And now:Ish <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes:
Date: Thu, 08 Jul 1999 10:17:53 -0400
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
From: Lynne Moss-Sharman <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Subject: Manitoba Premier takes away casino licenses
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July 08, 1999
Filmon government strips natives of casino licences
DAN LETT, Winnipeg Free Press
WINNIPEG (CP) - The Filmon government has quashed plans to license two
First Nations casinos in the wake of two violent aboriginal protests
earlier this year at the Manitoba legislature.
The decision to halt plans for First Nations casinos, along with threats
that at least one aboriginal community will open an illegal casino this
month, has set the stage for a summer of protest and conflict that could
spill over during the Pan Am Games, which start July 23.
"The politics of (the casino debate) changed dramatically after the
demonstrations," Native Affairs Minister David Newman said Wednesday.
Newman said after two violent protests at the Manitoba legislature in March
and April, cabinet felt there would not be enough public support for First
Nations issues to justify approval of the licenses.
The province still plans to allow up to 300 more VLTs in First Nations
communities.
Earlier this year, a committee of provincial cabinet ministers and Manitoba
chiefs issued a joint recommendation to license two First Nations casinos -
one in the north and one in the south - and to expand the number of VLTs
available to First Nations communities.
It is believed native-run casinos could generate jobs and revenues for the
benefit of all aboriginal people in the province.
In March, several hundred protesters from Peguis First Nation north of
Winnipeg pushed their way into Premier Gary Filmon's office to protest a
lack of attention to job creation. The protesters left only after Filmon
faced them down in the main lobby of the legislature building.
Then, in April, another large crowd of aboriginal protesters tried to enter
the legislature building on the opening day of the legislative session.
More than 60 police in riot gear used pepper spray to keep the angry crowd
at bay.
Since those two incidents, a number of factions within the First Nations
community have threatened to disrupt the Pan Am Games with more protests.
Newman denied the province was punishing First Nations people for the
actions of a few militants.
Grand Chief Rod Bushie of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs said he was
shocked and saddened by the province's decision.
Bushie said the decision seems absurd in the face of the province's
decision to spend $66 million to expand its two flagship casinos in Winnipeg.
"They don't have support to license our casinos but they can find $75
million of taxpayer money to expand their casinos," Bushie said.
Although Bushie said he would not directly recommend protests or the
opening of illegal casinos, he has told his chiefs he will support any
action they take.
At least one First Nations community is preparing to open its own casino in
defiance of the decision.
Dakota Tipi First Nation southwest of Winnipeg plans to open a casino in
their bingo hall before the end of July.
Chief Dennis Pashe said he has fought too long to allow the province to
derail his community's plans for a future with greater economic
self-sufficiency.
"This is just a slap in the face for us after good faith negotiations,"
said Pashe. "The only conclusion that we can draw is that their decision is
based on racism."
Newman warned any First Nation community that opens an illegal casino will
be dealt with harshly by the province.
(Winnipeg Free Press)
"Let Us Consider The Human Brain As
A Very Complex Photographic Plate"
1957 G.H. Estabrooks
www.angelfire.com/mn/mcap/bc.html
FOR K A R E N #01182
who died fighting 4/23/99
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