Supporting sustainable development and energy security on First Nations

Bringing natural gas service to communities and First Nations is about more than just ease of access to an energy source. It also supports sustainable development and energy security.

“Affordable, reliable energy is an important step in First Nations being able to grow and thrive," says Joseph Daniels, SaskEnergy’s Director of Indigenous Engagement. “It's something most of us take for granted. It makes our day-to-day lives much easier, but not all communities enjoy that same benefit.”

SaskEnergy currently provides service to 52 Saskatchewan First Nations, with projects underway to increase that number.

In 2024, SaskEnergy installed natural gas service to the Zagime Anishinabek First Nation. A 23-kilometre gas line was installed to bring service to seven homes, as well as a 10,000 square foot greenhouse. This marked one of our largest community service projects in recent years.

“By replacing expensive and less reliable heating options with natural gas, Zagime was able to increase its energy and food security. It lowered heating costs for residents and allowed their greenhouse to operate year-round,” says Brittany Kelm, Construction Management.

Working with First Nations is an important part of strengthening relationships between SaskEnergy and Saskatchewan’s Indigenous communities. SaskEnergy conducts extensive engagement with First Nations leadership throughout each service project. This includes meetings with the Chief and council members to discuss project needs, routing plans, costs and impacts to the land.

“Working with leaders and Elders on route planning, ground truthing, and monitoring is key on all these projects. It's about respecting the people and the land,” says Andres Palma with SaskEnergy’s Pipeline Engineering team. “We also recognize they hold a wealth of knowledge and often know every inch of the land. What looks like a big rock to me could actually be a culturally or historically significant artifact, or landmark for a burial ground.”

Conducting pipe ceremonies has become part of SaskEnergy’s standard practice during our construction projects. Ceremonies are held throughout the projects, such as at kick-off, during construction, and to mark completion of the work.

“Pipe ceremonies are a respectful way of interacting between groups of people. It’s an opportunity for SaskEnergy and First Nations to come together with a common vision and purpose,” explains Joseph. “For example, on our projects we often kick off work with a pipe ceremony focused on safety. If we hold one before ground truthing work, we may ask for guidance.

“It’s also an important act of reconciliation. It demonstrates that we value and honour the cultures and traditions of the First Nations we're working with.”