Stantec and FHQ Developments Ltd. create Indigenous Consulting partnership in Saskatchewan

Leading global design firm Stantec has partnered with FHQ Developments (File Hill’s Qu’Appelle Developments) to create Stone and Arrow Consulting. The newly formed partnership will create opportunities for both organizations to explore engineering and design work across Saskatchewan. Stone and Arrow creates a foundation of mutual respect, opportunities for employment, and provides an understanding of local communities.

FHQ Developments is the Investment and Economic Development Corporation for the File Hill’s Qu’Appelle Tribal Council and is owned by the 11 Nations including Nekaneet, Piapot, Muscowpetung, Pasqua, Wood Mountain, Standing Buffalo, Carry the Kettle, Star Blanket, Peepeekisis Little Black Bear and Okanese. The Nations ownership represents over 16,000+ citizens throughout southern Saskatchewan within the Treaty 4 territory.

“This is the beginning of a partnership that will bring new capacity, equity, and impact for our Nations of the File Hill’s Qu’Appelle Tribal Council as we begin growing this business throughout Saskatchewan and beyond” says Thomas Benjoe, President & CEO of FHQ Developments “We are excited to be able to offer our customers a new diverse set of services across multiple industries including mining, oil & gas, energy, construction, infrastructure, and consulting.”

Stantec now has 11 partnerships across Canada. These partnerships are formed with Indigenous businesses, Indigenous economic development corporations, Indigenous communities, and Indigenous individuals. Stantec shares the Company’s technical capabilities with the partner’s local knowledge and experience to deliver quality services. Indigenous partnerships require an understanding of culture, community values, and a commitment to fostering mutually beneficial relationships, which includes knowledge transfers.

“We are excited to partner with FHQ Developments and to make an impact in our communities across Saskatchewan,” says Jennifer Mills, director of operations, Stantec Indigenous Partnerships “Not only will Stone and Arrow provide engineering and design consulting services, but the partnership will also provide learning opportunities for both groups – sharing culture and heritage, and also technical expertise.”

Stantec recently formalized a comprehensive Indigenous Relations team, which is mandated to focus on recruiting Indigenous candidates to supporting their career growth, and exploring business opportunities alongside Indigenous communities and businesses. The Company is also committed to attaining certification in the Canadian Council of Aboriginal Business’ (CCAB) Progressive Aboriginal Relations (PAR) program. PAR is a federally-recognized certification program and framework for the successful and sustainable implementation of Indigenous relations within an organization.

About FHQ Developments
In 2010, the 11-member First Nation communities of File Hills Qu’Appelle Tribal Council (FHQTC), representing over 16,000 First Nation citizens and 435,000 acres of reserve lands in Treaty 4 territory, formed FHQ Developments as a limited partnership agreement.

The mission of FHQ Developments is to contribute to the long-term economic independence and prosperity of our Limited Partners and our citizens by developing profitable business ventures and economic development opportunities while advancing employment and livelihood for our Nations and citizens in a manner consistent with the Nehiyaw (Cree), Dakota, Nakota, Lakota, and Anishinaabe (Saulteaux) Nations teachings. www.fhqdev.com

About Stantec
Communities are fundamental. Whether around the corner or across the globe, they provide a foundation, a sense of place and of belonging. That's why at Stantec, we always design with community in mind.

We care about the communities we serve—because they're our communities too. This allows us to assess what's needed and connect our expertise, to appreciate nuances and envision what's never been considered, to bring together diverse perspectives so we can collaborate toward a shared success.

We're designers, engineers, scientists, and project managers, innovating together at the intersection of community, creativity, and client relationships. Balancing these priorities results in projects that advance the quality of life in communities across the globe.

Stantec trades on the TSX and the NYSE under the symbol STN.

Media Contact                                               

Ashley Warnock                                                           
Stantec Media Relations                                   
Ph: (403) 472-0122                                           
ashley.warnock@stantec.com

Melissa Munroe                                    
FHQ Developments                  
Ph: (306) 570-3158                               
mmunroe@fhqdev.com