Aristocrat Continues Native American Hall of Fame Support

Aristocrat Gaming says it will keep supporting the National Native American Hall of Fame, and will serve as legacy sponsor of the 2026 Induction Ceremony Gala on November 21 at OKANA Resort & Hotel in Oklahoma City. 

The slot maker, whose games are available at US online casinos, announced the continued partnership on Monday, according to BetSivo's report of the announcement.

The gala will honor the Hall of Fame's 2026 class, and the Hall of Fame's ceremonies page lists Aristocrat among its sponsors.

What Aristocrat Is Supporting

Aristocrat's backing goes beyond annual sponsorship. The company also supports an endowment intended to help establish the Hall of Fame's permanent home in Oklahoma City, BetSivo reported. 

Aristocrat Gaming CEO Craig Toner said the partnership reflects the company's commitment to celebrating Native American excellence, preserving cultural heritage and supporting future generations.

James Parker Shield, CEO of the National Native American Hall of Fame, welcomed the continued partnership and said it helps the organization honor leaders, share their stories and inspire future generations.

Aristocrat described the Hall of Fame relationship as part of its wider Native American relations work, which includes higher education scholarships, workforce development, leadership initiatives, cultural preservation and community engagement programmes.

The 2026 Inductees

The Hall of Fame's June 15 announcement named six inductees: Tom Cole, Carol Juneau, Arlinda Locklear, Richard Milanovich, Ernie Stevens Jr. and Lyle Thompson. Their fields span government, law, education and athletics.

Cole, of the Chickasaw Nation, has represented Oklahoma's 4th Congressional District since 2003 and chairs the House Appropriations Committee. Juneau, of the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation, served in both chambers of the Montana Legislature from 1998 to 2011 and sponsored the state's Indian Education for All legislation. Locklear, of the Lumbee Tribe, is a leading authority on federal Indian law who argued before the US Supreme Court in 1983.

Thompson, of the Onondaga Nation, is regarded as one of lacrosse's greatest players and was the first male player to win the Tewaaraton Award in consecutive seasons.

A Gaming Link In The Class

One inductee has a direct tie to tribal gaming. Ernie Stevens Jr., of the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin, led the Indian Gaming Association for more than 24 years, a period in which the Hall of Fame says tribal gaming revenue grew from $11 billion in 2000 to upwards of $49 billion in 2024.

That sits against the backdrop of record revenue reported in our coverage that US tribal casinos set a $46.2 billion record.

The Hall Of Fame's New Home

In September 2025 the National Native American Hall of Fame established its permanent home at the historic Sundial Mansion in Oklahoma City. 

The organization, a registered 501(c)(3) public charity, identifies and honors contemporary Native Americans who have achieved excellence across all fields, often despite the legacy of boarding schools, poverty and discrimination. The November 21 gala is its annual induction ceremony.