Chief and Council Report

Casino Rama Post 2011 Agreement Announced
On January 26th, Chief and Council for Rama First Nation joined with the Honourable Chris Bentley, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs, in announcing a new partnership with the province which will ensure Casino Rama’s future for up to 35-years. The announcement took place in the lobby of the Casino Rama hotel with a large audience including our community and staff, Casino Rama Management and CREW, Ontario, Ontario Lottery and Gaming, local leadership and businesses.
This agreement officially starts on August 1, 2011 with a 20-year term and two renewable options which extend the agreement to 35 years. It is estimated to be worth $1-billion dollars to Rama First Nation.
Miigwech to the many who joined in the celebration at Casino Rama. We are looking forward to the new opportunities that this brings to our community , particularly in economic development initiatives.

35% Revenue Sharing Appeal Released by Court
The Court of Appeal for Ontario released a decision on Friday, January 22nd. The court ruled against Rama First Nation in the 35% Revenue Sharing case, finding that the 35% funds currently held in escrow should be shared among Ontario First Nations.
Chief and Council are working with legal counsel to examine the options, which includes the possibility of an appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada. The Supreme Court is the last available appeal. Chief and Council have 60 days from the date of the ruling to file an appeal with the Supreme Court of Canada. The Supreme Court may take some time to review their position so it would likely be heard sometime in 2011. We will continue to keep you informed on this issue.

Chippewa Tri Council Update
Chief and Council continue to meet with the CTC to discuss strategies for settlement of the Coldwater Narrows Land Claim. We are working with Beausoleil First Nation and Georgina Island First Nation to lobby members of Cabinet to assist in speeding up resolution of our claim. We have been advised that it is currently going through committee review, which precedes being put on Cabinet’s agenda. Members of this committee report that the thorough settlement preparation undertaken by the CTC negotiating team has helped move this through administrative channels quickly
Meetings are planned with Members of Parliament Bruce Stanton, Simcoe North, and Honourable Peter Van Loan, York North, within the next few weeks.
We will continue to keep you advised on progress in this settlement process.

Upcoming Meetings and Events
Feb. 15 Family Day
Feb. 16 First Nations Public Library Week begins
Feb. 19 Rama Community Social
Feb. 23-25 Chiefs of Ontario, Health Forum, Toronto

Please see notices in the Ojibway Times for more community events and notices.

Note that Family Day on February 15th is a statutory holiday so the Administration offices will be closed. Essential services will continue to be provided.