Des Nedhe Signs Collaboration Agreement with Saskatchewan Based Team Drilling 

November 14, 2023 in News
Explorer: Fall 2023

 Des Nedhe Development, the economic development arm of English River First Nation and Team Drilling LP have signed a collaboration and participation agreement for drilling work in the eastern area of the Athabasca Basin in northern Saskatchewan. The agreement covers the McArthur River project, the Wheeler River project, and potentially other projects in English River First Nation’s traditional territory. 

“We are excited to be partnering with a top drilling company who is also majority Indigenous-owned. Team Drilling has a 15- year history of working in the north and across Canada. They have been a strong employer for many Indigenous people over the years. We are excited to bring their expertise in drilling and their successful employee training program to our community,” said Sean Willy, President & CEO of Des Nedhe Development. 

Team Drilling provides surface, underground and specialty drilling services to mining companies in northern Saskatchewan and beyond. Athabasca Basin Development, an investment company owned by Black Lake First Nation, Hatchet Lake First Nation, Fond du Lac First Nation, Stony Rapids, Wollaston Lake, Uranium City, and Camsell Portage, holds 50% ownership in the company. 

In addition to accessing work in the area, Team Drilling will provide employment and training opportunities to the community and employ local contractors wherever possible. Team Drilling’s highly successful training program focuses heavily on safety and includes having a third person on the drill to observe and assist before moving into a more independent role. 

 “We are excited to be partnering with a top drilling company who is also majority Indigenous-owned. Team Drilling has a 15-year history of working in the north and across Canada. They have been a strong employer for many Indigenous people over the years. We are excited to bring their expertise in drilling and thier successful employee training program to our community.” 

 Bob Fleming, CEO of Team Drilling, is looking forward to the new partnership with Des Nedhe and English River First Nation. 

“Des Nedhe and English River First Nation are excellent partners for us. Des Nedhe is a well-known Indigenous company with a lot of experience, and a diverse basket of companies in areas like retail, construction, professional services, and recently they announced they were getting into the coffee industry. We look forward to working together with Des Nedhe to service clients in English River’s traditional areas as we continue to provide services to our clients in the Athabasca region and throughout the country.”