First Nations Safety Signs Earn National Recognition

At SaskEnergy, safety is a shared responsibility — it’s shared by our employees and customers, and by the people of Saskatchewan, who live and work near our infrastructure.

This shared responsibility helped inspire SaskEnergy’s First Nations safety signs project, which created new natural gas safety signs featuring Indigenous artwork to be used on First Nations across Saskatchewan. The project was recently honoured with the Canadian Gas Association’s (CGA) 2024 Community Safety Champion Award in recognition of excellence and leadership in fostering public awareness and education about the safe use of natural gas.

“We’re one of the first utilities in Canada to use authentic Indigenous artwork specifically for this type of safety advertising,” says Mindy Woloschuk with SaskEnergy’s Strategic Communications team, who led the project.

“There was a lot of shared effort that went into doing this project in the right way. So, to be recognized at a national level by industry peers was very validating.”

The project team, which included members of SaskEnergy’s Indigenous Engagement group, worked together to select the artist and commission the signs. 

“It was such a pleasant surprise to receive the award,” says Joseph Daniels, Director of SaskEnergy’s Indigenous Engagement. “I’m so proud of the project team’s work and dedication, and of our company for helping lead the way in Indigenous engagement.”

Jade Roberts, a Saskatoon-based artist from the Lac La Ronge Indian Band, was chosen to design the signs, which feature imagery that connects Indigenous culture with SaskEnergy’s safety messaging.

“Much like our customer base, the audience for our safety messaging is diverse,” Mindy explains. “Working with an Indigenous artist was critical to ensure we were designing signs that resonated with First Nations values, traditions, and experiences. It also showed respect and provided Indigenous people with an opportunity to help shape the messaging in their own communities.”

“Visual arts and storytelling are important aspects of Indigenous traditions and education,” adds Joseph. “These signs honour that, while sharing important safety information.”

More than 100 of the newly designed signs have been installed on 52 Saskatchewan First Nations, with more to come as SaskEnergy continues to expand its service to additional First Nations across the province.

“These signs are going to be around for years to come, they’re going to have an impact for years to come, and that’s such a great feeling. So, the recognition of the CGA award was just icing on the cake,” Joseph says.

Mindy agrees, adding that simply being part of the project was already a rewarding experience for the team. In an effort to complete the project with authenticity and respect, the team participated in Indigenous teachings and held a pipe ceremony to honour the project and SaskEnergy’s commitment to truth and reconciliation efforts.

“We really set out to get it right and create safety messaging that is both effective and culturally respectful. It’s not just about replacing signs — it’s about building trust, honoring traditions, and ensuring the message feels shared rather than imposed.”