Background
The
Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN) under the Health
and Social Development Secretariat (HSDS) Portfolio, administers
the First Nation Addiction Rehabilitation Foundation (FNARF) program.
The FNARF Board of Directors consists of Health and Social Development
Commission Chiefs; the Saskatchewan First Nation Problem
Gambling Technical Working Group (SFNPG-TWG) provides recommendations.
In
June 1994 as part of an economic development plan, the Federation
of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN) successfully negotiated
the First Framework (Gaming) Agreement with the province of Saskatchewan.
The 1994 Gaming agreement between FSIN and the Province of Saskatchewan
pursuant to the FSIN Gaming Act established the First Nations
Trust Fund between FSIN and the Saskatchewan Gaming Commission.
In
June 2002, the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN)
on behalf of all Saskatchewan First Nation Communities and Tribal
Councils successfully negotiated a new Framework (Gaming) Agreement
with the province of Saskatchewan to replace the 1994 Framework
Agreement as part of the updated changes to FSIN gaming jurisdiction
and economic development ventures.
Mandate
FNARF
shall under Section VI. 35 and 36, FSIN Gaming Act, June 7, 1995
“work in cooperation with existing agencies and charities
in order to ensure that effective and accessible prevention and
treatment programs are available to First Nations people affected
by gaming addictions.”
Part
8 (Rehabilitation) 8.1, June 11th, 2002 Framework Agreement, “
The FSIN has established FNARF to ensure that effective and accessible
education, prevention and treatment programs about problem gambling
are available to First Nation people”.
Part
4 (Revenue Sharing) 4.1a. 2002 Framework Agreement “the
sum of 1.5 million dollars shall be allocated to FNARF, through
the First Nations Trust, for funding of FNARF activities in relation
to problem gambling pursuant to Part 8”.
Mission
The mission of FNARF is to promote and maintain healthy lifestyles
that enhance healthy individuals, families and communities. Also,
to promote peoples well being through increasing use of social,
emotional, spiritual and physical resources, and to provide cost
effective, holistic alternatives to deal with problem gambling
activity.
FNARF Funding Beneficiaries
In
Part 4 (Revenue Sharing) 4.1a. 2002 Framework Agreement, 1.5 million
allocated through the First Nations Trust that the position of
FSIN/HSDC to evaluate, monitor, and ensure all FNARF funding flow-through
allocations agreements go the nine (9) Tribal Councils and seven
(7) Independent First Nation based on part for responsible gaming
and problem gambling addictive behaviors in accordance to Section
VI. 35 & 36, 1995 FSIN Act Respecting Gaming, Part 8 (Rehabilitation)
and Part 4 (Revenue Sharing) 2002 Framework Agreement.
It
is also the position of FSIN/HSDC to have one representative from
each of the nine Tribal Councils and seven Independent First Nations
appointed to the Saskatchewan First Nations Problem Gambling Technical
Working Group (SFNPG-TWG) to provide recommendations which ensure
effective prevention and treatment in accordance with the FNARF
mandate and mission.
Regional Strategic Plan
The
Board of Directors of the First Nations Addiction Rehabilitation
Foundation has developed a Regional Strategy on Responsible and
Problem Gambling behaviors. Support must continue for the Problem
Gambling Services to minimize gaps in services for those seeking
help with problem gambling.
The
FNARF Board of Directors maintains a position to neither endorse
nor oppose the gaming industry. Thus, in developing the regional
strategy respect and recognition is granted to gaming as economic
development and employment.
Theories of Problem Gambling
The
FNARF Board of Directors realizes that there are many theories,
models and approaches to assist those experiencing gambling related
difficulties.
Currently,
the FNARF Board of Directors recognizes two approaches or models
in dealing with Problem Gambling. The “Controlled/Risk Reduction
Theory” and the “Disease/Abstinence Theory.”
With
the Controlled/Risk Reduction Theory one maintains that people
can be social gamblers and can gamble for recreation and not have
a problem with gambling. There are those who do have a marginal
problems (low, moderate and high-risk assessment), however people
can learn to control and reduce the incidence of harm in their
lives through controlled (responsible) gambling.
The
“Disease/Abstinence Theory” recognizes there will
be persons who will develop major gambling problems and the only
recourse is abstinence.
What is Responsible Gambling?
The Canadian Webster dictionary indicates gambling as 1: “behavior
involving risk of valuables (usually money) on the outcome of
a game contest or other events (as the outcome of the activity
is partially or totally dependent on chance); 2: to play a game
for money or property; 3a: to bet on an uncertain outcome; b:
to stake something on contingency; 4a: an act having an element
of risk; b: the playing of a game of chance for stakes”.
For
many First Nations people, gambling is considered a social activity.
Playing bingo, dropping a couple of bucks into a machine, wagering
on horse racing, or just going over to the local store and buying
a lottery ticket.
What is Problem Gambling?
Problem
gambling behavior can affect significant areas of a person’s
life. This may include health, employment, financial, and family
relationships. In the Controlled/Risk Reduction Theory, this type
of behavior could be considered low to moderate assessment of
problem gambling behavior.
High-risk
problem gamblers usually are borrowing this money with every intention
of repaying it. But realistically that individual is having noticeable
negative effects in areas of their life, such as excessive debt,
marital problems or illegal activity. In the Controlled/Risk Reduction
Theory, this type of behavior could be considered high-risk problem
gambling behavior.
Treatment Centers
The
FNARF Board of Directors agreed to establish two treatment centers
located in northern and southern Saskatchewan.
The
Prince Albert Grand Council Problem Gambling (inpatient/outpatient
treatment) Center is the only “stand alone” center
for the treatment of problem gamblers that is not based on ethnicity
or residency. The Center is located in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan.
Should you require more information please contact (Toll-Free)
Ph: 1.866.765.5305 0r Ph: 306.765.5305.
The
File Hills Qu’Appelle Tribal Council in partnership with
the New Dawn Valley Center provides dual addiction services for
(inpatient/outpatient treatment) problem gamblers and drug/alcohol.
The File Hills Qu’Appelle Tribal Council and New Dawn Valley
Center are located in Fort Qu’Appelle Saskatchewan. Should
you require more information please contact Ph: 306.332.4277 0r
Ph: 306.332.8213.
Partnership
The
FNARF Board of Directors and SFNPG-TWG is proud to be working
in cooperation towards responsible gaming and problem gambling
initiatives with the following stakeholders:
-
Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN)
- Saskatchewan
Indian Gaming Association (SIGA)
-
Indigenous Gaming Regulators (IGR)
-
Saskatchewan Community Development Corporation (SCDC)
-
Saskatchewan Health (Sask. Health)
-
Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (SLGA)
-
Saskatchewan Gaming Corporation (SGC)
-
Saskatchewan Responsible Gaming Association (SRGA)
Message
If you are a Saskatchewan resident and gambling is a problem for
you or someone you know, call the:
PROBLEM GAMBLING HELPLINE
Toll-Free 1.800.306.6789
(Saskatchewan Health)
Contact
First Nation Addiction Rehabilitation Foundation
Suite 200-103 A Packham Avenue
Saskatoon,
Saskatchewan. S7N 4K4
Ph: (Toll-Free) 1.800.315.1215
Ph: 306.665.1215
Email: fnarf.info@fsin.com
Resources
21
Questions
Responsible
Gambling Council Resources
Understanding
the Odds
Saskatchewan
Health Problem Gambling
Western
Canada Lottery Corporation
Prince
Albert Grand Council Problem Gambling Centre
Casino
Regina Responsible Gambling Tips
File Hills Qu'Appelle
Tribal Council
