Questions and Answers

Last updated: Tuesday, April 17th, 2012.

The Casino Information Center is now closed and will no longer be answering questions. Below is an extensive listing of questions received since the website has launched. Thank you for visiting the website.

Listed below are answers to several frequently asked questions regarding the Kahnawà:ke Casino Project. Please take a few moments to browse through the questions and video.

Questions and Answers

#43 - As Kanien'kehá:ka people, we come from a rich culture that has inspired other nations (such as the United States) to adopt our traditional democratic principles and methodologies. In respect to this legacy, a significant number of Kahnawa'kehró:non do not vote as a matter of principle. In light of this, why has the MCK elected to use a western-style referendum to determine the position of Kahnawa'kehró:non on the casino issue, as opposed to a more traditional consensus-building approach such as the MCK Community Decision Making Process or through the Haudenosaunee Clan System? It appears as though the decision to use a western-style referendum is intended to isolate this segment of the community who will probably oppose the casino.

At this time, we have determined that a referendum is the most acceptable way the community decides on an issue of this magnitude. The community is already familiar with the process in terms of this type of project/proposal. It is the most efficient way to get clear, actual numbers of those in support and those against. It is hoped that, in the future, issues like this could be decided using a consensus-building model but, for now, this is a more efficient way to get a simple ‘yes or ‘no’ answer.

Grand Chief Mike Delisle, Jr.

#42 - Something to think about regarding jobs. Let’s say that it's voted yes and the time comes for job applications, most places have that one question of do you have a criminal record? Today there are many community members that do in fact have a record in some way associated with cigarettes. Now since MCK does say cigarettes are our right and not illegal in their eyes do you hire that person or not (if qualified) because the Quebec/Canada courts deem it illegal? Or do you overlook that because it is our right?

Kahnawà:ke has always supported the tobacco industry, regardless of outside laws. As was stated at the January 21st community meeting regarding the Casino Project, individuals who have prior convictions related to tobacco will not be penalized when applying for a job at a casino in our community.

#41 - Considering that the Haudenosaunee Grand Council of Chiefs has already made a clear position against casinos (and other high-stakes gaming operations) within its territories, how does the KGC/MCK/KCP plan to legally and politically enable the project to operate outside of provincial law?

We will address this issue by discussing with the province recognition of Kahnawà:ke’s jurisdiction to regulate through the Kahnawà:ke Gaming Law, and the Kahnawà:ke Gaming Commission. While we understand this will be difficult, we will make every effort to find a solution acceptable for our project.

We have jurisdiction within our Territory and, as we are all aware, we have a long history of adjusting to the society around us and adapting to meet our needs. If the people accept the proposal, we will be building a facility that will be communally owned and within our Territory. While our project may cause some discomfort to the various provincial politicians, most of these politicians (and their constituents) know that the Mohawks and Quebec share the same sense of independence and, therefore, share some common ground philosophically.

In terms of the Haudenosaunee position, let us point out that this is a community decision to make. If we are successful, we feel very strongly that we will actually be put in a much stronger position to promote our language, culture and history, which will help us in achieving the reality of our community vision.

Grand Chief Mike Delisle, Jr.

#40 - I was just wondering how many chiefs will not seek re-election if the vote is yes for the casino? Is the casino referendum vote being held before MCK elections so the chiefs can decide whether to run or not, because they can?t hold a casino position for one year.

You would have to ask each Chief individually what their decision will be at nomination time. As we currently stand, only Chief John Dee Delormier has stated that he will not be returning to Council (in order to pursue a career in law enforcement). We advise you contact the Chiefs individually on this matter, to get their personal responses to your question.

#39 - It has been mentioned many times, that other economic development avenues have been researched. ,,1> Would you be willing to discuss what these were? ,2> If the cost of building a LAND based Casino is $60M, why would you not look at doing an ONLINE casino first for a fraction of the cost? Especially with MIT right here. Is it not HOST to the biggest gambling sites in the world?,3> You talk about paying out a dividend to the community every year. Does that include years where the Casino loses money? Isn't that how other casino's have gotten into trouble? ,4> Will there be a guaranteed % of the profit set aside to social spending (health care, senior care, language and cultural affairs, to name a few)? ,5> What is the strategy to make sure that executive, management and senior level roles are given to Kahnawa'kehr?:non? There are so many of us who live here with Bachelor degrees, or who have moved out due to the fact there were very few interesting jobs., How can you ensure what happened at MOHAWK Internet Technology.. does not happen again? ,6> You had already mentioned that it will be 100% owned by Kahnaw?:ke. Are you will to say within a 5-7yr period, that it will also be ran 100% by Kahnawa'kehro:non? I would rather be taught to fish, than given a fish once a year.

