Canadian Tribes Extend Gaming Compact

This week it was announced that the Six Nations of the Grand River and Mohawk Council of the Kahnawake tribes have officially signed the Mutual Cooperation Agreement on Gaming, which will see the two groups working to protect Native rights on gambling in the country.

The agreement is an extension of a previous agreement and will see the tribes working to protect gaming rights for tribes in Canada. This is of particular concern for the tribes as there have been political moves to liberalize the gaming market, with Ontario recently liberalizing iGaming. This compact will also see the launch of a national body that's composed of gaming regulators that are run by tribes.

Commenting on the deal Ohén:ton Í:iente ne Ratitsénhaienhs Kahsennenhawe Sky-Deer said, "We are pleased to revitalize relations and strengthen our alliance with our brothers and sisters. Renewal of this longstanding relationship founded on nationhood is the first step needed to strengthen our joint efforts in defending our interests and maintaining a stronghold in the gaming industry and other key areas we identify in the future."

Six Nations of the Grand River Chief Mark Hill added: "Today's agreement signifies an important milestone as our communities come together to address our collective concerns. This type of partnership is the first step in demonstrating the possibilities of what we can achieve as Iroquois communities if we work together.

"We are much stronger not as individuals, but as a collective, and these relationships will strengthen us as we assert our rights and jurisdiction within the gaming industry and beyond."