One year after opening, the Stoney Nakoda Resort and Casino is an economic success but it also comes at a price.

The facility is west of Calgary at the junction of Highway 40 and the Trans-Canada Highway.

The resort and casino is managed by Stage West but is owned by the people of the Stoney Nation.

Many of the staff at the resort and casino are First Nations residents from the area. "Currently we have almost 30 percent staff that stay on with us on a fulltime basis and that really does show that we understand the culture and we're working with it in the diversity of the times," says Andrew Shepherd the general manager of the facility.

Shepherd says the resort and casino is making money even with the downturn in the economy.

Sykes Powderface understands the economic need for the casino but says some of her people are paying a hefty price.

Powerderface says it's important for the nation to be proactive in dealing specifically with alcohol and gambling addcitions.

"This is where we, as a band, have to find the right type of programs to help them and that means getting the community to work together," says Powderface.

As a way of giving back to the community, the casino has established a foundation that benefits the Stoney people.

The money is used for infrastructure improvements as well as programs focused on health and wellness.