1) Other economic development projects - Tewatohnhisak'tha is responsible for revenue generation, and the MCK consulted with them for a status update on economic projects. Kyle Delisle is the senior manager in the area of revenue generation, and to ensure you get accurate information we encourage you to contact Kyle directly with your question.

2) To review a detailed discussion on the online casino company option please read the following post on our project facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/groups/330637610318387/#!/groups/330637610318387/permalink/333853849996763/

3) In terms of dividend distributions, it's been previously communicated that the casino would have to be profitable to issue dividends. With a Kahnawa:ke casino property being located in a very large and under-served market in the Montreal region, it is widely antipated by industry experts that immediate profitability is a very high probablity.

4) Future casino profit distributions will be at the discretion of the future Kahnwa:ke Treasury, after identifying needs through community consultation. All of the areas that you mentioned are definitely in need of financial assistance. In the end, it is our communtiy that will make their voices heard in terms of what areas casino proceeds should be dispursed to.

5) The strategy for ensuring that our own community members fill executive positions as quickly as possible is to ensure training is available for all employment levels within casino operations. This will be an important factor during the selection process of a casino management company to assist Kahnawa:ke in developing the casino property (should the project be supported through referendum). We have a lot of intelligent and educated people here in our community, and the opportunities will be there. It will be up to our community members to make the commitment to work hard and dedicate themselves to fill executive positions in the shortest time frame possible.

6) I would agree that a 5-7 year period for having Kahnawa:ke completely and independently managing all aspects of casino operations is a very realistic timeframe. One of the reasons that a small/medium casino property was recommended (1,000 gaming machines and 35 table games) was to ensure that independent casino management could be achieved in as short a period of time as possible.

#38 - How can the MCK say they will have NO involvement in the casino when they are already saying 3.6 million dollars will be budgeted for local treatment programs such as gambling addiction?

The MCK did not to decide this amount in the Casino Project Proposal. The $3.6 million earmarked for programs to help combat social issues is based on a percentage of revenues (before expenses). It comes to that amount based on first year projections in the market assessment completed by The Innovation Group.

Including funds to help combat these social issues is the industry standard for casinos to be socially responsible.

#37 - 1)Are you contacting anyone to put out information of the impact of gaming on youth and effectiveness of Prevention Efforts . Ex McGill University researchers have done studies on impact of accessibility of gambling and developmental impact on youth?,2) Can you please post a bibliography of the studies that were used in the Social Impact Review?,3)Have you reviewed Canadian Consortium on Gambling Research 2011 final report? ex "new gaming venues increase infrastructure cost...and casinos sometimes have neg. impact on public service by their direct competition w/ and negative impact on traditional charitable gaming revenue." (pgs 5, 42,54),4)What will be done to further regulate/control MIT, poker houses etc in order to prevent in-fighting and ensure community support (if the casino goes forward)?

Here are answers to your questions:

1) Awareness, education, prevention and treatment programs will be developed for all demographic groups if the casino project is approved through referendum. Unfortunately, the resources will not be available until financing is secured to formally develop casino operations and all related problem gambling programs. It is widley anticipated that addictions specialists within KSCS will assist with this important work.

2) The bibliography of reports/studies is attached.

3) Yes, we have reviewed the reviewed Canadian Consortium on Gambling Research 2011 Final Report.

4) Regulatory actions are the responsibility of the Kahnawake Gaming Commission, please contact them for more information. In regards to the current Casino Project Proposal, we have not included any forms of games that would result in direct competition within Kahnawa:ke (no poker, bingo, or online gaming).

I hope this helps.

#36 - I'm interested in teaching my children about the casino and how it might effect them. I was wondering if you have info in Kanien'keha, or someone who could explain some of your intentions to my three Mohawk speaking children. We are not on the registry list, however they are Kahnawakero:non who will be affected by this proposed casino. I think regardless of their age or anyone else's they should be able to access information in their language. Nia:wen

We're working on it. We will post it to both facebook and the website as soon as we have it. Nia:wen

#35 - What is the exact meaning of "community owned casino"? As we will discover, the community as a whole do not have the same ideas as to how the funds will be spent.

