Ratsenhaienhs Paul Rice attends First Nations Gaming Meeting

09/11/2024

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawake wishes to inform the community that Ratsenhaienhs Paul Rice represented the community at the First Nations Gaming Summit in Tsuut′ina Territory on Tuesday, September 10th.

The one-day session was to discuss First Nation support for Bill S-268, which seeks to remove Criminal Code prohibitions for First Nations who conduct and manage gaming activities. Although Kahnawà:ke and other First Nations regulate and operate gaming on the basis of an inherent right, Bill S-268 would enhance First Nations ability to regulate and operate gaming activities from within their Territories.

The MCK has proposed some important amendments to the Bill to ensure that it provides a carve-out for online gaming by First Nations. Senator Scott Tannas, the Bill′s sponsor, announced that he would support MCK′s amendments at the Senate. Work remains in terms of mobilizing support amongst First Nations and passing it into law.

“Given the significance of gaming to our community, it is crucial for Kahnawà:ke to advocate for legislative carve-outs that will allow it to compete fairly with provinces who are seeking to undermine Kahnawà:ke′s online gaming presence,” stated Rice. “As global leaders in gaming, we must take the necessary steps to protect our jurisdiction and mobilize other Nations to get the most out of the gaming market.”

Ratsénhaienhs Rice returns to the Community today (Wednesday) and will be present at the Special Community meeting.