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First Nations Gaming as Self-government Imperative: Ensuring the Health of First Nations Problem Gamblers

First Nations Gaming as Self-government Imperative: Ensuring the Health of First Nations Problem Gamblers. Yale D. Belanger Native American Studies University of Lethbridge.

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First Nations Gaming as Self-government Imperative: Ensuring the Health of First Nations Problem Gamblers

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  1. First Nations Gaming as Self-government Imperative: Ensuring the Health of First Nations Problem Gamblers Yale D. Belanger Native American Studies University of Lethbridge

  2. Why is Indian health still regarded as a medical question rather than an inseparable part of land claims resolution and reservation economic development? Russell Barsh

  3. First Nations Gaming in Canada • Moral imperative: First Nations are responsible to respond to the anticipated rise in problem gambling among reserve residents; • Cultural imperative: First Nation individuals demonstrate culturally-unique views about gambling that inform contemporary wagering practices.

  4. First Nations Gaming in Canada • In 1996, five First Nations casinos open in Ontario and Saskatchewan; • Today, 15 casinos operating in BC (1), Alberta (4), Saskatchewan (5), Manitoba (2) and Ontario (3); • Three VLT casinos in Nova Scotia; • Kahnawake Gaming Commission and Lucky’s Entertainment (NB) illegal operations.

  5. First Nations and Gambling • Canadian provincial telephone surveys found that ten to fifteen per cent of Aboriginal adults are gamblers, four times higher than other ethnic groups (NCWelfare2005); • Prevalence of problem gambling ranges from 5.8% to 19% (Wardman at al 2001); • Prevalence rates of problem and probable First Nations pathological gambling were estimated at 12.3% and 2% in the general population (Volberg 1993).

  6. Nation Building • The policy of legitimate self-rule exercised by Indian tribes in the United States; • Legitimate self-governance necessitates: 1) First Nations leaders taking control of their communities by controlling the decision making process related to economic development; 2) Benefit from good policy decisions while suffering the consequences of bad policy decisions;

  7. Nation Building • In 1996 the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples released its final report concluding: “… self-government without a significant economic base would be an exercise in illusion and futility” and that “a more self-reliant economic base for Aboriginal communities and nations will require significant, even radical departures from business as usual.”

  8. Nation Building • First Nations negotiating gaming pacts with the provinces were engaged in practical sovereignty; • Adopted an economic strategy with economic potential while paying little concern to outside concerns; • The lack of consideration given to the potential negative health consequences associated with reserve casino placement was problematic.

  9. The Alberta Experience • January 2001, the provincial First Nations gaming policy was approved; • By 2006, the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission (AGLC) was reviewing applications from 7 First Nations; • The detailed eight-step proposal process failed to consider First Nations health through implemented problem gambling programs.

  10. Financing Better Health • Casino Rama since opening in 1996 has cleared more than $1 billion after winnings and expenses; • SIGA has grossed over $900 million in gambling revenues producing $281 million net profits; • The River Cree has contributed $600 to $800 million to Alberta since October 2006; this suggests gross revenues of close to $950 million.

  11. Epistemological Distinctiveness • First Nations employed gambling: • For entertainment and social events; • As important religious rites used for divinatory purposes; • Describe heroic exploits; • Interact with the cosmos; • Enable wealth distribution; • For healing and funerary customs; • First Nations were not indiscriminate gamblers.

  12. Epistemological Distinctiveness • Cultural, historical, and experiential contexts shape the meanings given to the gambling experience; • Bingo, VLT playing, and casino gambling have a significant cultural impact replacing or reducing participation in cultural activities (McGowan & Nixon 2002: 12).

  13. Final Thoughts • First Nations engaged in casino gambling must acknowledge two imperatives as self-governing nations. 1) Moral imperative to ensure community well-being; 2) Cultural imperative to respond to increased problem gambling with effective programs.

  14. Final Thoughts • First Nations have: • The jurisdiction to pursue like policies; • The financing in place to provide appropriate programs. This is self-government.

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