First Nations against Lloydminster casino
Two Native Tribes were allegedly left out of the Lloydminster casino project in Canada.
Canada.- Canadian First Nations Thunderchild and the Big River presented formal complaints against the casino project of Lloydminster. According to the native groups, the original plan for the development of the casino was broken and they were left out of the project. The gaming venue would become the ninth legal casino in Canadian province of Saskatchewan.
When the Saskatchewan Liquor And Gaming Authority approved the new CAD$20 million (US$15.8 million) venue for the border city of Lloydminster, 10 First Nations were granted the license to operate the joint venture. However, latest reports by Thunderchild and the Big River claimed violations of the plan.
“It’s not fair. We have people suffering in our communities,” said to the CBC newspaper Thunderchild First Nation Chief Delbert Wapass.”We’ve been frozen out.” The Lloydminster casino will be operated by the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority, which also runs gaming venues in Prince Albert, North Battleford, Yorkton, Swift Current, the White Bear First Nation, and the Whitecap Dakota Nation near Saskatoon.
“You know, I’ve always believed that justice must prevail. And we’re going to do whatever we have to within my legal responsibility, being the elected chief of Thunderchild First Nation, to ensure we’re treated the way we need to be,” Wapass added.
The new casino would straddle the provincial border with the province of Alberta and it would offer four to five gaming tables alongside approximately 250 gaming machines, a 250-room hotel and a 1,500-seat convention center.
