Indian Gaming 2017 Tradeshow and Conference

Ken Akini
General Counsel/Prosecutor
Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians


Promoting Native Sovereignty Through Economic Development and Government Policy-Making Kenneth W.K. Akini is a Native Hawaiian attorney specializing in Indigenous Law and Policy and economic development. Ken is the in-house General Counsel for the Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians, a federally recognized Indian Tribe located in the Western Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Ken has devoted his legal career to representing native groups and governments due to his passion for helping all natives retain, protect, and resurrect their sovereign rights as native governments. Ken’s professional experience also crosses into economic development. Notable accomplishments and experiences in economic development are: structuring a three native-nation project financing deal leveraging New Market Tax Credits for the construction of a medical facility; negotiating and structuring strategic plans for multiple gaming ventures; planning, operation, and legal representation for online gaming businesses; and due diligence and vetting for tribal governments of multiple business ventures in multiple industries. Ken previously worked in the media field for over a decade, specializing in television, film, radio, and audio production and uses his communication and information-sharing skills and knowledge to assist his clients in their legal and economic development needs.

Sessions :