Gambling dispute simmering

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Saskatchewan's drive to create an Indian gaming commission to license on-reserve gambling has bogged down in a dispute over whether bands will be allowed to operate casinos.

Negotiations turned angry earlier this month with Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations chief Roland Crow accusing the government of bargaining in bad faith.

Ned Shillington, then head of the provincial gaming commission, countered by claiming the federation was in a conflict of interest because its gambling consultant was closely too tied to a U.S. company that sells gaming machines.

Tempers have cooled since a recent provincial cabinet shuffle that led to the appointment of a new gaming commissioner named Janice MacKinnon.

But while quieter talks have resumed, the situation is still tense.

At least one chief claims he will open a casino on his reserve despite threats of criminal prosecution.

White Bear chief Brian Standingready said a casino would be a major source of revenue for his reserve, which is in the southeast corner of the province.

While admitting plans for a fall opening have been delayed due to legal problems, Standingready said the province has no jurisdiction to regulate gaming on first nations land.

Meanwhile, Lac La Ronge chief Harry Cook has appealed for calm as negotiations get back on track.

"I simply don't see the urgency," said the chief of the northern community.

"Casinos are not simple businesses and we should examine as many of the social and economic implications as possible before proceeding."

In a series of letters to MacKinnon and Crowe, Cook called for the creation of a five-member independent public commission to investigate the issues surrounding gaming.

MacKinnon at first said she should consider the suggestion but has since returned to private negotiations with the federation. Cook has criticized MacKinnon for choosing to study the problem by a route he says is not publicly accountable.