Sask. First Nation plans hydro power project

Plans for a 250-megawatt dam on the Saskatchewan River are well under way, the chief of a Saskatchewan First Nation says.

The James Smith Cree Nation hopes to build the project near where the North and South Saskatchewan rivers meet.

Chief Wally Burns says he's already lined up investors for the $1-billion project, and has talked to officials from Saskatchewan Environment and SaskPower.

The dam would generate power for the SaskPower grid and for a proposed diamond mine in the area, Burns said.

"The mayors of surrounding areas are in support," Burns said. "So, I think it's time to show the province that partnership can work both ways with First Nations and non-First Nations people."

Two other hydroelectric dams have already been built on that stretch of the river.