First Nation plans $100M move and expansion of Gold Eagle Casino

Mosquito Grizzly Bear's Head Lean Man First Nation (MGBHLM) is moving ahead with a roughly $100-million project to relocate and expand Gold Eagle Casino in North Battleford.

The First Nation will invest $60 million of the total, SaskToday reported. It shared an update on April 14 at an event at The Ridge Interpretive Centre, south of Battleford.

The new site

The development will sit on land along Highway 16 West, south of the Riverview community in North Battleford. In December 2025, a ministerial order returned the land to the Nation, MBC Radio reported.

The first phase will relocate and renew the casino, its hotel and its convention centre. Organizers want to turn the site into a regional tourism hub.

The design by T.i. Studios Architecture uses natural materials and open, light-filled spaces, with Cree and Nakota elements and areas honouring leadership, history and language. Elders helped guide the vision.

Jobs and benefits

The First Nation expects the first phase to create 350 construction jobs and 400 long-term positions, Global News reported. Future revenue would go to community priorities such as housing, education, cultural programs and services.

Chief Tanya Stone said the project "represents years of vision, planning, and commitment" from leadership and the community. FSIN Chief Bobby Cameron called it an important milestone for Indigenous economic development in Saskatchewan.

The Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA), which operates seven First Nation-owned casinos in the province, supports the plan. SIGA president and CEO Zane Hansen said the goal is to make the casino a tourism and entertainment destination, and cited potential visits of well over half a million a year. SIGA's support marks a change. When the plan was first reported in the fall of 2025, the authority said it had no plans to move the casino.

Other partners include the Battleford Agency Tribal Chiefs, the City of North Battleford, Indigenous Services Canada and the province. North Battleford Mayor Kelli Hawtin said the development will need zoning amendments and service agreements with the city.