Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority

The Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA) was incorporated on January 11, 1996, as a non-profit corporation with the goals of creating First Nations employment opportunities, developing First Nations Management expertise, utilizing First Nations capital assets, and providing positive cash flow for First Nations and Saskatchewan. SIGA's first Casino Operating Agreement with the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (SLGA) expired in June 2002, and a new agreement was signed that remains in effect until 2027. The board of directors of SIGA is made up of seven members, with the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations and the Tribal Councils nominating four and the SLGA nominating three.

SIGA operates four Casinos: the Bear Claw Casino on the White Bear First Nation, the Gold Eagle Casino in North Battleford, the Northern Lights Casino in Prince Albert, and the Painted Hand Casino in Yorkton. SIGA employees well over 1,000 people, 70% of whom are First Nations. SIGA uses a portion of its profits to support education, culture, arts, sports and youth programs for First Nations peoples and communities; it has net incomes in the $25-$30 million range, of which more than 95% comes from gaming revenue.

Rob Nestor