The meaning of a community-owned casino is that the project must be 100% owned by Kahnawà:ke. This means no non-native ownership interests, and no private ownership interests from any individuals in Kahnawà:ke, or anywhere else.

#34 - Why hasn't the councillors directed their time, energy and money into the more economically stable project of having tolls for the highways and bridge? It would certainly do good by collecting good money, stir clear of social problems like addiction and crime, and exercise our very right to have control over our land. It would eliminate the possible risk of having a casino, which it is a risk. Also, I'm sure that Quebec'll say that it's their roads and bridge, but we all know it isn't.

We have to point out that there are several major economic flaws with the idea of having toll booths in Kahnawà:ke. This avenue has been analyzed by MCK technicians and Tewatohnhi’saktha several times in years past. The basic financial problem with Kahnawà:ke putting toll booths up is that our community would automatically assume all maintenance responsibilities and liability for the Mercier Bridge and the various highways that exist within our community. The estimated cost of this infrastructure is estimated to start in the billions of dollars, and that’s not including maintenance costs. There is absolutely no way that Kahnawà:ke could assume this financial burden, regardless of the revenues that would be generated by toll booths. In fact, if Kahnawà:ke were to take on this amount of financial liability, the community would be subjecting itself to sure and guaranteed financial ruin. This is not looked at as a feasible option for Kahnawà:ke to become economically stable.

#33 - Why is it taking so long to update the question and answer section? Its the 25th of March and it was last updated on the 15th of March, can someone answer that?

The question and answer page is updated after a question is received and answered to the person asking.

At the time you saw the date listed as Thursday, March 15th, was the last time a person submitted a question.

However, another was submitted before you on Saturday and therefore the new date is listed as today.

If no question is received for another week or two, there is no update to be made and the date will remain.

#32 - It's been NO in the past. Why is the MCK doing it again? A vote like this really splits the community. A less than majoriy of the people voted the council in, when your jobs are to help, the chiefs cause more turmoil. WHY AGAIN? Since you used my name it be nice to know who is answering our questions also.

Questions are answered by Ryan Rice or Joe Delaronde of the Casino Project Team. However, this question was political in nature, so I have taken the liberty to answer you directly.

As most, if not all, important issues in our community cause differences of opinion and people taking sides, it wasn't an easy decision for me to come to, knowing that it would become emotional for many of us. In the end, it is the purest form of a democratic process.

The reason (why ‘a referendum’ again?) is this: although the answer twice was no, the needs of our community continue to grow and we continue to urgently need a source of income that can produce the type of revenue for us to become self-sustaining as a community.

The revenue will be the springboard Kahnawà:ke needs to continue to establish the institutions of our proud community and to develop other economic, cultural and social opportunities that we strive for as an independent community. I believe in this project as part of the answer.

Mike Delisle, Jr.

#31 - Assuming the referendum results are in favor of the casino, what are the chances that Kahnawa'kehro:non are awarded the design, construction and any other contracts of the project?

All phases of construction are expected to follow a standard tendering procedure. Priority would be given to qualified Kahnawa'kehró:non contractors who have a competitive price.

#30 - I am in favor of this proposal but have one nagging concern. What assurances do we have that, once the Casino is up and running, Quebec won't send in the SQ to shut it down or harass the non-Native patrons when they leave the Territory? We saw this happen when the Mohawk Super Bingo opened years ago.

Should the community support the development of a casino in Kahnawà:ke, only then can some form of gaming agreement be reached between Kahnawà:ke and Quebec. Once a gaming agreement is in place, it will ensure that external policing interference or harassment isn't an issue for non-native casino patrons. It is estimated that over 90% of casino clientele would be Quebec residents within a one (1) hour driving distance of Kahnawà:ke, so it is crucial that all successful (and properly regulated) First nations casinos in Canada and the United States have some form of gaming agreement (or compact) with their respective province or state.

#29 - Who will be answering the online questions? I would be more inclined to ask questions if you could provide the name of the person(s) I am speaking to right now, especially since you require my name and email address. Just saying. ,2 - On the map showing the options for the proposed site of a casino along Hwy 30, it is unclear which area is under review. I see 3 or 4 areas shaded in different colors, but there is no legend detailing what each color means. Can you please specify?

