July 4, 2024 — Star Blanket Cree Nation, Treaty 4 Territory, Saskatchewan — Indigenous Services Canada and Star Blanket Cree Nation

Star Blanket Cree Nation opens a new state-of-the-art water treatment plant that will bring clean drinking water to the community for generations to come. Chief Michael Starr celebrated this milestone with Council, Elders, community members, representatives from the File Hills Qu’Appelle Tribal Council, and representatives from Indigenous Services Canada (ISC).

The new plant brings a reliable water supply to all homes on reserve, as well as community buildings such as the band office, healthcare facility and early learning centre. The plant’s advanced technology uses biological filtration and membrane treatment to clean the source water so community members can trust that the water coming out of their taps is safe. The project also included drilling a new raw water well, construction of a raw water line, rehabilitation of an existing raw water well and flushing of the water distribution system.

Construction of the plant started in January 2023, with support from ISC of over $10.5 million, which includes training for the water treatment operator over the next three years to ensure the drinking water can be kept safe and clean for all to use.