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8 - PORT PERRY STAR - Tuesday, May 31,1994 "Scugog's Community Newspaper of Choice" Chief Gary Edgar explains proposed gaming facility To the Editor: re: Charitable Gaming on the Scugog First Nation. When the N.D.P. were elected to run the Province of Ontario, a part of their mandate on Native issues was the S.P.R. ("Statement of Political Relationships") which recognizes our inherent right to govern our- selves and promises to deal with First Nations on a government to government basis. Gaming, (including gaming on First Nations), had been delegated to the Provinces by the Federal Government. Charitable gam- ing (including Bingo and Monte Carlo events such as Blackjack, Wheels of Fortune and Keno) was put on the table because there was illegal gaming going on in the Province, some of it on First Nations territory. I must qualify this letter by saying that I write this explanation as a courtesy to the non-native people of Scugog, certainly not because it is a mandatory requirement. Our people have been left out of consulta- tion of any kind throughout this region, yet we are expected to consult with and justify to anyone who sees fit to criticize our efforts. The Government was looking for a First Nation to work with in developing a properly regulated charit- able gaming regime. The Mississauga's of Scugog Island, after consultation with our community mem- bers, opted to accept this opportunity. It was a risk on our part since we were the initial First Nation to sign a document to work out an agreement with the Province for the operation of a "Charitable Gaming Facility". It required a complete commitment by us if negotiations were to be successful. We chose this type of "gaming as an economic devel- opment initiative for many reasons important to us. These are some of the reasons: 1. Geographically we are the closest First Nation to the large market in south central Ontario and needed a project to take advantage of this situation. 2. We are presently land-locked on an island (no water- front), thus we have few options available for economic development. 3. NONE of our people wanted to bring a full-scale casino to our territory, although we had several offers from American companies to do so. We also felt that a Charitable Gaming Facility would be much more wide- ly accepted by the general public. 4. We wanted our gaming hall to be essentially a bingo facility with Monte Carlo events (these are run throughout the Province every day of the week) on the weekends only. 5. We wanted an initiative that was on-side with the Province in terms of how it is regulated. This is where some other First Nations have balked at this opportun- ity, essentially because they feel they can use the sovereignty issue and set up their gaming without any governmental interference.) Our community wants a facility that is what we believe to be properly regulat- ed, including regulation in such crucial areas as securi- ty, prize tables, betting limits, employees, etc. (For example, all employees must pass a Provincial Government security check and have no criminal record). 6. This facility will provide jobs for both native and non-native people in Scugog Township. More people earning wages means more dollars spent throughout the region. It will benefit both business and individuals from the surrounding areas. 7. The charitable organizations of Scugog Township who choose to do so, will benefit from the profits of this initiative as well as the First Nation. We are commit- ted to sharing with and supporting the entire community. 8. This gives the Mississauga's of Scugog Island oppor- tunities for: a) jobs and the development of other small businesses. b) housing for our 120 members. c) funding for education, elders, youth activities, etc. d) establishing a revenue base from which to obtain self-sufficiency. e) many other initiatives. We have worked on our agreement for almost a year now as mentioned in our local papers in September 1993. The document is satisfactory to both parties in this historic government to government negotiation. We look forward to building our facility this summer and early fall and we hope to be open by late fall. We know that there is some opposition due mainly to a lack of understanding and knowledge regarding this project. It is unfortunate that a heading in an Oshawa paper caused a great deal of confusion and set off the resident "opposer" (the library, the arena, the hospital addition, our community building and our store, etc., all of which are now functional and accepted by most). While others are congratulated when they are seen to do something to benefit themselves, one must won- der why Native Canadians are not seen in this light. Churches run bingos and there are many charitable events that benefit other groups. Why are we not seen to be helping ourselves (the surrounding community as well) and getting away from depending solely on Federal transfer payments for everything we do? Self- government means making our own decisions and becoming self-sufficient. Our project speaks to these issues. This project is being well-planned in conjunction with the appropriate agencies. For example, we do not expect traffic to be little more than what we are used to on the Island with the cottagers, trailer parks and Turnto Page 10 SIL LATEX (a5) TT A J TUB EXTH . 100% ACRYLIC * SUPER DUAASLS + BLISTER A 1% -- 78 L J ware 260-1 10 * Deeper colours available at shghtly hgher pees t Compared to SICO'S Aher Sale Price on Pant in effect September 16 1994 A great year! EXTERIOR ACRYLIC FLAT LATEX Ideal over pnmed wood, * masonry and metal 99 Resists peeling and blistering ' Ae Sea 260-1107301/180 3 79 Utres EXTERIOR ACRYLIC LATEX SEMI-GLOSS Ideal over pnmed wood. * masonry and metal GO Resists blistenng and peeling While light base Ham and black 266-110/201/180 3 78 Litres STAIN & WOOD PROTECTOR Water repellent, mildew Yo resistant and urethane Lay fortified Ideal for pressure treated wood Comes in 4 colours $54 SERIES 3 70 Lies EXTERIOR ALKYD WOOD PRIMER For new exterior wood * or previously painted GO surfaces 145-110 3 780 Utres EXTERIOR ALKYD GLOSS For wood and metal * surfaces Long lasting 9% resists peeling and cracking 1 Afar Sale PAINT SICOo "CANADIAN MADE CANADIAN OWNED 154 Queen St. FOR CANADIAN CONDITIONS" Port Perry Shoppe (905) 985-4808 ! To the Editor: What a year! What a great year 1st Port Perry Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Venturers, lead- ers and parents had. One hundred boys from ages five - 17, 25 leaders, enthusias- tic group committee and par- ents along with a generous, car- ing community make it easy to offer a great Scouting program in Port Perry. Camping, hiking, games, crafts, Kub Kars, Beaver Fun Day, Beaveree, Cuboree, Win- ter Camp, Apple Day, Christ- mas party, Christmas Tree sale, Remembrance Day pa- rade, The Dog House, Trees for Canada, hiking in Europe were among the highlights enjoyed this year. Thank you to all the leaders, parents and boys for being part of 1st Port Perry. And a big thank you to everyone that do- Lion Bill 986-5599 Lion Don 986-5278 i rh The Blackstock & District Lions Club IS sponsoring a COUNTRY & WESTERN LINE DANCE | for your enjoyment on Saturday, June 11th 8:00pm to 1:00am Blackstock Rec Center Bar & Buffet Cost $10.00 per person Music by Darryl Linnengton All Proceeds For Local Lions' Projects For Tickets Contact: Lion Howard 986-5335 Lion Blair 986-5165 nated and supported our fund- raisers allowing us the financial means to carry out our pro- gram. Next year promises to be just as much funif not more. A few of our leaders are mov- ing up to the next section with their sons, leaving some empty positions. We will once again need new leaders to maintain the same quality we have en- joyed in the past. : Come out Wednesday, June 8 or Monday, June 13 from 6-7:30 p.m. at The Church of the As- cension and register with 1st Port Perry to be part of our Scouting Family. For informa- tion call Ellen Greenough at 985-8047. Ellen Greenough, 1st Port Perry, Chairperson Lion Rob 986-5382 [Lion Ken 986- 5173 ema re NE i aA