Casino Rama First Nations Fund Tentative Agreement Reached

TORONTO, Feb. 4, 2000 - The provincial government and the Chiefs of Ontario today announced that they have reached a tentative agreement for the distribution of the Casino Rama net revenues to the 134 First Nations in Ontario.

The First Nations Fund has generated approximately $350 million in accumulated net revenues since the 1996 opening of the Casino, located on the lands of the Mnjikaning (Rama) First Nation north east of Orillia. Casino Rama is one of the largest employers of First Nation people in Canada.

The tentative agreement follows more than three years of negotiation between the parties, culminating with intensive discussions during the past two weeks. The First Nations Fund revenues will be used by First Nations to build self-reliance through economic and community development.

The Agreement has to receive final approval by the First Nation Chiefs in Assembly and Mnjikaning (Rama) First Nation. The Agreement must also receive final approval of the Ontario government.

"The well-being of all First Nations in Ontario remained central to ourconsiderations," said Akwesasne Grand Chief Mike Mitchell, who led a team of four negotiators for the First Nations of Ontario. "First Nations have waited patiently for this money and it will be put to good use in our communities."

"This is a significant agreement for both First Nations and Ontario," said Ontario Attorney General and Minister Responsible for Native Affairs Jim Flaherty. "Our shared objectives continue to be to distribute the net revenues to First Nations as quickly as possible and ensure that the net revenues are used in an accountable manner."

The Chiefs of Ontario devised the formula to determine how the Casino net revenues are to be distributed to First Nations based on discussions with Ontario. The Chiefs of Ontario agreed that the Chippewas of Mnjikaning should receive 35 per cent of the Casino net revenues to help maintain the competitiveness of the Casino Rama complex. Their share will be reviewed in July 2001.

Once ratified by both parties, the Casino Rama Revenue Agreement will be jointly implemented by both Ontario's Management Board Secretariat and the Chiefs of Ontario.

"We're delighted to have reached a tentative agreement," said Mnjikaning Chief Lorraine McRae. "It is testimony to the vision and foresight of our community leaders and elders who set economic development plans in motion in the 1970's. This has been a community effort supported by other First Nations in Ontario and the participation of neighbouring communities in Simcoe County."

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For further information:
Ministry of the Attorney General, Brendan Crawley, (416) 326-2210;
Chiefs of Ontario, Michael Sherry, (416) 972-0212

~Canada NewsWire item Feb. 4, 2000