Creative Fire President Jordan Baptiste with Saskatchewan First Nations Natural Resources Centre of Excellence President and CEO Sheldon Wuttanee. (Image Credit: Submitted/Brett Bradshaw)

By Nigel Maxwell

Economic development

New partnership supports Indigenous-led natural resource development

Feb 3, 2026 | 4:06 PM

A new freshly signed partnership promises to help strengthen support for Indigenous-led natural resource and critical mineral development in Saskatchewan.

The Saskatchewan First Nations Natural Resources Centre of Excellence (the Centre) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Creative Fire.

According to a media statement, the Centre has selected Creative Fire as a strategic partner to support Saskatchewan’s 74 First Nations, with a focus on strengthening Indigenous leadership, representation, participation, and ownership across major resource and infrastructure projects.  

“This MOU is about innovation and readiness,” said Jordan Baptiste, president, Creative Fire. “It supports First Nations leadership while creating clearer, more meaningful pathways for governments and industry to engage and do things right from the outset.” 

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The Centre focuses on ensuring First Nations have the tools, business expertise, and industry guidance required to advance resource and energy development in ways that reflect cultural values, environmental responsibility, and long-term prosperity.

“This partnership strengthens how we support First Nations as they navigate increasingly complex resource development environments,” said Sheldon Wuttunee, president and CEO, Saskatchewan First Nations Natural Resources Centre of Excellence. “By working with Creative Fire, we are better positioned to elevate grassroots voices and ensure First Nations priorities are clearly understood.” 

Creative Fire is owned by English River First Nation and works nationally across community, industry, and government.

Within this partnership, Creative Fire will support the Centre by strengthening coordination and delivery, while ensuring grassroots perspectives continue to shape how resource development is approached. 

nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @nigelmaxwell