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News Releases
April 2, 2007 - Historic Signing of IGR Licensing Agreement
The Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN) is pleased to announce that Indigineous Gaming Regulators (IGR) has reached an agreement with the Province to begin licensing and regulating on-reserve charitable gaming in Saskatchewan.
The agreement, effective April 1, was negotiated between IGR and the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (SLGA).
FSIN Chief Lawrence Joseph stated "This agreement is a significant first step toward First Nation jurisdiction. We want to continue to move toward full and complete regulatory control over our gaming industry. When there is political will, you can work within existing legislation to achieve your goals."
In February 1995, the Province entered into a Gaming Framework Agreement (GFA) with the FSIN that, among other things, stated that the Province would prescribe a First Nation organization as the exclusive authority to issue on-reserve charitable gaming licenses. This commitment was reaffirmed in the 2002 Gaming Framework Agreement.
The Licensing Agreement allows IGR to license and regulate on-reserve charitable gaming including bingo, breakopen tickets, raffles, Texas Hold' em poker, Monte carlo (mock casino) events and table games at SIGA casinos. All licenses issued by IGR must be regulated and controlled in accordance with the Criminal Code of Canada and the Licensing Agreement. Previously only SLGA could license charitable gaming in Saskatchewan.
"We are pleased to be here today to help celebrate this milestone with IGR," said Deb Higgins, Minister responsible for SLGA. "Government is proud of what we have achieved with our First Nations partners and looks forward to working with the FSIN as we continue to fulfill all requirements of the Gaming Framework Agreement." Groups licensed for charitable gaming through IGR will be eligible to receive a grant equal to 25% of the net proceeds raised through those charitable gaming activities, just like charities licensed through SLGA.
HAND GAMES Traditional games such as Hand, Moccasin or Blanket Games have been played within every nation of Turtle Island. In present day society these games have been misrepresented as games of chance or gambling. Comparable are games that involve observation, strategy and intuitive skills. Comparable skills are learned in playing chess, cribbage or poker. The numerous hand games represent the importance that observation skill development had in the hunting and gathering communities. |
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| The development of observation skill not only betters a players chance to win but enhances their skills and abilities to survive in nature; trap or hunt, gather foods, medicines and problem solving techniques. In many communities mainly men played games while other participants would sing supporting drum songs and provide support for the players. Elders would use the time to teach life lessons. |