The questions that are submitted online are answered by Ryan Rice and/or Joe Delaronde of the Kahnawà:ke Casino Project Team. When submitting a question, we require an e-mail address and name for two reasons:

1) To ensure the question is coming from a real person; and

2) To ensure we have a way to respond to you personally before the answer is posted publicly on the website.

For your second question regarding the map of the targeted location, the proposed casino would be built on the most south-western portion (in bright yellow) of the map, bordering Chateauguay. We thank you for pointing out that confusing detail. We will ensure that the map is updated immediately.

#28 - $85,000 to have a vote? Sort of ridiculous if you ask me. Why would we need to spend so much community dollars on a referendum? This doesn't make sense.

The $85,000 budget approval is not solely for the referendum itself, but for the entire Phase 3 portion of the Casino Project that will end with the actual referendum date. The cost of the referendum activity is actually just a portion of the $85,000 Phase 3 budget. Other costs include operating a dedicated Casino Project Information Center for approximately three months and the communications work that is required leading up to the referendum date. These communications include all areas of media, such as print advertising, cable television, web advertising, and face-to-face interaction with community members.

To expand more on the need for a dedicated Casino Project Information Center, it has become very clear that community members want more information on the Casino Project, but do not want to come to the MCK offices to meet with current Project Team members. These community members have stated that they would be much more comfortable visiting an office at another neutral location to ask questions and speak with Project Team members. The Casino Project Information Center will understandably need to be staffed full-time in order to meet with community members. This type of community outreach was very well received during the 2003 referendum.

#27 - Do you accept oppositions' opinion? The MCK does not recognize opposition. The Grand Chief has already admitted that. So, why ask the question? It's all a farce, big time!!!

The Casino Project Team does in fact recognize opposing opinions. Please review questions 9, 10, 13, 17, 19, 20, and 25 on kahnawakecasinoproject.com in addition to this comment/question. The Project Team is committed to representing the opinions of the entire Community. Further to that, the Project Team does not accept non-factual information related the Kahnawà:ke Casino Project. As always, the Project Team is obligated to correct misinformation, whether inadvertent or deliberate. Your comments towards the Grand Chief are not related to the project and belong in a political forum. We urge you to contact him directly.

#26 - Will money from the casino be put into getting the city water down the 207?

Having the current Water and Sewer system extend throughout the entire territory is essential and one of the projects the MCK is currently looking into, but lacks funding for. In fact, our Capital Unit (who would build such a project) was recently cut over $1 million in Federal guaranteed revenue, setting this idea back further. Because the MCK will have no control over casino profits, we can only promise that (should a casino go through) the MCK will make every effort to propose that the Treasury and Community agree to have some of the profits used to build such essential infrastructure in our Community. In other words, we feel we have a better chance to extend our system down the 207 with a casino in place as a source for funding than we do with only the Federal Government to rely on for funding such a project.

#25 - How many of you (the band councillors) will be sitting on the casino management board? Also what will be the highest paying position and what is the projected salary number?

At this time, no current MCK Chiefs have the qualifications or expertise to sit on such a Casino Board of Directors or a Kahnawake Treasury Board. So, the answer is NONE. In fact, one of the casino project's five guiding principles is to ensure that the Casino Board of Directors and the Kahnawake Treasury Board have NO direct ties to any Council Chief.

As for your second question, we are not sure the specific positions you want salaries for, but at this time we simply cannot provide detailed information on what the full responsibilities of the Casino Board of Directors or the Kahnawà:ke Treasury Board. Their compensation will be a result of their professional responsibilities, and we are not at the proper stage of the project to make an estimate of what their actual responsibilities will be.

#24 - Is this casino a proposed resolution/compensation/gag-order on Kahnawà:ke's land-claim?

Absolutely not. In fact, a profitable casino would be a detriment to the Federal and Provincial Governments when it comes to land claims. Currently, they give us money to fight them on land claim issues. The result is a severe lack of funding and long delays. A profitable casino gives Kahnawà:ke its own source of revenue and the potential to be better equipped in fighting the governments on land claim issues with no delays.

#23 - How will this casino benefit our culture, language, environment, elders and future generations?

All of the areas that you identified; culture (KOR), language (KOR), environment (KEPO), elders service & care (KSCS), and many other important areas are presently under-funded within Kahnawà:ke's various community organizations. Most First Nations throughout Canada and the US have developed casino gaming and then used the proceeds to enhance their under-funded community programs. To be more direct, many First Nations have introduced casino gaming specifically for that reason.

