Ted Williams, chief of the Chippewas of Rama First Nation of Ontario is optimistic that 2021 will bring relief to the Covid pandemic and that the tribe’s Casino Rama will reopen.
He hopes to reopen the casino safely reopen by early spring, returning up to 40 employees from the tribe back to work. They have been laid off since March, along with 1,700 non-tribal employees.
The Nation has seen five total cases of the disease, with full recovery.
Chief Williams said, “We obviously hope for no more cases. That’s my desire. We want to remain a strong, healthy and vibrant First Nation community that will see the casino reopen. We will continue our great relationship and partnership with the casino operators. After we consult with our COVID health task force, the operators will receive notice from us that it’s time to do business in the gaming industry once again.”
He added, “The casino is an economic driver in our community. We are a force to be reckoned with economically here and we value the partnership we have with casino operator Gateway and the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corp.”
