FSIN To Establish Gaming Commission

FSIN To Establish Gaming Commission

Wednesday, August 26, 2009 at 12:16

 

 

A First Nations Gaming Commission was announced today on the Whitecap Dakota First Nation.

 

Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations Chief Lawrence Joseph made the announcement at the First Nations Gaming Expo.

 

He says First Nations have been asserting their jurisdiction over gaming since the Bear Claw Casino opened in 1993.

 

Joseph says he welcomes the province’s willingness to have discussions about jurisdiction.

 

“First Nations indeed have jurisdiction over gaming. Minister Christine Tell, of the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority, yesterday told the media that the province is willing to sit down and meet with First Nations to discuss jurisdiction. I’m very encouraged to hear that,” Joseph says.

 

The commission will be made up of chiefs and members of the FSIN senate.

 

It will be responsible for gaming jurisdiction, the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority, the First Nations Trust Fund, and community development corporations.

 

First Nations leaders see the creation of a gaming commission as a step towards reclaiming the jurisdiction they say they never relinquished.