The Office of the Treaty Commissioner celebrates Moosomin First Nation bringing back horse racing to Saskatoon’s Marquis Downs.

The Moosomin Downs & Entertainment Limited Partnership received their thoroughbred racetrack operator licence from the provincial government.

“It’s a historic day because it’s the first First Nation that has a gaming licence in all of Canada,” said FISN vice chief, David Pratt.

“All of us are connected to the horse. The spirit of the horse.”

Moosomin Downs & Entertainment Limited Partnership will host 10 days of horse racing starting at the end of August and running through September. MD&E was created as part of Moosomin Economic Development.

Moosomin Chief Cheryl Kahpeaysewat says the racing is an important part of wealth creation for the community. From agriculture to people who care for horses, the industry has a positive effect on the province she said.

“Our children need to see alternatives to video games and technology,” she said.

After this racing season MD&E will break ground on a racetrack in Corman Park, on land near the airport that was purchased by the First Nation 25 years ago.

“Our Elders had a vision. They had a dream that one day our nation would be holding up what we have here today,” said Lance Myo, Moosomin councillor.

“None of them are with us, but in spirit they are looking down on us with big smiles today.”

The plan is that the 2023 racing season will happen on this new track.