A newly formed English River First Nation-owned construction organization is bringing together decades of experience, strategic partnerships, and a clear commitment to community development in northern Saskatchewan.
The newly formed organization is operating under the name Des Nedhe Constructors was developed by the Des Nedhe Group, and it unites several established construction and industrial businesses under one umbrella.
Some of the businesses include Flatstone Construction (formerly Tron Construction), Neeta Construction, Moresky Industrial Services, Western Infrastructure Group, and new investments in engineering and aggregate crushing through EngComp and a partnership with Accurate Industries.
“We wanted to make sure that the business community knew we were ready and had a strong record of execution, especially as new opportunities open up in northern Saskatchewan,” said Sean Willy, CEO of Des Nedhe Group.
According to Sean Willy, CEO of the Des Nedhe Group, the timing is deliberate. With uranium mining activity resuming in northern Saskatchewan and governments emphasizing infrastructure and resource development, the organization is positioning itself to ensure Indigenous communities are full partners in the work ahead.
Mike Silvernagle was named president of Des Nedhe Constructors as part of the launch. Silvernagle has a wealth of leadership expertise in both owner and contractor organizations.
While Des Nedhe Constructors plans to focus on large-scale industrial and infrastructure projects, its priorities are rooted in people. The reopening of uranium mines is expected to be a major driver of employment, particularly after years of slowdown caused by market conditions and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Willy emphasized that rebuilding the workforce is a top priority—starting with training.
“Our first priority is getting people back to work—refocusing on pre-employment training, apprenticeships, and underground mine training so community members are ready for these jobs,” explained Willy.
Willy says the Des Nedhe Constructors is also focused on long-term economic independence for First Nations and Métis communities, supporting the development of own-source revenues rather than reliance on federal funding.
Des Nedhe Constructors is investing in community infrastructure, with one of the current projects including the construction of a new band office in Patuanak using modular building methods, which allow for faster completion and improved durability.
Future plans include the development of a commercial centre, further strengthening the local economy and creating additional opportunities close to home.
“When these projects move forward, the impact goes far beyond construction—it puts money back into the community, supports local businesses, and helps get the economic engine of the North running again,” said Willy.
The revival of mining and infrastructure development is anticipated to have a ripple effect throughout northern Saskatchewan, boosting employment, strengthening partnerships, and reaffirming the role of communities as leaders in economic development, with Indigenous-owned companies at the forefront.
The Des Nedhe Constructors and the Des Nedhe Group are driven to empower a new generation of entrepreneurs and leaders in English River First Nation and Indigenous communities across Canada, assisting them in creating their own pathways to economic independence.