The British Columbia gaming model has facilitated business relationships between First Nations and BCLC. The resulting partnership has permitted First Nations to act as host governments and/or gaming operators. The partnership between BCLC and SEM Resort LP created the first and only First Nations’ owned casino in British Columbia. Many of the resulting facilities in BC are outside major urban centres or in rural areas – what are the marketing challenges faced by BC casinos in regional settings? What is the experience of the First Nations owners/operators at the Casino of the Rockies? These questions and others will be addressed by the panel.

Moderator:
JovicaPerovic,Director, Contract & Stakeholder Relations, Casino & Community Gaming BCLC

Panelists:
Max Dressler, Chief Executive Officer, St. Eugene Golf Resort CasinoandDan Shilling, President and Chair of the Board, SEM Resort LP, Chippewas of Rama First Nation

Hear from a panel of experts who will help you understand the importance of knowing your target market and its impact on the size of the casino, amenity choices, thematic design elements, and the capital budget. Discussion will include: Understanding program requirements, why they are important and how to develop them and assessing must have vs. nice to have; Casino Design and/or theme development process and costing; and Managing the process.

Moderator:
Paul Newton, Senior VP, Strategy & Business Development, Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority

This session will give participants real-life, practical ideas and strategies for recruiting and sustaining a First Nations Labour Force. Panelists will discuss: Adapting recruitment strategies to recognize challenges First Nations people face with first time employment; Tailoring Learning & Development programs to meet the needs of First Nations employees; Implementing a unique Employee Health & Wellness program; and Why it’s critical to establish partnerships to support recruitment, retention, and employee development.

Moderator:
Debra Pratt, Chief People Officer, Casino Rama

Panelists:
Shauna Bear, Vice President of Human Resources, Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority and Carrie Manitopyes, Manager, Human Resources, Grey Eagle Casino

An essential component of any casino development is raising the required financial capital. Session panelists will identify traditional debt raising considerations and will also highlight the unique complexities associated with attracting and securing financial capital for on-reserve developments.

Moderator:
Zane Hansen, President & CEO, Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority

Panelists:
Neil Mackay, Q.C., Partner, McPherson Leslie & Tyerman LLP and Graeme Weaver, BMO Corporate Finance, BMO Aboriginal Consulting Group

How will the regulation of Internet gaming affect the revenues at the bricks and mortar gaming facilities? This session will address this key question and others, as the panel discusses First Nations I-Gaming in depth.

Moderator:
Harry Oshanski, Chief Executive Officer, Casino Rama

Panelists:
Kirk Goodtrack , Lawyer, Saskatoon

The gaming industry has proven to be a lucrative economic development vehicle for First Nations people across North America. This panel will highlight the numerous ways the First Nation gaming industry has maximized those economic development benefits back to First Nation communities.