The Whitecap Dakota First Nation is getting some federal assistance in developing its new 155-room hotel project.

The Dakota Dunes Hotel will feature Indigenous themes and décor, a fitness centre, business centre, pool and restaurant.

“The Dakota Dunes Hotel is an integral part of our vision that will see Whitecap become a premiere tourism destination resort in western Canada. The hotel will also generate another 150 jobs and continue to build Whitecap as a major employer in the region. This is a truly an exciting day for our First Nation as we continue on our economic path of building a sustainable community,” Chief Darcy Bear said in a statement.

Construction of the hotel is expected to produce up to 230 jobs and be completed in 2020.

It is estimated the hotel will generate economic benefits to Saskatoon of approximately $230 million over 10 years.

Ottawa is contributing $8.6 million to the $38 million project.

(PHOTO: Proposed Dakota Dunes Hotel. Photo courtesy of Earnscliffe Strategy Group.)