MCK responds to new gaming issue

07/13/2010

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke (MCK) has learned that a privately owned Kahnawà:ke-based lottery, known as “Ohwistha Lottery,” is now in operation in the community. The “Ohwistha Lottery” is not sanctioned by the MCK and is not licensed by the Kahnawake Gaming Commission.

Chief & Council had been made aware that the lottery was in the planning stages and had preliminary meetings with Peter Paul, one of the proponents of the lottery, on both 10 and 15 Ohiarí:ha/June. A further meeting between Mr. Paul and Grand Chief Michael Ahríhrhon Delisle, Jr. is scheduled for tomorrow (Wednesday, 14 Ohiarihkó:wa/July).

“It is extremely disappointing that the proponents of this lottery would proceed in this manner,” said Gaming Portfolio Chief John Dee Delormier. “This proposal was only recently brought to Council’s attention and there are a number of issues that must be properly considered before proceeding further.”

Chief Delormier said that Chief & Council need to meet on these new developments. He said that he will ask his fellow Council Chiefs to approve a plan to gain community input on this issue.

The Kahnawake Gaming Commission is expected to make a statement later in the week.