Prince Albert Around Northern Lights Casino

The casino since 1996

Northern Lights Casino officially opened in March 1996. SIGA, the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority, counts it among the seven casinos it operates. SIGA lists it with Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation. The same SIGA Rewards card works across all seven SIGA casinos, including this one.

SIGA is a little older than the casino it runs. The Chiefs passed the First Nations Gaming Act, and SIGA was founded under it on June 10, 1995. It is a First Nations, non-profit organization. All of its net proceeds are reinvested in Saskatchewan.

Net profits from SIGA casinos follow a fixed split. The First Nations Trust is given 50%. Another 25% is paid out to Community Development Corporations, while the final 25% lands in the provincial General Revenue Fund.

Where the name comes from

The casino takes its name from the northern lights. In its own words, the lights are thought to be spirits of past generations: departed relatives and friends dancing in the night. Night Gate repeats that explanation as the casino gives it, without adding to it. The casino also calls Prince Albert "The Gateway to the North".

The town around the casino

Prince Albert has 35 parks and 1300 acres of parkland, and the casino points visitors toward them. The Rotary Trail is the one it names for getting around under your own power: walking, running, skating or biking. Little Red River Park is on the list too. Golfers are pointed to Cooke Municipal golf course. For winter, the casino names curling at the Prince Albert Golf and Curling Centre.

Indoors, the casino points to the Margo Fournier Arts Centre and the John V Hicks Gallery. It also sends visitors toward the city's heritage properties. Opening hours for these places are not listed on this page, so check with each one before setting out.