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I have followed Mr. Nelson's work over the past 20 years in Canada. He is considered a "radical" by the Canadian government and has
been the subject of investigations over the years. There has been increased tension between the Canadian government and First Nations since the
Québec Oka Crisis in the early 1990s. That crisis centered on the provincial government's plan to build a golf course on land that was sacred
burial ground for local First Nations. Native groups staged a take over of the land and a stand off ensued, followed by violence from both sides of
the issue. The Canadian government then inflamed the issue by sending troops into the area. By the end of the stand-off there had been deaths on
both sides.
Mr. Nelson has been involved with the American Indian Movement (AIM) for many years. He recommended that people go to the AIM
website to view the video "Not So Gentle Neighbours to the North" (http://www.aimovement.org/) to learn more
about the problems facing First Nations in Canada.
Health issues are impacted by unemployment rates. For some tribes in remote Northern Manitoba, getting sick can separate people from
their families, their community, and their traditions for long periods of time. When someone gets sick they must first be flown to the closest major
city or town. When they arrive, they must get a taxi from the airport to the hotel; many individuals from remote reserves may have never been out of
their community, may never have been in a large city in their life, may never have used a taxi before, and may not speak English well. These cultural
and linguistic differences can substantially increase the stress level for someone who is ill. Once the individual gets to the hospital and receives
treatment, they may then have to find local accommodations while they complete follow-up care. This can increase the stress level of the individual
even more. If there is no family or community support; this can be detrimental to a patient's ability to recover.
Ernie Stevens,
Chairman, National Indian Gaming Association
Mr. Stevens was a very dynamic speaker and had the audience laughing throughout much of his keynote. He explained that the National
Indian Gaming Association (NIGA) represents 180 tribes throughout the United States and regulates Indian gaming, and that the revenues from gaming
have been integral in improving healthcare infrastructure in Native communities across the US. He noted that 67 percent of Americans support gambling
and that Native American casinos have an impact not only on their own economy but also the economy of the community around them. So many jobs are
available at casinos that 75 percent of casino employees are non-Indian and it is not only Native Americans that benefit financially from gambling.
He noted that those who oppose Native run casinos never seem to mention the impact on the surrounding community or how the revenues
impact those outside of the Native American community. Gaming is a progressive and regulated industry, he told the gathering. The community outside
the Indian community also benefit, so benefits are not limited to the color of your skin.
The Oneida tribe has used its gambling revenues to build new healthcare facilities that include:
- Dialysis center
- Rehab facility
- Clinics
- Workout centers
- Half-way houses
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