Standardbreds and Native Partnership?

[Headpole Dave]

 

From standardbredcanada.ca

Six Nations Of The Grand River met with harness racing representatives earlier this week to explore the possibility of creating a new racetrack in Ontario.

During a meeting of the Physical and Economic Development Committee in December 2012, Chief William Montour and local Six Nations horsemen delivered a presentation as a first step toward a Six Nations harness racing track.

At that December meeting, Chief Montour described his vision of a Six Nations destination complete with a new bingo building plus a horse racetrack, resort, hotel, convention centre, golf course, casino and a water park for children.

He said that Six Nations will create the rules going forward and that he wants to see a small local operation that grows and grows and attracts local horsemen and horsemen from other communities. Through a phased in approach, there could be potential for new wagering and potential slots in the community, he added.

Discussions included beginning with two or three nights of racing per week. Suggestions were raised for research and a feasibility study.

Local horsemen echoed the sentiment that, at present, the current harness racing industry has adopted a wait and see attitude toward March 31, the date the official Slots-At-Racetracks program ends.

The presentation given by Chief Montour concluded with a proposal for an Ad Hoc committee or board that included local horsemen and Six Nations Council members. The Committee decided to invite more harness racing industry experts to gather further information and help form a definitive strategy for potential next steps.

The Committee met again last Tuesday, February 12 with harness racing representatives, including Ontario Harness Horse Association's Ken Hardy, Brian Tropea and Jim Whelan, who shared their insights on the current and future state of the industry as it relates to Six Nations.

Chief Montour made it abundantly clear that Six Nations Elected Council has the sovereign right to make decisions in the best interests of the community. He pointed out that the community cannot rely on federal resources.

 All parties agreed to build alliances and continue exploring a Six Nations harness racing track with further talks to be scheduled.

[Max R]

Interesting news.  I dont understand the thinking here. WEG is dying and Six Nations of Grand River are looking to their own thing. I can see why some posters have issues with many of the Native American Casinos in the states. If this becomes reality, I think we're all in trouble.. I dont see it happening

[Headpole Dave]

I'd disagree with that line of thinking Max. Jimmy Whelan is one of the sharpest guys around and I think that if things were done correctly, this could be a very profitable for both the Natives and Horsemen. I'd have a long look at anything Whelan endorsed.

Build a huge tourist attraction, a new track with world class facilities and since it's Native owned and operated you're guaranteed slot revenue. If anything it would be a not so subtle f**k you to the provincial government that screwed both groups over. Feds love it because it's generating revenues and employing Natives, horsemen get a great track, Natives develop a steady income. Everyone wins.

[Max R]

I'd disagree with that line of thinking Max. Jimmy Whelan is one of the sharpest guys around and I think that if things were done correctly, this could be a very profitable for both the Natives and Horsemen. I'd have a long look at anything Whelan endorsed.

Build a huge tourist attraction, a new track with world class facilities and since it's Native owned and operated you're guaranteed slot revenue. If anything it would be a not so subtle f**k you to the provincial government that screwed both groups over. Feds love it because it's generating revenues and employing Natives, horsemen get a great track, Natives develop a steady income. Everyone wins.

I guess time will tell. Point taken. Im not the sure the idea will be as popular as you claim. These days, its hard to tell what anybody's motives are.

But i can certainly see your point. It will be interesting see how it plays out

[Headpole Dave]

I have no idea if it will be popular, but I do know that the Feds will throw almost anything at Native owned businesses money wise. They get many opportunities that other groups simply wouldn't have access to... I do think that there is incredible potential though, if things were setup correctly.