Indigenous initiatives get $61.5 million in gaming payments

Saskatchewan will see $61.5 million going towards Indigenous initiatives this year through gaming payments.

According to the Government of Saskatchewan, COVID-related casino closures impacted the payments for the past two years, leading to $80 million in emergency pandemic support for First Nations and Métis groups.

“Gaming payments are back on track in this year’s budget with a $61.5 million investment to support Indigenous-led social and economic initiatives in Saskatchewan,” the provincial government said in a statement.

This year’s gaming payments will support a number different organizations including the First Nations Trust, the Métis Development Funds, and a number of community development corporations.

According to the province, the profits will be used to fund economic, social, educational, recreational, cultural and health initiatives, as well as justice-related, senior and youth programs. Community infrastructure and maintenance will also benefit.