Saskatchewan Tourism Awards of Excellence include Indigenous recipients

The Tourism Employee of the Year Award went to Chris Standing of Wanuskewin Heritage Park, Saskatoon. He and others gathered for the annual Saskatchewan Tourism Awards of Excellence Gala on April 12.

More than 300 gathered in Regina to pay tribute to the award finalists and recipients for their exceptional work and leadership over the course of last year. 

Standing is the senior Interpreter at Wanuskewin Heritage Park, and his bio says he has deep ties to the land. His grandfather, Elder Cy Standing, was a member of the original team that brought the dream of Wanuskewin to fruition.

He is described as a knowledgeable and passionate ambassador for the park. Standing is the first person to greet guests, and his personal stories enhance the visitor experience.

“He goes the extra mile to maintain connections through social media, extend personal invitations to events and celebrations, and develop repeat visitors to the park. His responsibilities include designing and facilitating the majority of cultural programs, while developing festival and event concepts.”

He says his goal is to inspire people by delivering meaningful experiences. Standing’s work helps to advance Saskatchewan’s alignment with the nationwide commitment to Truth and Reconciliation, and champion understanding and mutually respectful relationships.

Minister Responsible for Tourism Saskatchewan Gene Makowsky said the gala highlights Saskatchewan’s “vibrant tourism sector and the remarkable hospitality and experiences that delight visitors to our province.”

The Tourism Employer of the Year Award went to the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority, Saskatoon. SIGA operates six First Nations casinos in Saskatchewan.

The entertainment company invests in its people and is committed to cultivating the talent of employees, reads a press statement. Through robust learning and professional development programs, health and wellness initiatives and opportunities for career advancement, SIGA builds an engaged workforce and an enviable workplace culture.

SIGA ranks in the Top 30 Saskatchewan companies recognized by SaskBusiness Magazine. The company is proud to be one of the largest and most progressive employers in the province, with over 60 per cent of its nearly 1,800 employees identifying as First Nation. SIGA’s vision is to deliver sustainable net income and employment opportunities to the 74 First Nation communities in Saskatchewan.