Dakota Dunes Casino Open To The Public
Friday, August 10, 2007 at 15:23
It has all the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas, but it’s right here in Saskatchewan.
The Dakota Dunes Casino on the Whitecap Dakota First Nation celebrated its opening last night — ahead of schedule and on budget.
Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority President and CEO Zane Hansen says that is a significant achievement given the shortage of labour in the province.
It boasts the latest in gaming technology, with more than 600 slot machines, 12 live game tables and 4 poker tables.
The casino also features distinct architecture, with walls that look like sand dunes and First Nations emblems in the foyer.
Hansen says this will set a new standard for SIGA – and his agency plans to “replicate it everywhere”.
The casino employs about 400 people, many of whom are of First Nations ancestry and from Whitecap.
Chief Darcy Bear says it will lead to a better quality of life for his people –- noting there are only 10 employable people on his reserve currently without a job.
Bear says a hotel is next on the band’s development list, as well as an RV Park and condominiums.