The Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA) recently announced $1.9 million in community funding to more than 400 organizations across the province for the 2023-24 fiscal year. More than $225,000 went toward local food banks and other food security initiatives in each of the organization’s seven casino markets.
The tribal group announced the expenditures during a news conference for the Saskatoon Food Bank & Learning Centre. SIGA Vice President of Corporate Affairs Pat Cook Dakota and Dunes Casino general manager Charles Ryder presented the food bank with a check for $25,000.
“Partnering with food banks and tackling food security-related issues in the province is front and center in terms of community funding priorities for this year,” Cook said.
Casinos Funding Community Needs
SIGA is a non-profit organization made up of First Nations tribes operating casinos and gaming in the province, with 100% of net income going back to communities through groups like the Saskatoon Food Bank, which serves 23,000 people per month. Of those, 41% are children.
“With one in five children in Saskatchewan experiencing poverty, SIGA’s support is welcome news,” executive director Laurie O’Connor said. “SIGA’s investment in the community speaks volumes about their values, and we are proud to be trusted with the results of their success.”
SIGA casino redistributes 50% of net revenue to the First Nations Trust, which sends funds to the 74 First Nations groups in the province. Another 25% goes to Community Development Corporations (CDCs) for local initiatives and 25% to the provincial General Revenue Fund.
“One of our guiding principles W?taskêwin refers to sharing the land or, in today’s terms, sharing our resources,” Cook said. “This is what guides our commitment to share success with the communities that our seven SIGA Casinos and PlayNow Saskatchewan operate in, and to continue to operate in a socially responsible manner so that we can continue to help build a better future, for First Nations and for the people of Saskatchewan.”
