Sask. First Nation breaks ground on $52M thermal spa near Saskatoon

A Saskatchewan First Nation is building a $52-million thermal spa near Saskatoon and is incorporating Dakota culture into its design and construction.

Officials with the Whitecap Dakota First Nation, federal Indigenous Services Minister Patty Hajdu and others broke ground Monday morning on the Dakota Dunes Thermal Spa. It will complement the hotel, casino and golf course on the First Nation.

Longtime Whitecap Chief Darcy Bear said his ancestors were forced to ask permission from the Indian agent if they wanted to sell their livestock or even leave the reserve, located 25 kilometres south of Saskatoon.

Now, they have createdand are continuing to build on a thriving tourist destination that employs hundreds of people, many of them from outside the reserve. He said the new spa itself will employ more than 100 people.

Bear noted Whitecap fought several years ago to remove itself from parts of the federal Indian Act governing land use and other sectors.

"We can now move at the speed of business," Bear said.

The federal government will contribute $15 million, with the rest of the financing from Whitecap's own revenue and a bank loan.

Hajdu said she has been impressed every time she's visited Whitecap, calling it an"economically and culturally dynamic" community.

She agreed with Bear thatfor most of Canada'shistory, the federal government has tried to extinguish First Nationsrights and culture. Monday's announcement is one more step in undoing that colonial damage, she said.

Hajdu said reconciliation is "actually the most important jog we have in this country," and economic development must be a component of that.

Architect Derek Kindrachukexplained the spa's features.

It will be a year-roundindoor and outdoorfacility, fullyaccessibleand gender inclusive. There will bea series of thermal pools for soaking, as well as cold pools and areas for meditation and socializing. There are also spaces for manicures, pedicures, massage and other amenities.

The design of spa and grounds will mirror the shape of the Big Dipper constellation, which Dakota people believe is symbolic of the sevencouncil fires of their people, Kindrachuk said.

"This will leave guests with a feeling of transcendence," he said. "This is a wonderful step for the Whitecap Dakota Nation."