July 24, 2024 — Whitecap Dakota Nation, Treaty 6 Territory, Saskatchewan — Indigenous Services Canada 

Today, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services, alongside Chief Darcy Bear of the Whitecap Dakota Nation, announced $15 million to support the construction of the first thermal style spa in Saskatchewan, Dakota Dunes Thermal Spa. The total cost of the project is expected to reach $52 million. Whitecap Dakota Nation has secured equity and financing for the remaining investment.

The spa, which will be built adjacent to both the Dakota Dunes Resort, Casino and Golf Course, is expected to generate 320 construction jobs and an additional 166 operational jobs for residents in Whitecap Dakota Nation and the nearby City of Saskatoon. It will also boost the attendance and occupancy of the existing resort amenities and create a new tourism destination for Saskatchewan. 

The new spa incorporates thermal waters therapy including saunas, steam rooms, cold plunge pools, hot tubs and relaxation areas typical with current thermal style spas but infuses Indigenous elements, design features and themes throughout the facility that will provide a unique experience not currently found anywhere in Canada.

Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) has also invested more than $2 million towards this project through the Community Opportunity Readiness and Lands and Economic Development Services Programs to cover costs such as architectural fees for concept, block schematic, design and construction. This is one example of how Canada is working with Indigenous partners to advance the right to self-determination in keeping with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, by bolstering economic self-determination in communities. This is a key step to implement measure 74 in our UN Declaration Act Action Plan.