The Starblanket Cree Nation is joining forces with a drilling company.

The band has secured a 50% stake in a drilling rig owned by CanElson drilling.

The rig is set to explore oil fields on the Saskatchewan/Manitoba border.

Lynda Bigknife works for Starblanket’s business arm — Red Dog holdings.

She says the agreement will result in jobs and money for their people:

“We do split in the profits that are generated and also provide them with a workforce.”

She adds the development is occurring on Treaty 4 territory which is why they’re involved.