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The Nekaneet First Nation just outside of Maple Creek is hoping to boost their fortunes with a new goods and services tax.

They have received federal approval to go ahead with the 5% GST for businesses on their land.

Chief Jordi Fourhorn said tax exempt status won't apply in this case, “That treaty or price though is the government tax, the Canadian Tax, this tax is our own tax”

He expects the majority of the predicted $20,000 a month in tax revenue will come from their urban reserve properties like the Living Sky Casino in Swift Current or their office space in Regina.

"We want to fix our housing" said Chief Fourhorn. "Get more housing on reserve and then inject back into our economic development, maybe buy more urban property."

Nekaneet is the second First Nation to bring in a GST. The Whitecap Dakota First Nation has had one for three years now.

The tax should be implemented by the fall.

Shawn Mullin talks with Chief Jordi Fourhorn