In regards to our future generations, the benefits are numerous. The primary areas that would be of benefit will be an economically independent Kahnawà:ke, along with improved educational and career opportunities for our youth.

Kahnawà:ke is presently 96% dependent on external government funding to maintain our community programs. This is a very high rate of dependence. For our community to truly provide for our future generations, it is extremely important the we take control of our own economic fate. A casino project would be the first step in a long-term economic development strategy, such has been the case with many successful First Nations (Senecas, Rama, Chippewas of Sault Ste Marie, etc).

Relying on the federal and provincial governments to financially sustain Kahnawà:ke will NEVER properly provide for our future generations. That much is certain.

#22 - Shouldn't there be some sort of terms or conditions to follow in order to receive dividends? Example: Rama warns of youth abandoning education upon receiving dividends.

Yes, there will definitely be a detailed policy put in place by the future Treasury body that will address the issue of dividend distribution. This is one of the guiding principles of the Kahnawà:ke Casino project, and this principle will not change in the future.

Referring to research gathered by the Project Team, it is clear that Kahnawà:ke should be very careful to avoid creating a sense of dependency for community members on casino dividends. This dependency includes putting dividends into trust for youth, which the Chippewas of Rama were very clear in pointing out has hurt their community, and was a poor decision on their part. In Rama's case a $4,000 annual dividend was put into trust for youth, who at the age of 18 receive over $100,000 (due to interest) in a lump sum. This has resulted in many Rama youth dropping out of high school in their senior year, which is a serious problem within their community. Kahnawà:ke will not make the same mistake.

It should also be noted that due to the large number of people on Kahnawà:ke's Kanien'kehaka Registry list, there will be limitations on dividend distributions. For example, Kahnawà:ke could not provide a $4,000 to all members dividend such as Rama has been. Doing the math, $4,000 x 7,000 Kahnawà:ke members (rough total) = a $28,000,000 annual dividend distribution. This would a be far too high percentage of the projected annual net profits for the future Treasury body to reasonably consider for dividends. A community enterprise such as a casino would be generating proceeds for community sustainability as a priority.

#21 - Will the MCK, empowered by its casino, still strive--beside the community--towards the ultimate goal of returning to a traditional form of government (an inclusive democracy)?

MCK Priorities will not change. The MCK will actually have no involvement with owning or operating a proposed casino. The MCK will only be involved in initial set-up. If a casino is built, the MCK will not see any guaranteed revenue nor will the casino be a priority as it will be overseen by an independent Treasury. Nothing will change in regards to political direction.

#20 - With regard to the Eastern Doors' article regarding the protest march and reference to profit deficiencies and "being in the hole" at both Foxwoods and Mohican Sun casinos. People not fully in favor have made comments about us losing our land, losing our taxation exemption status, etc.; those seem to be very big concerns for many of the people that I've spoken with.

The financing issues at Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun have more to do with over-aggressive expansion on the part of both First Nations, rather than profitability issues. Yes, it is a fact that revenues for both casinos have been in decline for both since 2008 due to the economic recession that the US is experiencing. Also, increased gaming competition from areas such as the Poconos in Pennsylvania has also affected Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun. However, these are not the primary reasons for their debt issues. Both First Nations made some very poor commercial expansion decisions, and basically bit off more than they could chew in terms of debt. Their loans and bond debts are in the hundreds of millions of dollars. Their expansions involved their casino properties, but also non-casino areas such as a ship building enterprise and the purchase of local hotels in their counties. This is a very good lesson for Kahnawà:ke to take note of: do not accumulate debt unnecessarily. This is also the main reason why the project team is recommending a small/medium sized casino project (1,000 gaming machines and 30-40 table games), so we don't have to borrow an excessive amount of money to construct a facility. So to summarize, Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun are both generating good gaming revenues (just not as great as 2007), and their debt problems are due to poor decision-making when considering commercial expansion.

As for rumors concerning a gaming agreement with Quebec that would result in the loss of Kahnawà:ke land, the loss of Mohawk tax exemption status, a trade-off of the tobacco industry, or anything of that nature is completely and utterly ridiculous. It should be clearly noted that there have been no gaming discussions with Quebec so far, and Quebec's position in 2003 was to only begin discussions with Kahnawà:ke after there is definitive evidence of community approve (a "yes" referendum result). It seems that Quebec has taken the same position with this 2011 casino project, being that they haven't requested any discussions with the MCK to date.

