SIGA Commits $100,000 and Regional Efforts for the Saskatchewan Wildfire Evacuees

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan – The Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA) has committed $100,000 for relief efforts in addition to volunteering and fundraising to help Saskatchewan forest fire evacuees.

SIGA’s Board Chair Reginald Bellerose spoke today about relief efforts, “We would like to recognize the hard work of all of the people in communities across this province who are involved in relief efforts and getting the wildfires under control. The safety of our communities has been a major concern for us all and there have been so many groups and individuals that have worked tirelessly to support the regions and people where the fires are burning. Thank you all.”

Many of SIGA’s employees are from the communities that have been struggling through the evacuations. SIGA and its employees conducted fundraising events, in addition to donating hundreds of meals and necessary items such as water and baby blankets. These are just a few of the ways that they gave their support to those in need.

“We are supporting the Red Cross and the Salvation Army in their work, and we have also stepped up our efforts by donating funds directly through the Prince Albert Grand Council and the Meadow Lake Tribal Council for their communities,” shared SIGA’s President & CEO Zane Hansen. “It has been outstanding to also see our employees giving even more; they are involved in efforts above and beyond what anyone would expect of them. We are very proud of them.”

SIGA will continue to support efforts in these matters and our thoughts remain foremost with the people of the province that are struggling with the effects of these wildfires.

-30-

For more information, contact:

Pat Cook, Vice President of Corporate Affairs
Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority
(306) 477.7777 Pat.Cook@siga.sk.ca

Shannon Cossette, Director of Communications
& Media Relations
Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority

306) 477-7575 Shannon.Cossette@siga.sk.ca

As a non-profit corporation, 100 percent of SIGA’s profits are distributed to its beneficiaries in

Saskatchewan. SIGA as a company owned by the First Nations of Saskatchewan, fully reports its financial and operational performance to its shareholders and the public.

Profits generated from SIGA’s operations are administered by the Province of Saskatchewan.

• 50% is shared with the First Nations Trust which is distributed to Saskatchewan First Nation communities;
• 25% is shared with regional Community Development Corporations (CDCs) which are situated in the casino locations for local initiatives;
• 25% is shared with the Provincial Government’s general revenue fund.

As one of the largest First Nations organizations in the country, SIGA employs a workforce of close to 1900 individuals of which 66% are First Nation.

As a non-profit SIGA’s gaming operations are returned 100% of their profits to its beneficiaries. Our family of casinos offer a distinctive First Nations entertainment experience that reflects the traditional aspects of First Nations heritage and hospitality. They are entertainment and tourist attractions that deliver added value to the communities in which they operate.

SIGA casinos:

• Bear Claw Casino & Hotel (White Bear First Nation) near Carlyle
• Dakota Dunes Casino (Whitecap Dakota First Nation) near Saskatoon
• Gold Eagle Casino (Mosquito First Nation) in North Battleford
• Living Sky Casino (Nekaneet First Nation) in Swift Current
• Northern Lights Casino (Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation) in Prince Albert
• Painted Hand Casino (Kahkewistahaw First Nation) in Yorkton

SIGA casinos entertain over four million guests annually.

SIGA employs over 1900 people including over 1,200 who identify as First Nations.

SIGA casinos offer entertainment and excitement, including 1,995 slot machines, 52 live table games, live on stage entertainment and a full line of food and beverage services. Employees provide a second-to-none customer service experience, rooted in traditional understandings of hospitality found in First Nations culture.

Under the First Nations Gaming Act in 1995, the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations Inc. (FSIN) created the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority and since 1996, SIGA has been incorporated under the Non-Profit Corporation Act of Saskatchewan with all profits returned to its beneficiaries.

Profits generated from SIGA’s operations are administered by the province of Saskatchewan:

• 50% is shared with First Nations Trust which is distributed to Saskatchewan First Nation communities;
• 25% is shared with regional Community Development Corporations (CDCs) which are situated in the casino locations for local initiatives The CDCs which are independent of SIGA, distribute this money to charitable and not-for-profit community organizations
• 25% is shared with the Provincial Government’s general revenue fund.

As a responsible corporate citizen, SIGA has made a commitment to our customers, employees, stakeholders and suppliers to advocate the responsible use of its gaming products and minimize the potential for harm.

NT5