The government of Ontario, Canada has agreed to pay the Six Nations around $100 million over the next 20 years. Some of the money may come from gaming and it can be used for economic development.
Calling the agreement, a “gesture of reconciliation,” Ministry of Finance spokesman Jessica Martin commented, “Our government is committed to reconciling relationships and building strong partnerships with Indigenous communities,” adding “We are pleased to have reached a tentative agreement with Six Nations to support high priority economic development opportunities.”
The province will pay a one-time payment of $12.5 million and payments each year of $4.5 million for the next 20 years.
Six Nations Chief Ava Hull called the payments a “demonstration of the province’s ongoing efforts toward reconciliation with Six Nations.” She linked the agreement to the recent awarding of the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation’s license to operate casinos to Great Canadian Gaming for the Greater Toronto Area (GTA.) The casinos include Casino Brantford, Flamboro Downs, Mohawk Racetrack and Grand River Raceway in Elora.
However, Martin wouldn’t say whether the funds for the Six Nations were related to gaming. The funds will help fill funding gaps in housing, schools, culture, language, elder care, water and emergency services.
The Six Nations have for several years sought compensation for the land where the Brantford casino sits. They will continue to press their claims for the claim, said Hill. They will also contact Great Canadian about ways to “generate additional benefits for the community,” said Hill.
