Richard Ahenakew

Richard Ahenakew is the Regional General Manager for the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority, beginning his career there in 1996, and holding a variety of positions within the organization before assuming his current role.

A proud member of the Ahtahkakoop First Nation, Richard has been appointed to serve on the Ahtahkakoop Cree Developments Board, offering insight to business strategies and community initiatives. He has served on the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce for more than eight years, and has the distinction of being the first President of First Nations background appointed to a provincial Chamber Board, a milestone within Canada.

In 2011, Saskatchewan Polytechnic presented Richard with an honorary diploma recognizing his work to promote studies, post-secondary schooling, and youth mentorship. In 2012, he was recognized for his outstanding contributions within his community, province, and country, and received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal of Distinction. Recognizing workplace safety, Richard was instrumental in taking the lead for the Prince Albert mini Safety Charter signing and is a strong advocate for Mission Zero.

Richard has worked closely with the Red Cross Society throughout the province as a volunteer, Board Member, and past Chairperson. He is presently sits as the Chair and has the distinction of being the first First Nations person to chair a CAA board in Canada and has served on the Prince Albert Board of Police Commissioners as Chairperson.

He has served as an advisor for the Prince Albert Tourism Board of Directors and as President and Advisor for Northern Lights Casino Pow Wow. Richard studied at the Saskatchewan Indian Federated College and has a P.A. Douglas & Associates Management certificate, a University of Reno Nevada Gaming Management certificate, and a Queen’s School of Business Executive certificate.