All proceeds from the casino will be split among Manitoba's 64 reserves, with each expected to receive about $60,000 per year.

"For us, it's important to provide some kind of economic development in that whole area and also create jobs for our own people," said Chief Francine Meeches of the Swan Lake First Nation

Over time, the casino is expected to create about 200 to 300 jobs, said Meeches.

The casino will be the third aboriginal-run one in Manitoba.

Surrounding communities such as Carberry and Glenboro have expressed support for the casino and are hoping to benefit from increased traffic. The possibility of spinoff businesses such as a hotel and possibly a resort are being eyed for the area.

"We all know how important economic development is," says Dave Chomiak, the minister responsible for the Gaming Control Act.

Other First Nations submitted proposals to have casinos built on their land, but Grand Chief Ron Evans says they wanted larger shares of the profits so Swan Lake First Nation was chosen instead.

"We've made several attempts to have this casino built and we are abiding by the resolution which is to build a casino which will be equally owned by all 64 First Nations," says Evans.

The casino was originally proposed to be built in Brandon, but that community rejected the idea.

The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs says the next step is to secure investors to pay for the construction of the casino, which is pegged at $40 million.

Officials hope to have construction work underway in the fall, with a grand opening slated for 2012.