Photo: Sturgeon Lake First Nation is located in north-central Saskatchewan, about 30 kilometres northwest of Prince Albert. / Courtesy of Sturgeon Lake First Nation
By Nicole Goldsworthy
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
SaskToday.ca
Sturgeon Lake First Nation (SLFN) has reached a major milestone in strengthening supports for children and families after securing conditional approval for nearly $23 million in federal funding for a new administrative building according to SLFN.
The SLFN said in a statment that they have received conditional approval for $22.79 million in federal funding to construct a new Sturgeon Lake Child and Family Services (SLCFS) administrative building under Canadian Human Rights Tribunal Order 2021 CHRT 41. Indigenous Services Canada confirmed the decision in a letter dated Dec. 22, 2025.
SLFN said funding will be released over three fiscal years, with $6.89 million allocated in 2025–26, $10.2 million in 2026–27 and $5.7 million in 2027–28. Final approval is contingent on the completion of the tender process and the selection of a contractor, as the funding is based on pre-tender construction estimates.
The project is intended to improve equitable access to child and family services by providing a purpose-built facility capable of supporting the full scope of SLCFS programming. The current administrative building lacks sufficient office space, support areas and program-specific environments, which has limited service delivery.
The proposed site is located near Sturgeon Lake Central School off White Buffalo Lane, across from a densely treed area that offers additional privacy for sensitive programming. The new building will incorporate varying levels of privacy and security for staff, visitors and the public, while remaining welcoming for families accessing services SLFN said.
Chief Christine Longjohn said the project addresses both immediate operational needs and long-term community priorities.
“This funding is an important step forward for Sturgeon Lake First Nation,” Longjohn said. “Our Child and Family Services team does complex and demanding work. A purpose-built facility will allow them to deliver care and support in a space that respects privacy, safety and the needs of our families.”
The facility is designed to strengthen community well-being by bringing programs, resources and supports together under one roof. It will also support the personal, educational and professional development of Indigenous youth, with flexibility to meet future needs.
The SLFN said that cultural elements and traditional practices will be incorporated into the building’s design, reflecting Cree history, present-day community life and Sturgeon Lake’s long-term vision.
Once post-tender costs are confirmed, Indigenous Services Canada will amend the Nation’s funding agreement. Construction is expected to proceed following final approvals.
While additional steps remain, the conditional approval places the project on solid footing and marks progress following years of advocacy tied to tribunal rulings on equitable funding for First Nations child welfare.
Community members will be kept informed as the project advances from planning to construction SLFN said.