The First Nation hopes the spa will be open for business in November 2026.
Whitecap Dakota First Nation is preparing to start construction on a major project.
On Wednesday morning at Dakota Dunes Resort, the First Nation announced its plan to break ground on a $52 million thermal spa to operate alongside the golf coarse and casino on its lands just outside Saskatoon.
Chief Darcy Bear, speaking to media after a groundbreaking ceremony, said the First Nation has secured bank financing and a contribution from Indigenous Services Canada in addition to its own capital for the project.
“We have everything in place; we’ll start construction on Aug. 12 … (and) we want to open it for November of 2026,” Bear said.
Labour costs over the course of the two-year build are expected to be around $20 million, and once the spa opens for business it’s expected to create 162 jobs, Bear said, adding there will also be some spinoff economic benefits.
Overall, the First Nation expects to net around $6 million a year from the spa, which will provide a range of services, including both hot and cold treatments, and will be unique in the province, he added.
“It’s the first thermal spa in Saskatchewan.”
The First Nation’s membership, specifically elders, have been consulted to ensure customs are respected and will be incorporated into the building, he said.
“There’s been a balance and a look at that.”
Member’s of Whitecap’s band council, along with Darrell Balkwill, chief executive of Whitecap Development Corporation, attended the announcement.
Federal Indigenous Services Minister Patty Hajdu announced the federal government’s $15 million contribution to the project. Speaking to media, Hajdu said supporting economic development is an important step in helping First Nations in Canada on the path to self-determination.
“Self-determination is really hard to actualize if you don’t have autonomy to a degree from the decisions of the federal government around funding amounts,” Hajdu said.
Indigenous Services Canada has separate funding set aside for such projects, she noted.
“It’s not a choice between say housing or community centres or schools; this is a specific arm of money that’s available for economic development.”
Communities with healthy economies can provide better services to their people — including education, which makes it easier to develop a workforce, Hajdu noted, adding that this is a better option then the alternative.
“It costs a lot of money to take care of unwell people or of communities that are really struggling.”
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