Southwestern Casino To Benefit All First Nations Equally: Chomiak, Evans

Site Selection MOU Formalized between Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, Swan Lake First Nation

Proceeding with the long-standing commitment to pursue casino development for the benefit of all Manitoba First Nations, the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) and Swan Lake First Nation have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to enter into a an agreement to develop a casino on reserve land, Attorney General Dave Chomiak, minister responsible for gaming, and Ron Evans, AMC grand chief, announced today.“Our intent is to secure property based on fair market rent for the development of a casino operation that will be equally owned for the benefit of all First Nations in Manitoba,” Evans said. “We are moving forward on our pledge to narrow economic gaps in Manitoba society by advancing economic development opportunities for First Nations people.”

The lease agreement is for reserve land next to PTH 5, about 16 kilometres south of the Trans-Canada Highway. Located near the communities of Carberry and Glenboro, adjacent to Spruce Woods Provincial Park and near the Trans Canada Trail, the area is already a popular year-round tourism and leisure destination.

“As with any business development, there are many steps to be taken to translate this MOU into a viable casino operation with equal benefit to all First Nations,” Chomiak said. “We will continue in partnership with the AMC to see this aspiration lead to capital development, job creation and spinoff industries.”

The Swan Lake First Nation site was proposed in summer 2008 as part of a request for expressions of interest process led by a committee of AMC representatives.

“We are humbled to have this opportunity to work on behalf of all Manitoba First Nations,” said Francine Meeches, chief of the Swan Lake First Nation. “It represents an exciting opportunity to develop our First Nation, provide jobs and opportunities for not only our members, but for all Manitobans.”

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NOTE: More information is available on the AMC website at www.manitobachiefs.com/ and the Manitoba Gaming Control Commission website at www.mgcc.mb.ca.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION ATTACHED
The Province of Manitoba is distributing this news release on behalf of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs and the Government of Manitoba.

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Background Information – http://www.gov.mb.ca/asset_library/en/newslinks/2009/may2009/SwanLakeCasinoBG.JS.doc