WHITE BEAR FIRST NATIONS - Bernie Shepherd is going to be recognized for his commitment to building the hospitality sector in this province.
Shepherd will receive a Tourism Builder Award from Hospitality Saskatchewan when the organization hands out its awards Sept. 26 at Prairieland Park in Saskatoon. The finalists for several awards were announced last week, as were the recipients of the Tourism Builder Award, which includes Shepherd.
Shepherd is a former chief and councillor of White Bear First Nation (WBFN). According to Hospitality Saskatchewan, Shepherd has long been at the forefront of tourism and business developments in his community.
"In the late 1980s and early '90s, he was active in a North America-wide dialogue about First Nations gaming operations," Hospitality Saskatchewan wrote in a bio while announcing the award. "Chief Shepherd calmed tensions after the enforced closure of Bear Claw Casino in 1993.
"He rallied support beyond WBFN, bringing business leaders in southeast Saskatchewan to the defence of gaming activities that boosted tourism and strengthened local economies. His leadership drove the establishment of a network of Indigenous-led casinos, regulated by the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA), that employ over 1,600 people."
Also receiving awards will be Morris and Sue McLachlan of the Waskesiu Marina and Hugh Vassos with the Vassos Marketing Group in Saskatoon.
The awards are designed to acknowledge and promote excellence within Saskatchewan's vibrant tourism industry. Hospitality Saskatchewan says the nominees represent a diverse array of individuals, places, businesses, organizations and events that have consistently exceeded expectations in delivering exceptional tourism experiences to both visitors and residents.
The Hospitality Saskatchewan Tourism Awards celebrate those who have set new benchmarks in providing unparalleled hospitality, outstanding attractions and memorable events that showcase the very best the province has to offer.
The awards not only recognize exceptional achievements but also inspire others to continuously raise the bar in the pursuit of excellence.
"We are thrilled to announce the nominees for the 2023 Hospitality Saskatchewan Tourism Awards," said Jim Bence, president and CEO of Hospitality Saskatchewan. "These nominees embody the spirit of innovation and dedication that is crucial to fostering growth and success within our province's tourism industry. As we continue to recover and rebuild, their outstanding contributions remind us of the resilience and creativity that define Saskatchewan's tourism landscape."
