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Two of four casinos open for business in Saskatchewan

Page 30

The Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA) announced the official opening of the Northern Lights Casino in Prince Albert, Sask. on March 6.

The Northern Lights Casino is the second of four SIGA casinos planned for the province. The Gold Eagle Casino in North Battleford led the way by opening a week earlier.

The opening of the Northern Lights Casino marks the official kickoff of the first phase of the SIGA gaming plan. The two additional casinos will follow later with Yorkton opening in June and Whitebear in July.

Two of four casinos open for business in Saskatchewan

Page 30

The Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA) announced the official opening of the Northern Lights Casino in Prince Albert, Sask. on March 6.

The Northern Lights Casino is the second of four SIGA casinos planned for the province. The Gold Eagle Casino in North Battleford led the way by opening a week earlier.

The opening of the Northern Lights Casino marks the official kickoff of the first phase of the SIGA gaming plan. The two additional casinos will follow later with Yorkton opening in June and Whitebear in July.

Rama casino back on its feet

Page 30

The three partners in the delayed Rama casino resort project signed an operating agreement that will see construction resume immediately, Chief Lorraine McRae of the Chippewas of Rama First Nation announced on March 19. The interim facility near Orillia, Ont., should be ready for opening day in July.

The First Nation came to an agreement on March 8 with the Ontario Casino Corporation, the provincial government's regulatory body, and Carnival Hotels and Casinos, which has contracted to operate the facilities.

Rama casino back on its feet

Page 30

The three partners in the delayed Rama casino resort project signed an operating agreement that will see construction resume immediately, Chief Lorraine McRae of the Chippewas of Rama First Nation announced on March 19. The interim facility near Orillia, Ont., should be ready for opening day in July.

The First Nation came to an agreement on March 8 with the Ontario Casino Corporation, the provincial government's regulatory body, and Carnival Hotels and Casinos, which has contracted to operate the facilities.

Land use forum set for April

Page 30

A national forum to deal with immediate issues on land use, land entitlement and claims has been called for by First Nations chiefs and officials across western Canada.

To be held in Calgary from April 14 to April 16 at the Calgary Convention Centre, the forum will be organized by First Nations Conferences in association with Indian Resource Centre and sponsored by several major corporations including Husky Oil, NOVA Corporations, iSTAR, PanCanadian Petroleum, TransAlta Utilities and Canadian Airlines International.

Saskatchewan liberals attack Native affirmative action plan

Page 29

Restricting construction tenders on some government projects to First Nation-owned companies isn't a good way to develop Aboriginal business or to employ Aboriginal people, say members of the province's Liberal party.

During the question period on March 7, Liberal labor critic Ron Gantefoer asked the governing New Democrats why a Crown corporation was asking for Native preference in some construction tenders.

Saskatchewan liberals attack Native affirmative action plan

Page 29

Restricting construction tenders on some government projects to First Nation-owned companies isn't a good way to develop Aboriginal business or to employ Aboriginal people, say members of the province's Liberal party.

During the question period on March 7, Liberal labor critic Ron Gantefoer asked the governing New Democrats why a Crown corporation was asking for Native preference in some construction tenders.

Peigan rancher aims to attract city-slickers

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Pat Provost knows plenty of people who would like a taste of his ranching and rodeoing way of life; his problem is figuring out how to best market it.

That's why the Peigan rancher and rodeo stock supplier recently invited tour operators to give him feedback on a new three-day package that his company Sundance Traditional Tours, plans to introduce in June.

"We have to learn how bus tour operators run their businesses," Provost told a handful of people sitting around the boardroom of the Aboriginal Tourism Authority in Calgary on March 19.