Wanuskewin Tourism Employee of the Year one of many Indigenous Sask Tourism winners
- EFN Staff | April 20, 2018
A few Indigenous organizations and individuals were given awards at the 29th annual Saskatchewan Tourism Awards of Excellence. Chris Standing, Senior Interpreter Guide at Wanuskewin Heritage Park, won the Tourism Employee of the Year Award for his service at the heritage museum. Standing’s duties consist of helping with the new guides, scheduling, training, delivering the programming, tipi raising, and summer camps. Going onto four years, his work with Wanuskewin went unnoticed and it was the perfect opportunity to recognize his efforts by receiving this award.
“I was a little surprised… because there’s a lot of good employees all over the province in all industries,” said Standing in an interview with Eagle Feather News. “[The awards] were kind of like the Grammy’s but for tourism in Saskatchewan. I was lucky to win. It was cool.”
The 29th annual Saskatchewan Tourism Awards of Excellence Gala event was held at the Delta hotel in Regina on April 12 during the 2018 HOST Saskatchewan Conference. The annual Saskatchewan Tourism Awards of Excellence Gala is the province’s largest gathering of tourism operators, representatives and stakeholders. More than 300 gathered in Regina on April 12 to pay tribute to the award finalists and recipients for their exceptional work and leadership in 2017.
“ gala shines a spotlight on Saskatchewan’s vibrant tourism sector and the remarkable hospitality and experiences that delight visitors to our province,” said Minister Responsible for Tourism Saskatchewan Gene Makowsky in a media release. “The Government of Saskatchewan is pleased to acknowledge the leadership and accomplishments of award recipients and finalists and congratulate them on earning recognition by their peers.”
The Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA) was the recipient for Tourism Employer of the Year Award. Shauna Bear, the Vice-President of Human Resources, said SIGA is thrilled to have received this award.
“We are proud to be one of the largest and the most progressive employers in Saskatchewan employing 1,800 people. Sixty-four percent of our employee base is First Nations,” said Bear. “There’s many things that we’re doing right in receiving like this.”
Along with Standing and SIGA’s award categories, there were 10 other winners of the Saskatchewan Tourism Awards of Excellence where Tourism Saskatchewan was proud to showcase the achievements from the various recipients.
“Hosting the annual Saskatchewan Tourism Awards of Excellence Gala is a privilege and honour,” Tourism Saskatchewan CEO Mary Taylor-Ash said. “This occasion provides a rare opportunity to assemble tourism operators and representatives from across the province and celebrate those who raise the bar on the delivery of great hospitality, customer service and guest experiences. Tonight’s honourees are exceptional ambassadors for Saskatchewan.”
The International Amateur Basketball Federation (FIBA) 3x3 World Tour, which includes Michael Linklater, also won the Rookie of the Year Award in the Saskatchewan Tourism Awards of Excellence.