Services and Activities to Promote Responsible Gaming

New Initiative

The Fondation Mise sur toi will provide major funding to the first campaign designed to raise awareness about responsible gambling among the First Nations.

Under the slogan “Better Ways to Realize your Dreams”, this three-year campaign will reach some 45 communities in Québec. This is an initiative of Fondation Kanatha, a non-profit organization whose mission is rooted in the fundamental principles that promote the well-being for First Nations and Inuit people, as well as a respect for cultural values and differences. The campaign’s goal is to educate aboriginal communities about responsible gambling, sensitize them to the inherent issues, and encourage them to reflect on their gaming habits. Over the long term, the initiative’s objective is also to raise awareness about the dangers of problem gambling among First Nations people, and to help preserve ancestral values and traditions in their communities.

The first phase ran from May 15 to September 23, 2007, in 13 aboriginal communities across the province, including Val-d’Or, James Bay, Maniwaki, Parent and Schefferville. Over 120 people took part in the two days of public awareness activities, and nearly 5000 members of Québec’s Aboriginal communities attended the event’s Community Day.

The second phase begins in June 2008 in 16 aboriginal communities in different regions: Québec, Laurentians, Lower North Shore, James Bay and Mauricie.