REGINA — Saskatchewan First Nation and Métis organizations have received an additional $35.2 million in gaming payments for a total of $127.6 million in 2023-24.
The Ministry of Government Relations is citing higher-than-forecast profits at the Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA) and Crown casinos for the boost.
In early March, the Government of Saskatchewan and Métis Nation - Saskatchewan signed a long-term agreement to designate the Clarence Campeau Development Fund (CCDF) as the recipient of funding allocated to the Métis Development Fund under The Lotteries and Gaming Saskatchewan Corporation Act. The CCDF will receive an additional $1.2 million in March.
The Ministry of Government Relations is responsible for distributing allocated casino gaming profits in accordance with the 2002 Gaming Framework Agreement and The Lotteries and Gaming Saskatchewan Corporation Act.
The Ministry of Government Relations issues casino gaming profits to:
- The First Nations Trust;
- The CCDF;
- The Community Initiatives Fund; and
- Community Development Corporations (CDCs) including the BATC Community Development Corporation, Bear Claw Community Development Incorporated, Dakota Dunes Community Development Corporation, Living Sky Community Development Corporation, Northern Lights Community Development Corporation, and the Painted Hand Community Development Corporation.
These profits are distributed by the First Nations Trust, CCDF, and the CDCs for initiatives related to economic, social, educational, recreational and cultural development. Other initiatives include justice-related, senior and youth programs, health projects and community infrastructure and maintenance.
