Photo: T.i. STUDIOS ARCHITECTURE Inc are the architects working with the Nation on the development and here are the rendering images for the project. / Provided by T.i. STUDIOS ARCHITECTURE Inc.
On April 14th, an announcement of the approximately $100 million dollar casino project will see the relocation and rejuvenation of the Gold Eagle Casino, hotel and convention centre to Mosquito Grizzly Bear’s Head Lean Man (MGBHLM) First Nation near North Battleford marks a major milestone for the First Nation and it signals a deeper shift towards reconciliation since last year in December, through a ministerial order, the nation got their land back.
“Today marks an important and proud moment for Mosquito, Grizzly Bear’s Head, Lean Man First Nation and for the entire region,” said Chief Tanya Stone. “This project represents years of vision, planning, and commitment from our leadership and community. We are grateful for the continued support of our Elders, leadership, BATC, FSIN, and our partners at SIGA, City of North Battleford, Indigenous Services Canada and the province. This development is more than a facility — it is a long-term investment in our people, our economy, and our future. We are building something that will create opportunity and lasting benefits for generations to come.”
MGBHLM First Nation Chief Tanya Stone making announcement at The Ridge April 14, 2026
The project and relocation and expansion of the Gold Eagle Casino are not simply a business decision; they are part of a broader movement toward reclaiming space—both physical and cultural—within traditional territories.
The fact that MGBHLM First Nation is in the final stages of acquiring land for this project underscores a meaningful shift: land once governed externally is being brought back to the original land keepers and protectors.
“This marks an important milestone for Indigenous economic development in Saskatchewan. SIGA’s continued leadership in the gaming industry has necessitated a new, modern facility in North Battleford,” said FSIN Chief Bobby Cameron. “We commend the Mosquito Grizzly Bear’s Head Lean Man First Nation for its leadership and collaboration with the Host Tribal Council and the local community. This project will support employment and provide lasting economic benefits for First Nations and the region.”
Through partnership with the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA), the project is positioned to generate hundreds of jobs, attract significant tourism, and create sustained revenue streams.
“The rejuvenation of the Gold Eagle Casino represents an extraordinary opportunity to reimagine what a SIGA Casino can be, not just a place to visit, but a true tourism and entertainment destination that draws guests from across the province and beyond, said SIGA President & CEO Zane Hansen. With hundreds of construction jobs and long-term positions on the horizon, and the potential for well over half a million visitors annually, this development will have a transformative economic impact on North Battleford and the surrounding region. We are committed to ensuring the new Gold Eagle Casino becomes a landmark destination, while staying true to our culture and traditions with seven First Nation owned and operated casinos across the province,” said Hansen.
Yet what sets this initiative apart is how those benefits are structured. For the First Nation, their investment means that future revenues are reinvested into community priorities—housing, education, cultural programming, and services that strengthen future generations.
Chiefs and leaders gather at MGBHLM First Nation Casino Announcement on April 14, 2026
“SIGA’s mandate has always been to create meaningful employment for First Nations Peoples, generating positive revenues for our communities, and supporting economic development that benefits our shareholders and the larger province for generations to come,” said SIGA Board Chair Tammy Cook-Searson. “The relocation and rejuvenation of Gold Eagle Casino in partnership with MGBHLM First Nation speaks directly to that mandate. SIGA is fully committed to supporting MGBHLM as they move this project forward, and we look forward to the unique building, which will follow in our tradition of our other SIGA Casinos of providing world-class First Nation hospitality and being a premier entertainment destination in the province,” said Chief Cook-Searson.
Guidance came from elders, and they have already helped shape the vision with natural materials, open light-filled spaces, and dedicated areas to honour leadership, history, and language. The inclusion of Cree and Nakota elements ensures that the development will not stand apart from the land—it will reflect it.
MGBHLM First Nation Casino Announcement April 14, 2026
This blending of economic ambition with cultural grounding blends well, demonstrating that growth can be rooted in identity and that modern infrastructure can amplify cultural expression.
The development is expected to draw hundreds of thousands of visitors annually, strengthening the broader economy of North Battleford and surrounding communities, making it Saskatchewan’s future destination. It also reinforces the role of Indigenous-led enterprises as key drivers in Saskatchewan’s economic landscape, alongside organizations.
Ultimately, this project reflects a larger truth: when land returns to the original lands keepers/protectors, it creates space not only for economic growth but also for cultural renewal and community empowerment. The MGBHLM First Nation’s vision illustrates how development can move forward in a way that honours the past while building a sustainable and self-determined future.
Hear the Cheif Tanya Stone make the historic announcement here.