First Nations complain about dealings for new casino in Saskatchewan

Thursday, July 6, 2017

Some Native leaders say they are being "frozen out" of talks for a First Nations casino in Saskatchewan, CBC News reports.

The new facility in Lloydminster is supposed to be a partnership among 10 tribal governments in the province. But so far the Little Pine First Nation and Onion Lake Cree Nation appear to be calling all the shots.

"It's not fair. We have people suffering in our communities," Chief Delbert Wapass of the Thunderchild First Nation told CBC. "We've been frozen out."

The Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations ratified the agreement for the casino, a necessary step in the process. The organization has been attempting to mediate the dispute but talks have not been successful, CBC reported.

The facility is located on land owned by the Little Pine First Nation. It will be operated by the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority, which runs six other Native casinos in the province.

A potion of the profits are to be shared with other Native governments in Saskatchewan. SIGA recently reported revenues of $253.7 million with net earnings of $81.1 million for the 2016–2017 fiscal year.

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'We've been frozen out': First Nations concerned about Lloydminster casino project (CBC 7/6)