MCK offers clarification on proposed private Casino Project

02/03/2017

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke (MCK) wishes to issue clarifications in relation to certain statements made by the proponents of a proposed casino project.

The proponents have stated that they informed the MCK of their intentions last year. Ietsénhaienhs Gina Deer, who holds both Gaming and Economic Development portfolios, stated:

“In a letter dated March 15th, 2016, Chief & Council received a request to meet with Lee Thompson and Karrie Lacroix requesting support for a proposed private venture Indoor Waterpark Resort. A meeting between the proponents and Grand Chief Norton, myself, Chief Political Advisor Winona Polson-Lahache and Eric Doucet (of MCK Legal Services) took place in April 2016.”

“The focus of the meeting was the Waterpark and its attached hotel, which was met with some enthusiasm by the MCK. Later, the proponents indicated that they were considering the possibility of a ‘phase 2’ of the project that would include Gaming on the same property at some undetermined point in the future. Mr. Thompson and Ms. Lacroix were reminded that the MCK was in no position to bring up this topic with the community (due to the fact that proposed community owned casino projects were rejected in three separate referenda in 1993, 2003 and 2012). They were also informed that any further proposals would have to be at the request of the community and not by the MCK.”

The proponents began a process late last week to gain public support for the casino project by gathering signatures.

“Clearly, we’ve had a lack of communication that’s resulted in some confusion this week. We are definitely open to dialogue as Lee and Karrie committed to earlier this week on K103. We will await to hear their availability to meet.”
 
This information is being made available in the interest of clarity and should in no way be misinterpreted as the MCK’s position on the project.