#19 - Is our council really doing this for us (the community) or is it for your (MCK) benefit?

The casino is being proposed because the community is running into funding shortfalls, not to benefit the MCK. As a matter of fact, should the proposal pass, the MCK would have to apply to the treasury for funding, like other community organizations. Currently, the MCK has been dipping into reserves (monies put aside over the years) to help take care of shortfalls; some, like the education deficit of over $300,000, have nothing to do with the MCK but the MCK is transferring monies to ensure educational services continue to be solvent. As you are probably aware, there are an increasing number of organizations that are finding themselves struggling for dollars: the Youth Center, Library, and Karihwanoron School come immediately to mind. The monies to fund these organizations is becoming harder and harder to find. That, in a nutshell, is why the casino is being proposed.

#18 - Where is the land coming from for this casino?

The land for the current casino project has been identified as Quebec land along Highway 30 that is earmarked to be returned to Kahnawà:ke in the very near future. Please refer to "Gaming Market Assessment Video Presentation" on the video page to view the map that identifies the proposed location. The map is clearly shown at the 4:40 minute mark of the video presentation.

#17 - If there has been two votes done already and both ended with no why do it again?

The casino issue is being reviewed again (despite 2 previous "no" referendum results) for the following reasons:

1) Financial Independence - Kahnawà:ke is 96% reliant on federal and provincial funding to administer community programs. With federal budget cutbacks becoming routine each fiscal year, it is highly probable that Kahnawà:ke's community organizations (not just the MCK) will face very serious funding issues in the very near future. Organizations such as the Education Center, Youth Center, and Cultural Center are already facing these funding problems.

2) The 2011 casino project's characteristics are very different from both the 1994 and 2003 projects. The 5 guiding principles of the 2011 casino project outline these major differences.

3) Every young person that turned 18 years of age AFTER the 2003 referendum did not have a voice in either of the 1994 or 2003 decisions. Although the project team is very respectful of the "no" results in 1994 and 2003, there are presently a large number of young people who will have the opportunity to voice their opinions during this decision process.

#16 - Is there any word as to when the next referendum will be?

In regards to an upcoming referendum, all major steps of Phase 2 project research will have to be successfully completed before Chief & Council formally announces a referendum date.

For C&C to be secure in announcing a formal referendum (that requires a lot of time and money to conduct), they'll have to be sure that all three (3) gaming reports from our gaming consultants (The Innovation Group) and the technical survey (to be completed in February 2012) all are favorable for a casino project in Kahnawake. As Phase 2 concludes our community members will have all relevant project data and information at their disposal, and will be able to make an informed decision on a casino project.

Being that there is a Council election coming next July, C&C will want to ensure that a referendum process is distanced away from it so that there is minimal cross-over of the two voting processes. In 1994, the casino project referendum was held in conjuction with Council elections and it was very unpopular with many community members.

#15 - When do you foresee the investment loan being paid back?

A preliminary estimate for a casino facility that would house 1,000 gaming machines, 30-40 table games, and 3 food outlets (as Kahnawà:ke is proposing) is $55-$65 million CAN dollars. With consideration to the financial projections that have been identified in The Innovation Group's "Gaming Market Assessment" report, this loan could be amortized and paid back over a 5-7 year period. It is also important to note that even with consideration to the loan being paid back in the early years of a casino's operations, if projections are met, there is more than enough profitability to ensure that dividends are distributed to community members after the first year of casino operations.

#14 - Who & When will you know who is the proposed investment partner?

If the community approves of a casino, Kahnawà:ke will be looking to secure the services of a gaming management company for the purposes of providing the necessary expertise in developing and managing a casino property. The casino management company WILL NOT have ownership interest in a Kahnawà:ke casino. The gaming management company may provide the loan (financing) to construct and start up the casino project, the other option would be for Kahnawà:ke to secure traditional commercial financing. The goal is for Kahnawà:ke to eventually phase out the gaming management company's services over a predetermined period of time as casino management expertise is secured by community members. It is important to select a gaming management company AFTER there is definitive evidence of community support (such as a referendum) because the top-rated and most reputable management companies WILL NOT seriously consider Kahnawà:ke as a client until they are secure in the fact that the community is in support of a casino project. A gaming management company will be dedicating their time, resources, and reputation in a Kahnawà:ke casino project, so they must be sure that the community supports the project.

