SIGA opens new headquarters
- EFN Staff | September 16, 2019
Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA) officially has a new home.
SIGA held a grand opening for their new Central Office in Saskatoon. On September 13th, 2019, SIGA held a ribbon cutting ceremony along with their partner Muskeg Lake Cree Nation (MLCN).
“With a new upgrade and a brand-new building, it also benefits SIGA as well as the grassroots people too,” said MLCN Chief Kelly Wolfe. “Now we create revenue and that revenue can go back to our people through programs and services.”
The new SIGA building is a 40,880 square foot office with a 9,750 square foot warehouse on MLCN. The building has a state-of-the-art warehouse.
SIGA President and CEO Zane Hansen wasn’t in attendance at the opening ceremony but provided a statement on a SIGA press release about the new office and what it means for SIGA.
“This new facility will enable us to increase our capacities and to be able to better support all of our casino locations across the province,” stated Hansen. “Even more, a warehouse was essential to allow us to take over the management of our slots and the driving factor behind this new office build.”
Patricia Cook, SIGA VP of Corporate Affairs, said the grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony is a celebration of another milestone in First Nations gaming in Saskatchewan.
“At SIGA, we’re always proud to among the many successful First Nations economic enterprises in Saskatchewan,” she said. “These past two years have been an exciting time of growth and development for our company.”
Cook added the new SIGA facility features include a 10,000 square foot warehouse for the slot program, a spiritual room for ceremonial and elders’ services, a state-of-the-art central surveillance room, a gaming showroom to test and demo new product and a training centre for employees across SIGA.
“For the first time in many years, the central function of SIGA will all be under the same roof,” said Cook. “It’s been a long time coming and something we’re happy about. We’re all proud of our new home.”
There are 180 people employed at the new Central Office and all those positions support all the seven casinos and the work they do out there.
“Being employed by First Nations for First Nations. It’s a positive thing,” said FSIN Chief Bobby Cameron. “The Chief and Council twenty odd years ago a vision to develop on this piece of land. Now we are seeing the succession of those visions coming to reality.”
The land is owned by MLCN and is leased to SIGA, who is responsible for the building’s operation. SIGA’s new Central Office is located at 103 Aspen Place in Saskatoon. SIGA Central Office provides support to SIGA’s family of casinos, which includes Bear Claw Casino & Hotel, Dakota Dunes Casino, Gold Eagle Casino, Gold Horse Casino, Northern Lights Casino, Painted Hand Casino and Living Sky Casino.