The government of Saskatchewan, Canada, has ordered the closings of casinos and bingo halls. The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) has taken umbrage, declaring that it was not consulted ahead of the public health order.
FSIN represents 74 First Nations in the province. FSIN Chief Bobby Cameron told CBC News: “[FSIN] were not given any prior notice… SIGA [Saskatchewan Indigenous Gaming Authority], on the other hand, was given two hours prior notice before the announcement. So not very much notice.”
He called it Chief Bobby Cameron called it “imperative that First Nations are consulted by the province prior to the implementation of public health orders.” He added, “Reading it in the news, I thought to myself, this is not a true partnership. This is not good communication.”
Cameron noted that tribal casinos required masks for all a month before they were required for the general public and also reduced the number slot machines to enable social distancing, while putting signs and floor markings, all before asked to by health officials.
He said, “Let’s sit down and talk. Let us show you how safe we are. Because we want to keep the economy going, but we also want to be safe.”
He pointed out that VLTs in hotels, bars and restaurants continue to operate while casinos are closed. “We simply seek a level playing field,” he said.
A spokesman for the Saskatchewan government told CBS: “Government officials have been working with SIGA throughout the pandemic and will continue to do so in the future, as we have with many business stakeholders.” The spokesman added, “Government is committed to balancing the safety of Saskatchewan residents and protecting people’s livelihoods.”
SIGA operates seven casinos for First Nations. Half the money raised goes into the First Nations Trust.