#13 - What will Kahnawà:ke have to trade off for the casino?

It is essential to have a gaming agreement between Kahnawà:ke and Quebec. All First Nations with successful casinos have gaming agreements with the province/state they operate within. Unlike some First Nations with casinos, KAHNAWÀ:KE WILL NOT FORFEIT ANY JURISDICTION OR CURRENT INDUSTRIES in exchange for a casino project. The MCK will not jeopardize the tobacco, petroleum or any other local industries.

#12 - What is the amount of the dividend I will receive as a community member and how often?

The amount and frequency of a dividend can only be set if the community decides to go ahead with a proposed casino and when it is in full operation. However, based on social impact research, it is recommended that dividends only be dispersed to members over the age of 18. If the proposed casino reaches projected profits, dividends will be dispersed after the first year of operations.

#11 - Will the MCK control the proposed casino and its profits?

No, the MCK will not be involved in proposed casino operations or profits. A management board will be responsible for casino operations. An independent treasury will be set-up to monitor and disburse revenues in consultation with the community. The MCK will have to apply for funding like every other organization or entity in Kahnawà:ke. Though the MCK will set-up the proposed casino and treasury to ensure accountability to the community, the MCK will have no say in where the dollars get disbursed.

#10 - Why is the MCK crying poverty with their "Where the Money Goes" campaign?

Actually, it specifically says that "We can get by with what we have. But do we want to just get by?" This means the MCK is not poor and will continue to be able to provide services. The MCK just wants the community to know that it cannot enhance services (no growth will occur) and are beginning to draw from community reserves to maintain the current level.

#9 - Isn’t the MCK already building the proposed casino on Highway 132?

No. The prime location for a proposed casino is on lands to be returned to Kahnawà:ke along Highway 30. The area along Highway 132 is currently undergoing construction of a water network extension and looping to improve service in that area.

#8 - If it's voted ‘No’ again, would it come up again in future years?

Some Chiefs have already proclaimed they will continue to push a proposed casino project and feel it is necessary for the future of the Community. A ‘No’ vote does not necessarily mean no future referendums on the subject. A new council table could revisit the issue.

#7 - Will the MCK build it anyway?

At this point, it is only proposed. It will most likely go to a community referendum, at which time the MCK will abide by the decision as it has in the past.

#6 - So, what will be the difference between the MIT dividend and individual proposed casino dividends?

MIT has ownership partners and the community dividend goes directly to the Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke (MCK) and Tewatohnhi’saktha on behalf of the community. A proposed casino would see dividends go directly to individual community members with Kahnawà:ke as 100% owners. Please note that the gaming management company WILL NOT be an ownership partner.

#5 - What is the difference between this proposed casino project and Mohawk Internet Technologies (MIT)?

MIT is not directly involved in gaming. MIT only provides services to the online gaming industry, such as server hosting and provision of bandwidth. A proposed community owned casino would be directly involved in gaming.

Click here to visit the Audio/Visual page and watch an interview about MIT.

#4 - Why does a management company need to be involved?

To ensure that the proposed casino is operated professionally and up to the standards of the broader gaming industry a casino management company will be brought on (until Kahnawà:ke can manage it professionally on its own). One of the keys to profitability for any casino is to have professional management in place to ensure consumer confidence in the operation. However, there will still be room for input from the proposed casino project team according to community feedback so that some of the unique aspects of Kahnawà:ke are reflected in the project.

#3 - Will community members be allowed to invest in the proposed casino?

A private casino development company will most likely be brought on to finance the entire project. Highly specialized development companies have expertise within the gaming field and must be secure with all sources of financing. However, having a proposed casino in the community will generate more opportunities for local business.

#2 - What kind of social measures will be put into place?

The social awareness programs that will be put in place have not been determined yet. However, any measures will be made to complement and enhance what already exists in the community. As indicated in the guiding principles, a percentage of the proposed casino’s revenues will be used directly for social awareness programs that meet the specific needs of community members.

#1 - How will the dollar amount for dividends be decided?

There will be dividends. At this point it is too early to determine what the dollar amount for dividends will be. Tentatively, the dividend amount will be decided based on, but not limited to;

The overall profitability of the proposed casino
Dollars dispersed by the treasury to fund community programs and services
Dollars needed to reinvest back into the proposed casino to maintain growth

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