About SIGA
A game-changer for Saskatchewan people, communities and businesses.
As a non-profit organization, 100 percent of our net income goes back to our communities.VISION
The leading First Nation organization driving innovation and opportunity in gaming entertainment.
Our mission & Values
SIGA Casinos deliver entertainment and excitement, offering slot machines, live table games, electronic table games, live on-stage entertainment and food and beverage services. SIGA employees provide a second-to-none customer service experience, rooted in traditional First Nation hospitality and culture.
SIGA was established to:
- Create employment opportunities for First Nation people
- Generate positive revenues for First Nations
- Partner on economic development projects that benefit our shareholders and communities
MISSION
SIGA will deliver a distinctive gaming entertainment experience that reflects our First Nation values.From this we will strengthen the lives of First Nation people through employment, economic growth, positive community relations and financial self-reliance.
OUR MANDATE
SIGA was 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.
Our guiding principles
As a First Nations organization employing First Nations people, SIGA has adopted five principles to encourage balance, while incorporating the traditional aspects of First Nations culture.
Our five guiding principles are presented here in Cree, but we also acknowledge that there are parallel expressions in the Saulteaux, Dene, Lakota, Dakota and Nakota languages as well
TÂPWÊWIN
The principle of Tâpwêwin advocates speaking with precision and accuracy from a business perspective, meaning SIGA must be accountable for its 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 Nations hospitality, traditions, and customs.
Our heritage is a source of success and a competitive advantage when it comes to fostering good relations with our customers and providing guest satisfaction.
MISKÂSOWIN
Miskâsowin signifies the value of finding one’s sense of origin and belonging.
A fundamental goal of SIGA is to bring about this value in a positive way by 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 “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.
OUR HISTORY
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
THE SIGA STORY
When you join SIGA, you soon realize that you are a part of something that is much more than a corporation.
Our existence and success is the result of a collective effort of First Nation people across Saskatchewan.
You hear it in the voices of our leaders who faced significant odds before we had the opportunity to open our doors.
