About Us

Our Mandate

Born with a social purpose, we were established with a mandate to: Create employment for First Nation people; generate positive revenues for First Nations; and partner on economic development projects that benefit our shareholders and communities. We do this through the operation of seven entertainment destinations throughout Saskatchewan.

A non-profit organization, 100 per cent of our net income goes back to our communities.

262

in revenue (2018-19 fiscal year)

82.5

net income (2018-19 fiscal year)

PROFIT DISTRIBUTION

Our Story

Opportunity. It’s the reason why 74 First Nations in Saskatchewan created SIGA in the early 1990s, and why, with our partners, we constructed our first four casinos. Those were exciting times for our 500 employees as we were all riding a steep learning curve. Despite the challenges we faced, we continued to learn and grow, expanding from four to seven casinos and about 500 to 2,000 employees.

Today, our casinos generate more than $250 million in revenue and more than $80 million in net income annually. We operate as a non-profit corporation under Saskatchewan law with 100 per cent of our profit going to Saskatchewan’s First Nations, community development corporations and the Province of Saskatchewan. As of October 2017, we’d contributed more than $1 billion to our economy through our profit-sharing model.

We built a new industry, a game changer for Saskatchewan people, communities and businesses. We’re proud and grateful. Watch our video to learn more.

Vision

SIGA will deliver sustainable net income and employment opportunities to support First Nations’ development in Saskatchewan.

Mission

SIGA will strengthen the lives of First Nation people through employment, economic growth, positive community relations and achieving financial self-reliance. This will be done through the operation of distinctive First Nation gaming destination resorts that reflect the traditional aspects of our First Nation culture and hospitality.

Guiding Principles

As a First Nation organization employing First Nation people, SIGA has adopted five principles to encourage balance, while incorporating the traditional aspects of First Nation culture. While our five guiding principles are presented here in Cree, there are parallel expressions in the Saulteaux, Dene and Lakota, Dakota and Nakota languages.

Tâpwêwin
The principle of Tâpwêwin advocates speaking with precision and accuracy. From a business perspective, this means SIGA must be accountable for our actions and conduct business with integrity, honour and discipline.

Pimâcihowin
Pimâcihowin stresses the importance of “making a living” and is today’s realization of our First Nations’ treaty relationship. The financial and operational success of SIGA provides the means to exercise a holistic approach to improving the quality of life for our people.

Miyo-wîcêhtowin
The value of getting along with others is embodied in the word Miyo-wîcêhtowin. By conducting our business in a manner that reflects our First Nation hospitality, traditions and customs, we are able to foster good relations with our customers. Guest satisfaction is crucial to our success and our First Nations’ heritage is a source of competitive advantage.

Miskâsowin
Miskâsowin signifies the value of finding one’s sense of origin and belonging. A fundamental goal of SIGA is to bring about this sense in a positive way. This value speaks to instilling a sense of pride in ourselves and our province’s First Nations’ heritage.

Wîtaskêwin
Living together on the land is the fundamental value conveyed by the word Wîtaskêwin. SIGA’s vision of Sharing Success speaks to the concept of sharing our land or, in today’s terms, sharing resources. This value directs us to give back to the communities where we live and work.

History

We take pride in our accomplishments and the economic impact we have on Saskatchewan.

1993

1995

1996

2000

2002

2003

2004

2005

2007

2008

2010

2011

2014

2015

2017

2018

2019

1993

The Bear Claw Casino opens on White Bear First Nation (near Carlyle, SK) – 178 employees
After three months of operation, the provincial government closes the casino then presses charges through the court system.
Legal proceedings are put on hold while FSIN and the province negotiate.

1995

February 10, The Gaming Framework Agreement is established between the FSIN and the Government of Saskatchewan, which allowed the FSIN to establish four casinos. The Framework Agreement also defines the ‘First Nation Trust as the fund established under the Saskatchewan Gaming Corporation Act’

1995

June 7, the Chiefs pass the First Nations Gaming Act
On June 10, the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA) is created
November: SIGA and SLGA sign the Casino Operating Agreement

1996

January 11, SIGA is incorporated under The Non-Profit Corporation Act of Saskatchewan
March: Gold Eagle Casino opens in North Battleford and Northern Lights Casino opens in Prince Albert.
November: Bear Claw Casino reopens on the White Bear First Nation.
December: Painted Hand Casino opens in Yorkton.

2000

Gaming Agreement amendments establish and provide funding to new Community Development Corporations. The CDCs will receive 25% of SIGA’s net income.

2002

June 11
- SIGA’s first operating agreement with SLGA expires
- SIGA, FSIN, and the Province of Saskatchewan execute the landmark 25 Year Gaming Framework Agreement, effective until 2027
- SIGA and SLGA sign the 2002 Casino Operating Agreement, effective until 2027
October: SIGA launches Players Club Card

2003

Saskatoon Tribal Council approves a casino at Whitecap Dakota First Nation near Saskatoon.
Swift Current citizens vote 55% in favour of casino development.

2004

Casino projects at Whitecap and Swift Current receive provincial approval.

2005

SIGA employs nearly 1,100 staff, with four casinos and a central office in Saskatoon.

2007

SIGA wins national Spencer Stuart Award in Governance
August: Dakota Dunes Casino opens on the Whitecap Dakota First Nation.

2008

December: Living Sky Casino opens in Swift Current.
SIGA’s official volunteer program kicks off

2010

A new era begins at SIGA as we open our first destination resort at Bear Claw Casino and Hotel on July 1.

2011

SIGA donates $500,000 to Children’s Hospital

2014

SIGA announces $250,000 for the new dialysis unit at the All Nations Healing Hospital in Fort Qu’Appelle
SIGA Casinos secure RG Check accreditation

2015

SIGA shows Rider Pride and launches new Rider Nation Progressive Jackpot.
Gold Eagle Casino completes 5,000 square foot expansion.

2017

October: SIGA reaches $1 billion in net income returned to our beneficiaries
SIGA donates $100,000 to the Gordon Tootoosis Nīkānīwin Theatre
SIGA announces $250,000 support for Wanuskewin Thundering Ahead campaign

2017

SIGA gains approval of its seventh casino in Lloydminster, Saskatchewan.
May: SIGA launches Good Food Run in support of CHEP Good Food Inc.
August: SIGA hosts first annual charity pancake breakfast in support of White Buffalo Youth Lodge
September: SIGA launches SIGA’s Day of Sharing

2018

SIGA completes transition of slot management system to internal servers making us a true operator
SIGA launches new scholarship award: $5,000 Justice Paul Favel Indigenous Award for Outstanding Leadership in Community Involvement. Pictured: 2018 recipient Samantha Waditaka.
December: Gold Horse Casino opens in Lloydminster, Saskatchewan.

2019

SIGA brings in the province’s first Electronic Table Games at Gold Horse and Dakota Dunes Casinos.
New SIGA central office opens in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.
SIGA launches Green Team to improve efficiencies and to further reduce our environmental footprint