Boreal West Region Overview The northwest region shares Saskatchewan’s border with Alberta, and is home to 23 communities and over 11,000 people. Boreal Approximately 95% of the population is of Athabasca West Aboriginal ancestry (Métis, Dene, and Cree). The key industries are forestry, commercial services, and mining. The region holds Boreal promise to benefit from the Alberta oil sands with the anticipated road link between Fort West McMurray and La Loche. The public sector is a major employer in the region. Churchill Demographics River Source: Saskatchewan Health Covered Population 2007 • Total population*: 12,599 • Aboriginal population (%): 95.2% • Youth population, 15 to 29 (%): 26.0% • Major languages: English, Dene, Cree • Participation rate (15+): 45.3% • Employment rate (15+): 34.6% • Unemployment rate (15+): 24.0% • Population15+ with a high school diploma: 14.4% • Population 15+ with a trades, college, or university certificate, diploma, or degree: 22.2% Economy Key Industries Mining: Cameco and AREVA have service agreements with many of the Economic Development Corporations in the Boreal West Enterprise Region for Catering, Janitorial, Security, Underground Mining, Construction, Decommissioning and Reclamation. AREVA Resources and UEX Corporation continue to explore 30km south of the decommissioned Cluff Lake Mine, known as Shea Creek. Drilling programs look promising and Shea Creek may be the next uranium mine to be established in the North West region. It is estimated that underground exploration development followed by production and mill construction could be as soon as 2020/21. Commercial Services: Buffalo Narrows, La Loche, and Ile a la Crosse are service hubs for outlying communities, providing accommodation, banking, retail, medical, legal, and business services. 1 FNMR-Northern Affairs Div. 02/04/2012 Boreal West Enterprise Region Oil Sands: Activity in the Alberta oil sands near Fort McMurray, Alberta is expected to double within the next 10 years; offering employment opportunities for skilled workers. This potential will increase for northern Saskatchewan residents as a result of the road connection being constructed between Garson Lake, Saskatchewan, and Fort McMurray, Alberta, particularly for residents of northwest Saskatchewan. There is also growing interest in Saskatchewan-based oil sands. The McMurray formation extends into Saskatchewan, where it is called Dina Sand. Oil Sands Quest now holds oil sands exploration permits. Applications for commercial development and low pressure Steam Assisted Gravity Drainage (SAGD) tests have been submitted to appropriate ministries. Tourism: Northern Saskatchewan’s tourism industry continues to experience moderate growth, and has significant potential for further development with the anticipated completion of the Fort McMurray/Garson Lake Road. The Westside Tourism Group will need to be re-established to identify a tourism strategic plan for the Boreal West enterprise Region, build capacity, and form partnerships. Major Employers • Meadow Lake Tribal Council • Province of Saskatchewan • Keewatin Yatthe Health Authority Businesses The Northern Saskatchewan Business Directory identifies 104 businesses in the North West region. The northern lenders that service the region include: • Northern Development Fund, Saskatchewan Northern Affairs • Beaver River, Community Futures Development Corporation • Northern Enterprise Fund Inc. • Battlefords Credit Union • Primrose Lake Economic Development Corporation (PLEDCO) • And many others not based within the region (e.g. Clarence Campeau Development Fund) Training and Education Post-secondary institutions The northwest region has two post secondary institutions: • Northlands College – Western Region, located in Buffalo Narrows, Saskatchewan • Gabriel Dumont Institute • ABE Programs in La Loche and Ile a la Crosse Northlands College offers off-campus Arts and Science program for the University of Saskatchewan and University of Regina through SCN sites in Beauval, Buffalo Narrows, La Loche and Pinehouse. Career and Employment Services Saskatchewan Advanced Education and Employment’s CanSask has one office in Ile a la Crosse to offer employment services. As well, services are provided in Buffalo Narrows and Pinehouse on a contractual basis. 2 FNMR-Northern Affairs Div. 02/04/2012 Boreal West Enterprise Region High School The province offers classes to grade 12 in five of the region’s communities: Beauval, Buffalo Narrows, Ile a la Crosse, La Loche and Pinehouse. Five communities have access to grade 12 through the Meadow Lake Tribal Council: Birch Narrows, Canoe Narrows, Buffalo River, Clearwater River and English River. Infrastructure Transportation Communities in the northwest region can be accessed by road and air. The main provincial highway that connects the region is Highway 155. Communities with airstrips in the region include: Beauval, Buffalo Narrows, Green Lake, Ile a la Crosse, La Loche, Patuanak and Pinehouse. Information Technology All communities, except Bear Creek, Black Point, Descharme Lake, Dore Lake, and Sled Lake, have public access to high speed internet through Community Access Centres. The centres provide access to on-line education, e-commerce, and community services. All but three communities (Black Point, Descharme Lake, and Michel Village) in the northwest region have access to high speed basic internet. The Northern Broadband Network has resulted in expanded information technology services to the region. First Nation Presence Tribal Council: Meadow Lake Tribal Council • Canoe Lake Cree Nation (Canoe Narrows) • Buffalo River Dene Nation (Dillon) • Clearwater Rive Dene Nation (La Loche) • English River First Nation (Patuanak) • Birch Narrows First Nation (Turnor Lake) Métis Nation Presence Métis Council: Northern Region II (North area) • Regional President: Marlene Hansen (Buffalo Narrows) Northern Region III (South area) • Regional President: Louis G. Gardiner (IIe a La Crosse) 3 FNMR-Northern Affairs Div. 02/04/2012 Boreal West Enterprise Region.