New gaming policies now allow First Nation charities to spend charitable gaming proceeds in ways that directly benefit their communities.
Like traditional charities, all First Nation charitable gaming proceeds must be used for charitable objects and purposes. However, some additional policies were needed to meet the unique needs of Alberta’s First Nations. These new policies allow gaming proceeds to be used for:
addictions treatment
community safety programs
cultural events
elders/seniors support
on-reserve housing and infrastructure
life skills training
In addition, some current policies were slightly changed to allow gaming proceeds to pay for items including:
administrative costs (as the First Nations licensed charity will hold events all year long and has no other source of revenue)
children/youth/adults in care (allows gaming proceeds for adults-in-need programs)
medical/health aid and relief (used for vision and dental coverage, prescribed drugs and traditional healing)
These policies were developed as a result of the 2001 First Nations Gaming Policy.
