Band angling to reopen casino

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Conflict between Aboriginals and Saskatchewan government officials over on-reserve gambling appears to be on the decline.

White Bear band officials have suggested a joint casino venture with the Carlyle Exhibition Association while the matter of gambling jurisdiction is decided in the courts. Carlyle is the closest community to the White Bear Reserve, located 200 kilometres southeast of Regina.

The band ran its own casino on the reserve for nearly three weeks in March before RCMP raided the facility, confiscating 115 video lottery terminals, slot machines, blackjack tables and $100,000 in profits. Three band members, including Chief Bernard Shepherd, were charged with keeping a common gaming house.

The band's proposal to run a casino in conjunction with the local exhibition association is designed to allow the Bear Claw Casino to reopen while still operating within existing provincial legislation.

The province will consider the deal as long as it follows government gaming policies, said Provincial Gaming Commission Minister Eldon Lautermilch.

The latest agreement between the band and the province comes after weeks of talks between provincial officials and Saskatchewan Federation of Indian Nation's representatives.

Provincial officials had earlier refused to talk with any White Bear Band representatives. But federation head Roland Crowe insisted any talks would have to include band members.