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THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The Board of Directors is responsible for the stewardship of the organization and is ultimately accountable for the management of the affairs and business of SIGA.

It has established a terms of reference addressing its principle duties and responsibilities as a Board. All of its directors are independent of management and no member of management serves as a director.
MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD CHAIR

The Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA) was created with a social purpose to create jobs and opportunities for First Nation people. SIGA is owned by 74 First Nations of Saskatchewan (The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN)), and it is an honour to represent the Board of Directors of the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority.

As stewards of the organization, the Board sets out a course for the future by implementing the strategic direction for the company. Always looking five years ahead, SIGA continues to reinvest in its facilities, its people and implement initiatives that focus on the outcomes required by our shareholders, customers and employees.

Since opening its doors, SIGA has generated more than $1 billion in revenue for our beneficiaries. As a fairly young company, this is an outstanding accomplishment – one that we can all be proud of.

On behalf of the Board of Directors, we look forward to sharing in the success of our common vision.

Respectfully, Chief Reginald Bellerose

DIRECTORS
The Board of Directors is comprised of not more than thirteen members. The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations and the Tribal Councils appoint these members to the Board. Only individuals registered under The Alcohol and Gaming Regulation Act, 1997 may be members of the SIGA Board. Chair is a non-executive appointment.

Chief Reginald Bellerose

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Chief Tammy Cook-Searson

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Chief Darcy Bear

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Carole Bryant

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Marie-Anne Day Walker-Pelletier

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Kevin Poock

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Chief Calvin Sanderson

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Chief Michael Starr

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Chief Jonathan Pasap

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Elder Joe Quewezance

Vice Chief Richard Derocher

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Chief George Cote

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Chief Lorie Whitecalf

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Learn more about SIGA’s Governance , Board of Directors and Leadership

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Reginald Bellerose, Board Chair
Reginald Bellerose has been a Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA) board member since March 2008, becoming Chair of the Board in February of 2015. He served as the Chief of Muskowekwan First Nation for 17 years, is currently Chair of Bellerose and Associates Inc., board chair for SIGA, board chair for Saskatchewan Indian Training Assessment Group (SITAG), vice-president of KDM Constructors, and spokesperson for the Touchwood Agency Tribal Council. Throughout his career, he served on multiple boards, committees and commissions for non-profit and for-profit organizations in areas such as health care, justice, business, youth, agriculture, gaming and mining. Bellerose holds a Master’s Certificate in Project Management from the University of Saskatchewan and a Bachelor of Arts in History and Political Science from Concordia University. He also credits his education to teachings and knowledge shared by chiefs, elders, and youth who he has met over the years.
Chief Tammy Cook-searson

A member of Lac La Ronge Indian Band (LLRIB), Tammy Cook-Searson was raised on the family trapline near Brabant Lake, Northern Saskatchewan. A fluent Cree speaker, Cook-Searson is exceptionally proud of her First Nations heritage, and is a strong advocate of culture and language, maintaining strong ties to the land. Elected LLRIB Councillor at the age of 25, she served three terms before she was elected as the band’s first female Chief in 2005. Cook-Searson is currently serving her sixth conservative term.

As Chief of LLRIB, Cook-Searson is President of Kitsaki Management Limited Partnership, which manages the band’s economic development activities. The Kitsaki portfolio is diverse, with investments in insurance, engineering, mining, utility project management, environment, hospitality, transportation, and more. Kitsaki is committed to long-term, sustainable business, and continues to develop opportunities that meet the appropriate profitability, risk, and employment criteria.

In recognition of her leadership to develop solutions for social challenges, advocacy for Indigenous issues, and community service, Cook-Searson has been recognized with many awards, including: Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business – Woman in Leadership Award (2021); Canadian Armed Forces Special Service Medal (2020); honorary Diploma of Business Administration from the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies (2019); Louisa Sanderson Memorial Award, La Ronge Native Women’s Council (2019); Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce ABEX Award for Community Leader of the Year (2017); honorary Doctorate of Law from the University of Regina (2016); Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal (2012); Saskatchewan Centennial Medal (2006); and the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal (2002).

Cook-Searson serves as Board Director with multiple organizations, including: the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority Board, the Northern Inter-Tribal Health Authority, and the Assembly of First Nations. Her role as LLRIB Chief also means she is an active member of the Prince Albert Grand Council and the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations. As a Canadian Ranger with the 4th Canadian Ranger Patrol Group, she assists with search and rescue operations in the region.

Driven by a collective vision of community, Cook-Searson recently played an instrumental role working with others to lobby for the funding to build a Wellness, Treatment and Recovery Centre in La Ronge. This Centre will provide northerners with timely access to mental health and addictions support services, blending therapeutic treatment with traditional Woodland Cree teachings. This $16.1 million project is currently under construction in La Ronge, with completion slated for spring 2022.

Cook-Searson is involved in many cultural events and fundraising activities. She leads a healthy lifestyle, and is an active member of her community. Cook-Searson enjoys spending time with family and friends in the bush and on the lake. She loves berry picking, photography, running, and learning new skills.

Chief Darcy Bear

Chief Darcy Bear has led the Whitecap Dakota Nation since 1994, celebrating 30 consecutive years as Chief in 2024. Elected to Council in 1991, he has driven economic development through fiscal accountability, transparency, and good governance.

His leadership has earned numerous accolades: Saskatchewan Centennial Medal (2005), Saskatchewan Order of Merit (2011), Diamond Jubilee Medal (2012), Honorary Doctor of Laws (2014), a Saskatoon municipal park – Chief Darcy Bear Park – named in his honor (2015), Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business Lifetime Achievement Award (2016), Queen’s Jubilee Medal (2023), invested in Order of Canada (2024), and King Charles III Coronation Medal (2025).

Under his guidance, Parliament unanimously passed Bill C-51 in June 2023, recognizing Whitecap Dakota Nation’s Self Government Treaty. The treaty took effect on September 1st, 2023, followed by a formal government apology in July 2024 for historical mistreatment of Dakota and Lakota peoples.

Chief Bear’s vision has improved the quality of life both within the Whitecap Dakota Nation and throughout the region.

Carole Bryant
Carole Bryant, Pro. Dir, rejoined the SIGA Board in January 2010. Carole is currently Director of Governance and Corporate Services with the Ranch Ehrlo Society. She has had diverse career experience in social work, community development, human resources, corporate services, board governance and communication. Carole is the past-president of the Saskatchewan Association of Social Workers and is a former past-president of the Regina Rotary Club. She was one of the founding board members of SaskPower Commercial Inc. and has board experience with the Luther College Board of Directors, Investment Saskatchewan and is a former President of the Regina and District Food Bank. Carole has a master’s degree in Social Work. She completed her MBA from Queen’s University in Kingston and has her CPA designation.
Marie-Anne Day Walker-Pelletier

Marie-Anne Day Walker-Pelletier joined the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority in 2023 as a sitting member of the Board of Directors for a second time. She previously sat on the board from 2013 to her retirement in November 2020, representing File Hills Qu’Appelle Tribal Council.

Day Walker-Pelletier has dedicated her life to serving her First Nations’ people and the First Nation people of Saskatchewan. First elected Chief of Okanese First Nation in 1981, she would go on to lead her community for nearly four decades until her retirement in 2020. During that time, she has served on numerous boards and commissions too numerous to mention but always with a focus on women and children. Remaining active in the community she currently sits as the Chair of the Daywalker Home Fire Family Centre.

In 2016, she was honoured by the Assembly of First Nations for being the longest-serving elected Chief in Canada. Marie-Anne is also a recipient of the Saskatchewan Order of Merit, and in 2018, she was given the Order of Canada, which honours people who make extraordinary contributions to the country. In 2022, Marie-Anne was also honoured with a Canada Post stamp as part of its Indigenous Leaders series.

Kevin Poock
Kevin Poock from the Battleford Tribal Council Management Corp. was appointed to the Board in February 2012 by the Battlefords Tribal Council. Kevin is a Chartered Financial Planner who has more than 25 years of experience in the financial services industry. He was instrumental in the financing and opening of the first four casinos operated by SIGA. In 1998, he joined Battlefords Tribal Council to assist their Economic Development Division. He currently is part of a group that manages several diversified businesses, holding companies, and analyzes new opportunities for First Nations.
Chief Calvin Sanderson
Chief Calvin Sanderson was appointed to the SIGA Board of Directors in the Fall of 2018 and represents the Independent Bands. Chief Sanderson was a Band Councillor from 2000 to 2003 and then became Chief of the Chakastaypasin Band, a position he has held since. He has been involved in settling land and annuity claims for Chakastaypasin and strives to work hard to benefit his membership. Chief Sanderson has also been on the Board of Indigenous Gaming Regulators since 2009.
Chief Michael Starr

Chief Michael George Starr was first elected as Chief of Star Blanket Cree Nation in 2009 and has held this role for four consecutive terms. Prior to being elected Chief, he had been a Councillor for 15 years.

Chief Starr has worked towards economic sovereignty for First Nations and sits on the Board of Directors for the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Association (SIGA), one of the largest economic drivers for First Nations in Saskatchewan. He is also a board member for FHQ E-Commerce, Keeseechiwan Holdings, and FHQ Casino Holdings. He is advancing a solar energy project and a greenhouse project.

Passionate about Education, Chief Starr has committed focus to advancing educational opportunities and outcomes for First Nations youth locally, regionally, and nationally. Star Blanket Cree Nation is home to the First Nations University of Canada, a post-secondary institution founded by the 74 First Nations located within Saskatchewan. Chief Starr sits on several boards, committees and commissions dedicated to strengthening education systems and is a proponent for integrating the importance of honoring the Treaties into curricula. Chief Starr also values the role of Sports and Recreation plays in developing well-rounded leaders.

Chief Starr believes in the importance of strong institutions that support wellness and sits on the All Nations Healing Hospital Board of Directors as well as the Leading Thunderbird Lodge Board of Directors.

He holds a Professional Director designation, a Business Administration Diploma from the First Nations University of Canada, and a Community Programming Diploma from the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies (SIIT).

Chief Jonathan Pasap

Chief Jonathan Pasap was appointed as Chief of White Bear First Nation in Summer of 2023, and then a subsequent appointment to SIGA’s Board of Directors. Chief Pasap has a long-standing prior employment history with SIGA. He most recently served as SIGA’s Region East Regional General Manager until February 2023.

Prior to that, he served for more than 15 years at several SIGA Casinos in progressive gaming management positions, having worked at Northern Lights Casino as Operations Manager, Living Sky Casino as Senior Operations Manager and General Manager at Bear Claw Casino.

Chief Pasap has a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of Regina and also attended the Tribal Leaders Program at Harvard Business School.

Vice Chief Richard Derocher

Richard Derocher is a distinguished member of the Flying Dust First Nation, a member band of the Meadow Lake Tribal Council (MLTC). He currently serves as the Cree Vice Chief of the MLTC, a position he has held since being elected in October 2018 and joined the SIGA Board of Directors in June 2024.

Richard’s commitment to community leadership spans nearly three decades, having served a total of 18 years as a band councillor between 1994 and 2017. Beyond his elected positions, he has contributed significantly to his community’s development, working as Band Manager and Project Manager for 4 years.

Born and raised on the Flying Dust First Nation, Richard continues to reside there with his wife Joanne, their three adult children, and four grandchildren. His dedication to public service extends beyond tribal governance, as evidenced by his 6-year tenure on the White Buffalo Treatment Centre Board.

Richard’s professional interests center on economic development, health, and education, while he maintains a special dedication to youth and recreation activities and programming. In his personal time, he is an avid hockey enthusiast and chuckwagon racing fan.

His exceptional service has been recognized with prestigious honors, including the Queen’s Jubilee Award prior to Her Majesty’s passing and more recently, the King’s Coronation Distinction Award from King Charles in February 2025.

Through his leadership roles and community involvement, Richard continues to make meaningful contributions to the advancement and well-being of the Flying Dust First Nation and the wider tribal community.

Chief George Cote

Chief George Cote has served as Chief of Cote First Nation (Saulteaux) since 2016, bringing decades of administrative and leadership experience to the role. Born to Leonard and Mable Cote, Chief Cote is a proud family man with 2 children and 4 grandchildren.

Prior to his election as Chief, he built an extensive career in housing administration and property management. Chief Cote dedicated 35 years to the Yorkton Parkland Housing Society, serving as Property Manager from 1990 to 2016, following his role as Administration Clerk from 1981 to 1990. His commitment to community development extended beyond housing through his leadership as Board Chairman of the Yorkton Friendship Centre from 1990 to 2000, and as Board Chairperson of York Lake Golf Course from 2002 to 2006.

In his current role as Chief, he has taken on significant responsibilities with the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN), managing crucial portfolios including Health, Lands, and SITT since 2016, as well as serving the IGR Portfolio from 2018 to 2021. Since 2019, Chief Cote has also served as the Economic Development Chairperson for the Yorkton Tribal Council, working to advance economic opportunities for his community and region.

Chief Cote is an advocate for healthy living and maintains an active lifestyle through sports and recreation, including golf, hockey, slow pitch, and walking. He leads by example and has maintained his sobriety for 17 years, demonstrating his commitment to personal wellness and serving as an inspiration to others in his community.

Chief Lorie Whitecalf

Chief Lorie Whitecalf made history when she became the first woman elected Chief of Sweetgrass First Nation in 2011. She is currently serving her sixth term as Chief, from 2011-2017 then 2019 to present. Being raised on a farm provided Lorie with a strong work ethic and a belief system that women can do anything. She continues to raise cattle alongside her father and raises chickens and horses and is an avid gardener. Chief Lorie raised three children, Kylie, Whitney, and Austin, on Sweetgrass First Nation where she currently resides. She practices a traditional lifestyle of hunting, fishing, and gathering.

Chief Lorie Whitecalf grew up on Sweetgrass First Nation and attended school in Cut Knife, Saskatchewan. She went on to Lakeland College to attain a Business Administration Diploma, graduating with great distinction. Chief Lorie went on to work in finance for Sweetgrass First Nation, Northwest Professional Services (BTC), BTC Human Services, and Battleford Agency Tribal Chiefs from 1992-2010, gaining experience and knowledge on the intricacies of fund accounting, preparing audits and Indigenous Services reporting systems.

Chief Lorie continued education throughout her employment, receiving her Life Skills Coach Training Level 1 (Red Echo Associates), Computer Repair Technician (SIAST) and Professional Director Certification Program (University of Regina).

Chief Lorie currently sits on the following boards: FSIN Lands and Resource Commission, Battle River Treaty 6 Health Centre and Battleford Agency Tribal Chiefs Executive Council, BATC Employment and Training, Battlefords Discovery Co-op, FSIN Women’s Commission, Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority.

Chief Lorie Whitecalf’s leadership is characterized by a focus on cultural preservation, educational advancement, and community empowerment, reflecting her commitment to a prosperous and united Sweetgrass First Nation. Chief Lorie was presented with a Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal in 2022 and most recently the King Charles III Coronation medal.