the Arizona State Board of Accountancy’s Peer Review Oversight Advisory Committee, and serves as an instructor with Arizona State University’s American Indian Policy Institute. In addition, as a Board member for a tribal gaming entity that operates in two states, Wes keeps up with regulatory issues important to tribal gaming operations. Wes is an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation.
More from Insight in Indian Country
- REDW to Speak at the 2026 WEWIN National ConferenceREDW is heading to Tulsa for the 2026 WEWIN National Conference, where Jessica Goodfox and Taryn Reynolds will lead a workshop on confidence, boundaries, and voice for Indigenous women in leadership.
- REDW to Exhibit and Present at the 2026 Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association (OIGA) ConferenceREDW will exhibit and present at the 2026 OIGA Conference, July 20–22 in Oklahoma City. Visit Booth #517 and join Kandi Link’s panel on casino accounting and audits.
- Oklahoma’s Hiring Demand Is Up Nearly 19%. What Does That Mean for Tribal Employers?By Taryn Reynolds, MSL, THRP II, REDW Senior Human Resources Consultant,and Jessica Goodfox, THRP, TMP, HRC Business Partner, REDW Oklahoma’s labor market is among the fastest-growing in the country —… Read more: Oklahoma’s Hiring Demand Is Up Nearly 19%. What Does That Mean for Tribal Employers?
- REDW to Present and Exhibit at the 2026 UNITY National Conference for Native YouthREDW is proud to participate in this year’s Conference in Oklahoma City, July 10-14, supporting Native youth leadership and financial literacy through an interactive workshop and on-site engagement.
- 2026 Northwest Indian Gaming Conference & ExpoREDW is proud to exhibit at the annual Indian Gaming Conference hosted by WIGA, June 15–17 in Shelton, WA. Visit us at Booth #423 to connect and explore insights shaping the future of tribal gaming.
