THUNDERCHILD FIRST NATION, SK, Aug. 21, 2026 /CNW/ -- The Thunderchild Wellness Centre is officially celebrating its grand opening.
The space has been serving the community for the past year, providing residents with new opportunities for health, recreation and community activities.
The approximately 90,000-square-foot facility includes a full-sized ice rink, a field house, space for health-care services and a pharmacy, childcare and social facilities, as well as flexible spaces for community events and gatherings.
The project was supported through investments from the Government of Canada, the Government of Saskatchewan and Husky Energy. The Government of Canada invested $13.5 million through the Community, Culture and Recreation Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, while the Government of Saskatchewan contributed $4.5 million and Husky Energy invested $6 million in the project.
Together, these spaces give residents greater access to important services and recreation opportunities closer to home, while creating more opportunities to stay active, connect with one another and build a stronger community.
Quotes
"Thunderchild First Nation had a vision for a place that would make a real difference in the lives of its members, and today we are celebrating that vision becoming a reality. The Wellness Centre gives children and young people more opportunities to play and lace up their skates, brings health care and important services closer to home, and creates a place where families and the community can come together. This Centre reflects Thunderchild's priorities, the future it sees for its community and the generations that will grow up here. Congratulations to Chief Wapass, Council and the entire community on this incredible achievement."
The Honourable Mandy Gull-Masty, Minister of Indigenous Services
"Thunderchild First Nation's new Wellness Centre means better access to health services and more opportunities for kids and families to stay active. These are the foundations of a healthy, strong community and I'm proud that our government helped Thunderchild First Nation bring this vision to life."
The Honourable Buckley Belanger Secretary of State (Rural Development)
"It is great to see the Thunderchild Wellness Centre officially open and this important project come to life. This significant investment will provide people in Thunderchild First Nation and surrounding communities with greater access to health, recreation and wellness services closer to home. Facilities like this strengthen communities, create opportunities for families and contribute to a healthier and stronger Saskatchewan. Our government was proud to support this project, and we look forward to seeing the Wellness Centre serve the community for many years to come."
The Honourable Jeremy Harrison, Minister of Crown Investments Corporation
"For many years, our community dreamed of having a facility like this. Today, that dream has become a reality. The Thunderchild Wellness Centre is an investment in our children, youth, families and future generations. It is a place where our people can come together and welcome surrounding communities, access services, stay active and build lasting connections in true reconciliation. We are grateful to our partners, including the Government of Canada, the Government of Saskatchewan and Cenovus Energy for helping make this vision a reality."
Chief Delbert Wapass, Thunderchild First Nation
Quick facts
- The federal government invested $13.5 million through the Community, Culture and Recreation Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. The Government of Saskatchewan contributed $4.5 million, while Husky Energy is investing $6 million.
- This stream supports improvements to community, cultural, and recreational spaces to help make our communities accessible, welcoming and inclusive.
- The Government of Canada is taking concrete actions to strengthen the economy by investing in Canadians and supporting Canadian businesses.
- Federal actions are creating good jobs, accelerating home building and helping communities grow across the country.
- In a fast changing world, we need to act decisively to build Canada Strong. The Prairie Partnership Initiative (PPI) is about building a dynamic, sustainable, inclusive economy in the Prairie Provinces.
- PPI accelerates collaboration and investment across Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba.
- The PPI ensures federal programs across numerous departments are more responsive to regional priorities and seize opportunities to create prosperity.
Associated links
Investing in Canada Plan – Building a Better Canada
https://housing-infrastructure.canada.ca/plan/about-invest-apropos-eng.html
Community, Culture and Recreation Infrastructure Stream
https://housing-infrastructure.canada.ca/plan/icp-pic-INFC-eng.html
Housing and Infrastructure Project Map
https://housing-infrastructure.canada.ca/gmap-gcarte/index-eng.html
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Web: Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada
SOURCE Department of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities
Contacts: For more information (media only), please contact: Arianna Durgerian, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure, [email protected]; Media Relations, Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada, 613-960-9251, Toll free: 1-877-250-7154, Email: [email protected]; Crown Investments Corporation of Saskatchewan, Government of Saskatchewan, [email protected]; Curtis Heide, Thunderchild First Nation, 639-844-7770
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