Living Sky Casino Opens to Public December 29

NEWS RELEASE
December 18, 2008
2008-01
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA) and its business partner the File Hills Qu’ Appelle Tribal Council are pleased to announce the opening of the Living Sky Casino in Swift Current. The casino opens its doors to the public December 29, 2008 at 9 am.“We’re thrilled to finally open ours doors to the public,” said General Manager Lionel Tootoosis, Living Sky Casino. “We look forward to providing the people of southwest Saskatchewan with traditional First Nations hospitality and service at Swift Current’s newest and most dynamic entertainment attraction.”

The 50,000 sq. ft. facility offers 220 slot machines, 6 live table games, a deli and restaurant. The $35M Living Sky Casino is a joint development between the File Hills Qu’Appelle Tribal Council and Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority. The new performing arts centre (Sky Centre), a key component of the entertainment complex, is scheduled to open in February.

“The Living Sky Casino is another example of a First Nations business partnership working in collaboration with a Saskatchewan community on an economic development project,” said Tribal Chair Edmund Bellegarde, File Hills Qu’Appelle Tribal Council. “The success of this casino will be broad and far reaching. In addition to creating jobs, it will generate important revenue for First Nations communities across Saskatchewan.”

Through expansion projects with its business partners, SIGA has created 800 new jobs across the province. The new Living Sky Casino employs 340 people in the area and has quickly become one of the city’s largest employers.

“The Living Sky Casino is part of a three year $125M major capital investment program at SIGA. The new Living Sky Casino, Dakota Dunes Casino (Saskatoon) and the new Painted Hand Casino in Yorkton represent an unprecedented level for First Nations economic development in Saskatchewan,” said Zane Hansen, SIGA President and CEO.

The Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority operates six First Nations casinos in Saskatchewan located near Carlyle (Bear Claw Casino), Saskatoon (Dakota Dunes Casino), North Battleford (Gold Eagle Casino), Prince Albert (Northern Lights Casino), Swift Current (Living Sky Casino), and Yorkton (Painted Hand Casino). SIGA employs over 2,000 people and has annual net revenues exceeding $190M. 100% of profits generated from SIGA casinos are returned to its beneficiaries.

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For more information, contact:

Lionel Tootoosis
General Manager, Living Sky Casino
Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority
Swift Current, SK
306.778.5704

Stephen Shaheen
Director of Communications & Media Relations
Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority
Saskatoon, SK
306.477.7573

Backgrounder: Living Sky Casino Fact Sheet