Rooted in First Nations Communities and Serving Saskatchewan’s Economy
The Saskatoon Tribal Council Industrial Group (STCIG) is a coalition of three dynamic companies dedicated to generating revenue for the Tribal Council and creating sustainable, high-quality career opportunities for First Nations members of the Council and Indigenous peoples from across Canada. It also aims to generate equity for Indigenous Nations, empowering them through strategic business growth and impactful community investment.
The Saskatoon Tribal Council (STC) represents approximately 12,000 individuals from seven First Nations within Treaty 6 and Treaty 4 territories. The Nations include Kinistin Saulteaux Nation, Mistawasis Nêhiyawak, Muskeg Lake Cree Nation, Muskoday First Nation, One Arrow First Nation, Whitecap Dakota First Nation, and Yellow Quill First Nation.
STCIG proudly employs more than 100 full-time employees, with nearly half identifying as Indigenous. STCIG’s companies have earned a reputation for delivering top-tier industrial services and carefully selecting and training the best talent for each project.
“We are deeply committed to prioritizing Indigenous talent,” says STCIG President and CEO Shaun Howdle. “Our goal isn’t just to open doors, but to actively support and empower Indigenous employees throughout their careers, providing resources and mentorship to foster long-term success.”
Some of the major projects STCIG have been involved with include overhauling and upgrading SaskPower’s Meadow Lake Power station, upgrading and modernizing Nutrien’s back-up diesel supply system in Lanigan, and upgrading the natural gas supply system to Nutrien’s 15 million BTU make-up air unit in Allan.
STCIG’s success is indicative of the vital role Indigenous businesses play in Saskatchewan, building inclusion among communities, providing jobs and growth, and helping enrich the quality of life for the people of the province.
Established by STC in 2017, STCIG began as a construction contracting business and has since expanded by acquiring Keys Welding Service in 2020 and partnering with Team Power Solutions in 2023 to create a majority Indigenous-owned power solutions company. In 2025, STCIG plans to broaden its offerings with new ventures in technology and business administration, aiming to provide career paths beyond traditional trades to attract a diverse range of Indigenous talent.
STCIG fosters a culture of professional growth by offering training and certification opportunities to every eligible team member. Approximately 80 per cent of the current workforce is engaged in skilled trades and general labor, while the remainder fill essential roles in project management, engineering and finance. With an average employee age of only 30, STCIG is committed to supporting the next generation of industry professionals.
Much of STCIG’s work supports Saskatchewan’s vital resource industry, including sectors like potash and uranium mining. The group’s steady growth in employment and revenue reflects its strong client relationships and commitment to quality.
As a successful Indigenous-owned organization operating in Saskatchewan’s manufacturing sector, STCIG is a glowing example of how Indigenous businesses are thriving in the province, contributing to Saskatchewan’s economic growth. Through engagement with Saskatchewan’s government, STCIG is part of a larger movement to facilitate economic reconciliation and helping to uplift Indigenous communities by increasing their participation in the economy.
The Government of Saskatchewan’s annual Indigenous Business Gathering (IBG) has played an integral role in helping STCIG grow its connections, thereby leading to more opportunities for the group.
“The highlight of IBG is networking,” says Howdle. “There are so many opportunities to work and connect together, whether it be Nation to Nation development, or by forming new connections within the government.”
In alignment with the Tribal Council’s values, STCIG actively participates in community initiatives. Through a variety of partnerships, STCIG supports organizations like Saskatoon’s White Buffalo Youth Lodge, which has been serving the inner-city youth community since 2000. The partnership with White Buffalo Youth Lodge, an initiative that was undertaken in collaboration with the City of Saskatoon and the Saskatchewan Health Authority, among others, exemplifies STCIG’s commitment to enhancing the quality of life for Indigenous peoples in the province, especially Indigenous youths. In preparation for the 2024-25 school year, for example, White Buffalo provided 3,500 backpacks filled with school supplies to children in need.
STCIG routinely contributes to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Martensville’s Possibility Recovery Centre, youth sports, and numerous other organizations. STCIG employees positively affect their communities through annual financial and in-kind donations to various charitable organizations, and by contributing hundreds of hours of volunteer work each year.
STCIG enters its ninth year of operations poised for growth, with plans to create new career opportunities for Indigenous workers and expand its industrial capabilities. STCIG exemplifies how Indigenous leadership can drive economic growth, fostering prosperity not only for its members but also for Saskatchewan’s broader community.
For more information, contact:
Media Relations
Trade and Export Development
Regina
Phone: 306-526-6302
Email: media.ted@gov.sk.ca