Stoney Nakoda First Nation gambles on new casino

The Stoney Nakoda First Nation hopes its newest venture will be the economic saviour for its people as it officially opened a casino Tuesday on its land west of Calgary.

The casino is the first stage of the Stoney Nakoda Resort in Morley, about 60 kilometres west of Calgary. It's expected to be followed by the opening of the resort next Christmas, and a commercial business park in several years.

The three bands (Chiniki, Wesley and Bearspaw) that make up the Stoney Nation are banking on the initiative to provide about 200 jobs initially and generate as much as $25 million a year.

"We're gambling," said Bearspaw Chief Darcy Dixon. "I think that like anything else it's a kind of a wait and see, but we are optimistic."

Hesaid training programs are in place to ensure band members not only get the jobs at the complex, but that they also keep those jobs. He said he expects 40 per cent of the staff will be aboriginal.

Much of the revenue is slated to go to housing, social services, and education programs to better the lives of the nation's more than 4,000 members.

"For generations to come, the youth will have a revenue that they could utilize. It is critical," said Clifford Poucette, chief of the Wesley band.

Poucette said the casino, which allows smoking, wants to target overseas tourists, with only a small portion of players expected to come from Morley, Canmore or Calgary.

"We're looking at developing a relationship with the tour operators," said project manager Andrew Bish.

TheFirst Nation has already invested $30 million into the project, but critics are worried about its social implications.

Diane Dixon, who works with addiction issues on the nation, said the proximity of the casino could exacerbate existing gambling problems.

"They still have their gambling addiction. I mean, they go to Calgary and they spend their money so they might as well come here," she said.

The chiefs said programs are being put in place to help those with gambling problems.