Business forum
Business
forum
We hosted a two-day networking event out at Dakota Dunes in late September, 2025 to bring Indigenous-owned businesses and major industry partners together to build relationships.
WCDC Board – Left to Right – Dennis Esperance [President/CEO], Colleen Cameron, Tyler Caron, Sandra Bighead, Garnet Eyahpaise [Ec Dev Officer], Harris Sutherland
An opening comment from
Dennis esperance
WCDC hosted a Business Forum for their partners at the Dakota Dunes Resort on Sept 25, 2025. The objective of the event was to showcase the business capacity of WCDC partners to the many industry partners who attended the forum such as BHP, SaskPower, SaskTel, SaskEnergy, SaskBuilds and Nutrien to name a few. It enabled the WCDC partners and industry to network, learn about who the WCDC partners are and what they can bring in terms of capacity while learning about the opportunities that may be available for 2026.
Jim Rawlings – Bird Construction, Chief of BOCN Edwin Ananas, Karina Gistelinck BHP,
and President/CEO of WCDC Dennis Esperance.
Wednesday Evening
a meaningful
relationship
A highlight of the Business Forum was a presentation by Karina Gistelinck, BHP Asset President, who spoke about BHP’s meaningful relationship with WCDC and the important role this partnership plays in BHP’s future plans. Her remarks emphasized the value of collaboration, strong relationships, and the opportunities that can be created when industry and Indigenous businesses work together. Her message set a positive, forward-focused tone for the event, encouraging continued collaboration between WCDC, its partners, and industry.
Thursday morning
prayer & gratitude
Thursday began with an opening prayer by Elder Don Gamble, blessing the event and the work ahead. Chief Edwin Ananas delivered inspiring remarks thanking WCDC’s partners and board, recognizing their commitment and the success achieved so far. WCDC CEO/President Dennis Esperance followed with a history of WCDC—who they are, where they came from, and their vision for building a strong, prosperous future for Indigenous businesses and communities.
A quote from
Dan Irvine
“Thank you to WCDC for inviting me to participate in this worthwhile event, which helped demonstrate the importance of collaboration with partner organizations and customers”
On Thursday we had many
partner presentations
BHP
Shared that Jansen is BHP’s largest investment yet, demonstrating long-term commitment.
saskbuilds
Chris Belhumeur spoke on Indigenous inclusion across their projects.
2 nations bird
Highlighted the importance of stable, long-term careers for BOCN members.
gfl environmental
Outlined their broad service capabilities and commitment to Indigenous partnership.
tlf dirtworx
Reflected on their strong relationship with WCDC and the value of connection.
herc rentals
Introduced themselves as a new partner supporting future opportunities.
saskpower
Dan Irvine shared SaskPower’s goal of spending $1B with Indigenous businesses by 2033.
park durochie
Shared their capacity and ability to take on a wide scope of construction-related work.
black & Mcdonald
Presented new technology they are developing.
university of toronto
Expressed appreciation for Dennis and Garnet visiting them in Toronto.
paladin security
Provided an overview of their company’s long-standing history
notable quotes
kevin reeves
2 nations bird
Our 2Nations Bird Construction (2NB) partnership was formed to pursue and secure contracts at BHP’s Jansen Mine. Our success extends beyond Jansen to SaskPower, securing contracts that put members to work, provide valuable training, and establish 2NB as a growing and capable partnership in SK. Most recently, 2NB was awarded a contract at Jansen that will keep us on site for the foreseeable future, creating long-term, sustainable careers through construction and into operations. Together, BOCN and Fishing Lake First Nation continue to demonstrate the opportunities created through strong partnerships and quality construction services.
KRis Thordarson
TLF Dirtworx
The Willow Cree group assembled a great room of people from the Nation’s leadership and other department leads, to Karina Gistelinck, BHP Asset President We as partners shared ideas met new people, and this allowed for opening new doors and potential opportunities. We were able to meet and visit in a very informal and comfortable setting. To be able to joke with people and develop friendly relationships is a change from having to nail your shot doing a presentation on a timeline, in a big boardroom. WCDC has a great reach and continues to plan for the future with a solid group of partners and business contacts.
future focused
Looking ahead
The 2025 Partner Business Forum strengthened existing partnerships, created new connections, and highlighted real opportunities for 2026 and beyond. WCDC remains committed to building long-term, values-driven partnerships that support good jobs, strong businesses, and economic growth for Beardy’s & Okemasis’ Cree Nation and Indigenous communities across Saskatchewan.
