WHITECAP, SK – The Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA) held a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Dakota Dunes Casino to celebrate the Phase 1 expansion completion of the casino. Phase 1 completion saw the re-opening of a newly expanded smoking room, adding 11,500 sq. ft. of additional gaming floor space to the casino. In spring of 2026, the next phase is expected to be completed expanding the High Limit Room table game area at the casino, and in summer of 2026, plans for a new food and beverage area, with a newly refreshed Tim Hortons deli and bar and teppanyaki-style noodle bar.
“It’s great to see this project continue moving forward,” said Saskatoon Tribal Council (STC) Tribal Chief Mark Arcand. “The good jobs that are being created here for First Nations people are a stepping stone to improved quality of life for individuals and families, and the additional revenue generated by this expansion will support continued economic development, and many worthy initiatives both in Saskatoon, and in our STC member communities.”
“This expansion of the Dakota Dunes Casino is timely as we construct the Dakota Dunes Thermal Spa on the resort side of the property,” said Whitecap Dakota Nation Chief Darcy Bear. “All of these enhancements will only further increase the number of visitors and position the property as the premier destination resort in the province.”
“SIGA’s mandate is to create employment for First Nation people; generate positive revenues for First Nations; and partner on economic development projects that benefit our shareholders and communities,” said SIGA Board Chair and Chief of Lac La Ronge Indian Band, Tammy Cook-Searson. “This Phase 1 expansion is already helping us to further this mandate. An additional 30 jobs have been created and already hired for this Phase 1 completion, with more potential job creation once Phase 2 is completed. In total, Dakota Dunes Casino now has 373 employees, 73 percent of which are First Nation,” said Chief Cook-Searson.
“With Phase 1 completed, we are very excited to provide our customers with a larger improved gaming floor. We now look forward to the completion of Phase 2,” said Zane Hansen, SIGA President and CEO. “We are excited to provide an even more amazing experience for our casino guests, with an expanded High Limit Room table gaming area at the casino, and enhanced food and beverage areas planned in 2026.”
