First Nations Nuclear Supply Chain Readiness Workshop and Networking Event
Press Release
The Centre is hosting a two-day Workshop and Networking Event at TCU Place in Saskatoon on February 3rd & 4th, 2026 to support awareness, capacity building, and early supply-chain engagement between First Nations-owned companies and key players in Canada’s nuclear sector.
The workshop will:
- Share information on SMR timelines and expected procurement needs
- Present preliminary findings from the provincial First Nations Gap Opportunity Analysis
- Facilitate dialogue between First Nations businesses, nuclear technology vendors, EPCMs, government, and SaskPower
- Explore opportunities in manufacturing, construction & deployment, operations & maintenance, and the fuel cycle
- Discuss certification requirements, partnership models, financing needs, and pathways to becoming “nuclear-ready”
Breakfast, lunch and refreshments will be served both days. Day 1 of the Workshop will close with an onsite B2B networking reception between 2:30pm and 4:30pm
Access the preliminary Workshop and Networking Session Agenda
Register for the Workshop and Networking Session
Book a room with one of our partner hotels
First Nations Business Nuclear Readiness Survey
We want to hear from all First Nations-Owned businesses.
As part of the project, the Centre has developed an online survey to gather data from First Nations-owned businesses across Saskatchewan. The survey will collect information on:
- Current business operations
- Awareness of nuclear supply chain opportunities
- Certification and readiness levels
- Barriers to participation
- Priority areas of opportunity
- Your business’ recommendations for utilities, government, and vendors
Survey results will directly inform the First Nations Nuclear Supply Chain Gap Analysis and Opportunities Assessment and support policy recommendations to the provincial and federal governments.
About the Project
The Enabling Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) Project is a multi-partner initiative designed to prepare First Nations-owned businesses in Saskatchewan for meaningful participation in nuclear supply chains tied to SaskPower’s planned deployment of up to four 300 MW SMRs.
The project is funded by Natural Resources Canada’s Enabling SMRs Program and the project team includes the Saskatchewan First Nations Natural Resource Centre of Excellence (the Centre), the Saskatchewan Industrial and Mining Suppliers Association (SIMSA), March Consulting Associates, and Westinghouse Electric Canada, and technical support is provided by GE Hitachi, X Energy, Cameco, SaskPower, and the Crown Investments Corporation (CIC).
The initiative focuses on understanding nuclear supply chain requirements, identifying opportunities for First Nations-owned businesses, and assessing barriers related to readiness, certification, financing, partnership development, and procurement access. Workstreams include industry interviews, First Nations business interviews, a province-wide online nuclear readiness survey, focused workshops, and technical literature reviews.
Project timelines extend through 2026, culminating in a comprehensive Saskatchewan First Nations Nuclear Supply Chain Gap Analysis and Opportunities Assessment.
Exportdata The Indigenous Network
Connecting First Nations Businesses to Nuclear Opportunities.
Exportdata.ca is Canada’s only First Nations-led business registration and procurement-matching platform. It allows First Nations economic development corporations and independently owned businesses to develop verified business profiles used by government, utilities, EPCMs, and nuclear vendors seeking Indigenous partners and suppliers.
Within the Enabling SMRs Project, Exportdata.ca will be used to:
- Register First Nations businesses interested in nuclear opportunities
- Match businesses with relevant nuclear supply chain opportunities
- Support SaskPower, EPCMs, and technology vendors in early supplier identification
- Build a long-term First Nations economic database to support participation in future major projects
SaskPower’s SMR Deployment Timeline
SaskPower is advancing plans for the construction of the province’s first 300 MW Small Modular Reactor, targeted for the Estevan region with construction beginning in 2030. Up to four units are planned, representing one of the largest infrastructure and clean-energy investments in Saskatchewan history. Each SMR is expected to generate more than $1.3 billion in supply-chain activity and sustained long-term employment opportunities.
This deployment will require decades of procurement across fuel supply, manufacturing, fabrication, construction and deployment, operations and maintenance, nuclear services, and environmental and cultural monitoring, creating transformational opportunities for First Nations-owned businesses and workers.
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