Earlier this year Edward Littlechief was giving his granddaughter a ride to work. She had been in Carlyle at the gas station, but told her grandfather that she was now working at the Kenosee Inn. Littlechief essentially thought to himself that Bear Claw has a hotel, so why couldn't they begin hiring youth between the ages of 16 and 18 for open positions unrelated to gaming.
Littlechief then approached the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA) to see if something like this might be possible. It turned out there were a number of opportunities available for youth to partake in including facilities, the hotel, as well as food and beverage.
SIGA had previously initiated youth programs such as offering scholarships and having summer student positions open. They realized this new initiative would provide a stepping stone for youth to pursue careers through.
Bear Claw Casino was chosen by SIGA to introduce this initiative for a number of reasons. Not only had Littlechief been the one to suggest the idea, but there is a workforce need specifically at Bear Claw related to positions students would be able to take as it is the only casino with an attached hotel currently. Bear Claw Casino, therefore, made the most sense to test the new initiative.
A career fair for youth between the ages of 16 and 18 were welcomed to the Bear Claw Hotel on March 13 to learn more about the new opportunities being opened to them. They were not only able to speak with employees working in the three designated areas; but, able to speak with people in every facet of Bear Claw as once they turn 19 are able to choose any position to apply for within the hotel or the casino.
"This is exciting for SIGA. It's a new initiative that we are hoping will be a good stepping stone for more initiatives to come for youth," Duane Tinker, Career Councillor with SIGA central office, explained.
Once a number of youth had arrived everyone was called to take a seat in order to explain what the career fair was about.
Elder Marion Littlechief provided an opening prayer for the event.
Tinker then took to the microphone to introduce the initiative inviting Edward Littlechief to speak about why the initiative was created. He also explained that members of Bear Claw's Human Resource department were available to assist anyone with filling out an application for one of the positions open.
Not only were they helping youth fill out application forms they were also holding interviews for positions during the career fair as well.
The next up to speak was Chief Brian Standingready who was introduced as being an integral part of this initiative for youth. Standingready has had much experience with SIGA and the Bear Claw Casino, even stating that March 22 would remain in his mind forever because in 1993 this was when the casino was raided.
They have since been standing tall for 20 years and will continue to do so into the future, which this youth initiative will help sustain.
Tinker stood back up to discuss how he came about working for SIGA. Explaining if he had been given the opportunity earlier in life, he may have had a direction to follow when younger. He admitted to having been in trouble as a youth, but that this didn't deter SIGA from hiring him. People deserve a chance and education needs to be made a priority to keep people moving forward.
"As First Nations we need to be accountable," Tinker stated. He explained that education, responsibility, and success are important, thus, this youth initiative is a way to keep youth on a good path in order to open them up to a world of opportunities coming out of school. Whether this is further education or beginning a career SIGA is encouraging youth to gain working experience through this initiative.
Youth seemed to be very interested in what the speakers had to say and following this began visiting with the different departments associated with Bear Claw.
Free raffle draws were done throughout the evening and many were happy to win as the night progressed.
"This is a stepping stone program for careers to come for the youth because that's who it is all about, the youth," Tinker stated.
