FSIN Chief Bobby Cameron (left) and Jim Reiter, minister responsible for SLGA, at a signing ceremony at First Nations University of Canada on Sept. 23, 2021. (Joseph Ho/980 CJME)

By Joseph Ho/ CKOM News

SIGA to operate new online gaming site with half of revenues to benefit First Nations

Sep 24, 2021 | 10:44 AM

Indigenous leaders are celebrating a newly signed agreement with the province that will have the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority operate a new online gaming site.

Since 2002, the province has had a Gaming Framework Agreement with the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) that allows SIGA to run seven casinos in Saskatchewan.

During a ceremony at the First Nations University of Canada on Thursday, the two sides signed an amendment to that agreement, which will also establish a 50-50 revenue split between the FSIN and the province.

The FSIN’s share will go into the First Nations Trust, which can be spent by 74 First Nations communities on projects supporting economic development, justice, health, education, recreation and culture.

“This is reconciliation at its finest, folks. This is reconciliation at its finest, when you have true partnership,” said FSIN Chief Bobby Cameron.

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“This is why we do what we do: To build the best foundation for our children. To ensure that our children live in a world, come into this world and have all the opportunities to succeed in life. To be loved and to be happy.”

Similar sentiments were echoed by SIGA chair Reginald Bellerose.

“What I’m most proud of from my 16 1/2 years as leader of Muskowekwan is the benefits that go back to the First Nations,” Bellerose said. “I’ve put my blood, sweat and tears into these efforts.”

The gaming site will feature online casino games and sports betting. It is expected to launch in 2022.

The province says SIGA was selected to run it due to its extensive experience in the sector.

“They have a proven track record in casino operations and entertainment. SIGA will now use this knowledge and expertise to provide Saskatchewan residents with this new entertainment option,” said Jim Reiter, the minister responsible for the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority.