SIGA Leadership

Zane Hansen, President & CEO

Zane Hansen of the Waterhen Lake First Nation is President and CEO of the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA).

Since 2006, Zane has been leading this dynamic organization, which operates seven modern casinos in Saskatchewan. This progressive First Nation entertainment company has been recognized as a top 15 employer in Saskatchewan, top 50 Best Workplace in Canada, and top 35 business in the province. SIGA was also recognized as the 2007 Business of the Year by Sask. Business Magazine and Tourism Saskatchewan.

Prior to joining SIGA in 2005, Zane was previously employed by the Meadow Lake Tribal Council. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Saskatchewan, and has CPA, CMA, CAFM and Chartered Director designations.

Tim Prosser, Sr. VP Finance & Administration

Tim Prosser was appointed Senior Vice President (VP) of Finance & Administration with the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA) in June of 2009. Tim holds CPA (CA), CIA, and ICD.D designations. Prior to joining SIGA, he worked in public practice and focused much of his time on internal auditing and consulting engagements.

Tim has extensive experience working with a variety of businesses with respect to planning and executing a risk based internal audit plan, the internal development of policies/procedures, strategic planning, budgeting, project and program management, enterprise risk management, and governance practices to support the achievement of targeted goals. Regardless of changes that occur in any organization, he is a firm believer that to create a long-term, sustainable business advantage and to remain competitive, the organization needs to know what its internal and external customers value and being able to aptly respond to both fronts.

Tim was born in Calgary but raised in Saskatchewan, and he graduated from the College of Commerce at the University of Saskatchewan in 1999. He serves as the chair of the SIGA Pension Committee and has enjoyed, with the other committee members, seeing the membership interest grow, with more employees taking an active interest in their financial futures.

Lionel Tootoosis, MBA, CPHR

Senior VP, Operations

Lionel provides leadership and strategic direction for SIGA’s seven casinos and Marketing department to achieve SIGA’s corporate mandate and adhere to its guiding principles.

Lionel’s passion for Operations and in the development and mentorship in others, comes from his personal commitment to continuous learning. Lionel has completed his Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Chartered Professionals in Human Resources (CPHR) designation and has a Gaming Management certificate from the University of Reno Nevada.

A few career highlights, from his career spanning over 20 years includes a General Manager role, casino expansion project work, casino, and hospitality management, and providing HR professional services.

Assuming the executive role in 2013, Lionel has led SIGA in several transformational organizational changes including taking over its Casino Management System (CMS) and technical operations from a third-party vendor, developing a regional casino model, and several change management initiatives to optimize organizational performance. Looking forward, Lionel plays an integral part in the organization’s road map as brick-and-mortar operations and online gaming converge.

Lionel is also an active community member with Board of Director roles with the CPHR Saskatchewan and with Indigenous Destinations Saskatchewan.

Vance McNab, Vice President of Marketing

Vance began his career at SIGA in the Spring of 1997 and celebrated his 25th year in the organization in April 2022.

Prior to joining SIGA, Vance was part of the team that opened Wanuskewin Heritage Park, in the role of Director of Visitor Services, and then later became the Marketing Director for the Park.

He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Saskatchewan and obtained his Chartered Director designation through McMaster University. He also has a Gaming Management certificate and attended an Executive Development program from the University of Nevada (Reno campus).

Vance has sat as a member of several boards in the past, including, as a founding member of the Aboriginal Tourism Team Canada (ATTC, now known as ITAC – Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada), Museums Association of Saskatchewan, George Gordon First Nation Treaty Land Entitlement Board, finished as Chair of Tourism Saskatchewan Board and previous board member of the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame. He is the current Chair of Commissionaires North Sask Division, a Wanuskewin Heritage Park Board member, and a member of SKYxe – Saskatoon Airport Authority Community Consultative Committee and VIDO InterVac Community Liaison Committee.

Pat Cook, Vice President of Corporate Affairs

Patricia Cook has served in the role of Vice President (VP) of Corporate Affairs for the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA) since 2005. She is a proud member of the Lac La Ronge Indian Band in Treaty Six Territory.

Since joining SIGA, Pat’s focus has been on Corporate Social Responsibility and Corporate Governance. She oversees SIGA’s Communications, Media Relations, Community Investments and Stakeholder Relations, Responsible Gaming and Policy Administration.

Prior to joining SIGA, she was employed by the Prince Albert Grand Council in various capacities, including as the Director of Operations. Pat has received her Masters in Business Administration (MBA) from Cape Breton University and she has earned her Chartered Director designation from McMasters University.

Pat has served on numerous boards and is currently a Director with the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation and the Responsible Gambling Council of Canada.

Jarvis Pelletier, Vice President of IT/Gaming Systems

Jarvis began his career at SIGA in 2014. He brings more than 25 years of extensive experience to his current role at SIGA as Vice President of Information Technology (IT) & Gaming Systems. Prior to joining the SIGA family, Jarvis spent 20 years with Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI) and SGI Canada in progressive IT leadership roles on capital projects and initiatives across Canadian jurisdictions. Jarvis’ leadership, and rich knowledge of the IT space has led to the successful delivery of SIGA projects provincially across seven casino locations—supporting the corporation’s strategic vision. Jarvis is responsible for all layers of technology that supports SIGA’s casino operations and Central Office. Jarvis has a passion to build team members to reach their fullest potential, and identifying the most cost-effective, value-added IT solutions that contribute towards strengthening the lives of Indigenous people through employment, economic growth, positive community relations, and financial self-reliance.

Jarvis is a member of Cowessess First Nation and holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of Regina. He also completed certificate programs in strategic leadership and gaming management through the University of Nevada Reno and Las Vegas campuses.

Jarvis gives back to the community through volunteerism and presently sits on the Foundations Learning & Skills Saskatchewan Board of Directors.

Desiree Gervais, Vice President of Human Resources

Desiree Gervais of the Sapotaweyak Cree Nation in Manitoba on Treaty 4 territory is Vice President of Human Resources of the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA). She was raised in Saskatoon and spent close to two decades of her professional career in Alberta before returning home to Saskatchewan for this exciting role.

Since joining the SIGA Executive Management Team in February 2022, Desiree has been instrumental in leading and elevating people programs across the organization. She has more than 20 years of progressive Human Resources experience, including with First Nations government, and highly regulated environments in the energy and mining sectors. Desiree has a Bachelor of Commerce degree (in Human Resources) from the University of Saskatchewan, as well as her CPHR Designation.

Desiree brings demonstrated excellence, leadership and operation of annual full cycle HR functions while leading competitive and inclusive people strategies to make SIGA an employer of choice.

Desiree sits on the Government of Saskatchewan’s Ministry of Labour Relations and Workplace Safety Advisory Committee where she received a Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal for public service.