Robin Clarke

SIIT Programs: Management Studies I & II
Graduated: 2007
Campus: Prince Albert
First Nation: James Smith Cree Nation

After high school graduation, I soon entered the gaming industry. I began my employment with the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority at the age of nineteen. Over the years, I've been employed in various positions at different SIGA Casinos such as a Live Games Dealer, Live Games Pit Boss, Casino Shift Supervisor in Manitoba with OCN, as well as a Surveillance Operator and Surveillance Supervisor. However, I always knew that my career goals have been business administration/management oriented and I felt that SIIT was the best choice for me as a First Nations student. Even more, I knew that SIIT would be ideal for a mature student. I also knew many SIIT Alumni that had become very successful in their careers. The fact that SIIT is a First Nations organization played a huge role in my decision to attend SIIT.

As a mature student I was much more engaged in my education. My experiences as high school student were average. However, as an SIIT student, I felt that it provided me with all of the tools that were needed to be successful in your studies. As a whole, I feel that SIIT Management Studies courses allow you to" think outside the box," and see things from a different perspective. As far as I'm concerned, I believe any successful SIIT student would excel in any institution.

Currently, I am still employed with SIGA at the Gold Eagle Casino in North Battleford, but I am now a Surveillance Manager. In my current position as a Surveillance Manager, my training directly relates to these areas of my position:

  • Accounting/Finance (i.e. interpretation and analysis of departmental operating budget)
  • Communications (i.e. business writing, overcoming barriers, public speaking)
  • Conflict Resolution (i.e. as a department head, dealing with conflict is inevitable)
  • Computers (i.e. everything is computerized like data bases, surveillance equipment, emails, word processing, spreadsheets, accounting/procurement software, etc.)
  • Organizational Behaviour (i.e. casinos employ many people with diverse backgrounds)
  • Law (i.e. being aware of different laws and liability issues in a casino setting)

My advice for any current or prospective SIIT students is that "if you apply yourself, and dedicate your efforts to your studies; you will be successful."


Surveillance Manager
Gold Eagle Casino
Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Association