By SAM COOPER, The Province November 10, 2012
B.C. First Nations chiefs say they plan to flaunt provincial
authority and open unlicensed casinos because of the government’s
steadfast refusal to share casino revenues on unceded aboriginal lands. In
a Nov. 9 letter to Premier Christy Clark, Grand Chief Joe Hall says
B.C. is the only jurisdiction in Canada to “categorically exclude First
Nations” from gambling revenue sharing. B.C. aboriginal chiefs
“will hold your government accountable for its unlawful and
discriminatory practices with respect to gaming ... and will be pursuing
all opportunities to access direct benefits from gaming,” Hall’s stern
letter says. The letter was triggered by a proposal involving B.C.
Lottery Corp. to build a $100-million gambling complex in South Surrey
on land that is unceded aboriginal territory, according to the Semiahmoo
First Nations. “Untenured direct award licences have been issued
and are currently being issued for gaming on the doorstep of several
First Nation reserves, all without consultation and without
accommodation,” says Hall’s letter to Clark. “This conduct is not only immoral but is illegal.” At
stake is a slice of about $1 billion in annual provincial gaming
revenue, which aboriginal leaders say they desperately need to fund
housing, jobs and social programs for reserves that are falling deeper
into poverty. (more)
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