Steel River Group announces new Indigenous partnership

MORLEY, ALTA.—Indigenous-owned diversified management and construction consortium, Steel River Group, has announced a new partnership with Chiniki First Nation (Chiniki), one of three nations that make up the Stoney Nakoda Nations in Alberta.

The consortium first began working with the Stoney Nakoda Tribal Administration in 2019 as part of the company’s efforts to align Indigenous communities, people and businesses with industry.

Steel River representatives explained in a press release the goal of the Chiniki partnership is to promote community participation to strengthen and advance the nation with the goal of becoming economically self-sufficient. The main tool to accomplish this will be the consortium’s People-Public-Private-Partnership (P4) model for future development projects.

“It gives me great pride to announce our partnership with Chiniki and I am proud to welcome the nation to the Steel River Ecosystem,” said Trent Fequet, founder and CEO of Steel River Group, in a statement. “As one of three nations within the Stoney Nakoda Nations, we plan to honor the Nakoda name, meaning friend and ally, as we enter into this new partnership. We look forward to building meaningful relationships within the community and supporting the nation in developing self-sustaining opportunities to shape a prosperous community.”

Chiniki is in Morley, Alta. at the base of the Rocky Mountains. Chiniki operates a Smitty’s Restaurant located at the crossroads of the Trans-Canada Highway and Morley Road. Inside the building, one can find the Chiniki Cultural Centre which highlights the history of the Stoney Nakoda Nation. Chiniki First Nation is also a co-owner of the Stoney Nakoda Resort and Casino.

“Chiniki First Nation welcomes the opportunity to partner with Steel River Group to diversify the Chiniki First Nation economy and to provide meaningful employment for the community today as well as for future generations,” said the nation. “Steel River Group’s core values mirror our own. Working together we will open new and exciting opportunities all the while respecting our past; the past being the very foundation for both the present and the future.”