It does not appear as if the provincial government will hold a public inquiry into Indian gaming in Saskatchewan.
Friday, Battlefords Tribal Council called on Premier Brad Wall to call a public inquiry into gaming revenues. They are specifically calling for the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations to get out of controlling Indian gaming and putting control in the hands of the six First Nations and tribal council groups that invested in the six SIGA casinos.
The main point of contention for BTC continues to be the decision by FSIN in 2007 to remove BTC as host First Nation for Gold Eagle Casino, handing control of the CDC to Battlefords Agency Tribal Chiefs.
In a statement BTC tribal representative and Little Pine Chief Wayne Semaganis said the "problems with BATC's management of Gold Eagle CDC funding and the FSIN's control over the Gaming Framework Agreement/SIGA Casinos have reached a critical point." BTC is also alleging conflict of interest and political favoritism by FSIN.
But in meeting the media in North Battleford Monday, Premier Wall expressed reluctance to enter the fray, saying the government "hasn't yet seen the need for a province-wide inquiry" into the allegations.
"They want an inquiry into very local issues," said Wall. "We know there are some issues here. Our preference is that they be worked out here locally."
Wall also pointed out there were other avenues available, including the legal system. He did add that if there were examples of wrongdoing "they need to bring them forward. But I think we have a pretty local concern here so far."
